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Target apologizes for 'manatee' label on plus-size dress 

Target says it’s treating a potentially offensive goof in product labeling as a “learning experience" it won't repeat.A savvy online shopper on Wednesday noticed Target.com listed a plus-size dress in “manatee gray” while offering the same frock in standard sizes as “dark heather gray.”Susan Clemens tweeted the discrepancy to Target, which responded quickly with an apology.On Thursday,
Twitter user Susan Clemens posted this screengrab of the Target site.
Twitter user Susan Clemens posted this screengrab of the Target site.@suZen / Twitter

Target says it’s treating a potentially offensive goof in product labeling as a “learning experience" it won't repeat.

A savvy online shopper on Wednesday noticed Target.com listed a plus-size dress in “manatee gray” while offering the same frock in standard sizes as “dark heather gray.”

Susan Clemens tweeted the discrepancy to Target, which responded quickly with an apology.

On Thursday, Target spokeswoman Jessica Deede called the incident an “unintended oversight.”

“We never want to offend any of our guests. We apologize for any discomfort that we may have caused,” she told TODAY.com.

Twitter user Susan Clemens posted this screengrab of the dress from Target's website.
Twitter user Susan Clemens posted this screengrab of the dress from Target's website.Today

The “manatee gray” version of the dress in question, Mossimo Women's Plus-Size Kimono Maxi Dress, no longer appears on Target’s website.

“We are in the process of fixing the discrepancy and updating Target.com so the gray dress will be available in all styles," Deede said. "We’re working on updating our systems right now.”

Deede noted that the color “manatee gray” is a seasonal color found on many products across numerous categories on the company website, including towels, rain boots and T-shirts.

“We’ll use this instance as a learning experience so we can do better moving forward,” Deede said.