Target was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1902 as the Dayton Dry Goods Company. In 1962, the company opened its first Target store in nearby Roseville. The concept grew and eventually became the largest division of Dayton Hudson, culminating in the company changing its name to Target Corporation in 2000. Target has worked very hard to secure it's validity in the retail space, but their hard work could go away over a plastic hamster.

David Lawrinowicz of Lancaster worked at Target for almost 8 years on the overnight shift. Target fired Lawrinowicz and six of his co-workers last Wednesday — for buying and $8 toy.

According to The Buffalo News Target said the company has certain guidelines in place regarding employees shopping during their shifts.

“These guidelines are in place to provide our guests with the same purchasing opportunities as our team members. We are committed to making the items our guests want as available as possible to ensure a positive guest experience,” said Target representatives in a statement.

Target said the policy is made clear in its employee handbook, and that reminders of it “are often communicated” through postings, newsletters and verbal “huddles.” Policy violations are punishable by action up to and including termination

Since the story first broke it has been mentioned 259 times across social networks, and at the time of this post  the target firing story was mentioned every hour. Including a comment from online user who goes by the alias BobbyCat:

I'm glad that Target has "certain guidleines".
I have guidelines, too, especially when it comes to mistreatment of employees. I had planned to stop at Target this afternoon but after reading this story, I'll go elsewhere - to another store that doesn't mistreat its employees. Firing a long-time employee at Christmas for some chickensh*t violation is inexcusable. I'll take my business elsewhere.

Has your perception of Target changed after reading this story? Will you be purchasing your holiday gifts at Target after reading this story?