Wall Street had hoped the big box retailer would hire someone from outside the company. Target's stock is down about 60% since 2021.

Activists and customers on the right attacked Target on social media for its LGBTQ-themed merchandise during Pride Month. Target employees faced threats. Misinformation spread on social media that the swimsuits designed for transgender people were marketed to children, which they were not. The company removed them from stores.

When Target's new CEO Michael Fiddelke steps into the role in early February, he will inherit a company facing slumping sales, faltering customer loyalty and skeptical investors.

Michael Fiddelke, Target's current chief operating officer, will replace CEO Brian Cornell on Feb. 1 as the retailer works on its turnaround strategy.

Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down next year after over a decade at the helm as the embattled retailer undertakes a high-stakes turnaround effort aimed at reigniting growth and reversing sliding sales.

Incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke has been leading the retailer's acceleration effort to combat falling sales. He laid out plans to restore growth.

Target is in trouble. And while it’s easy to get lost in the company’s recent (poor) handling of American culture war narratives that cast it as too “woke” or too willing to cave to online fascists, the root of Target’s problems runs deep.

“The stock price reflects that there won’t be change when change is needed,” Gerald Storch, former vice chairman of Target and ex-CEO of Toys R Us, told The Post. “The sales are negative and they are bleeding market share.” Target did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Target CEO Brian Cornell plans to step down Feb. 1. He helped reenergize the company but has struggled to turn around weak sales in a more competitive retail landscape.

Wednesday, after the discount retailer said it was replacing for Chief Executive Brian Cornell, who has been in charge for the past 11 years, with current Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke, effective Feb.