Target has removed a World War II-era German soldier costume from its online marketplace after the listing drew criticism from shoppers on social media.
The product, listed as the “Orion Costumes German Army Soldier Adult Costume,” had appeared online through Target, Walmart and Amazon. It was advertised as a vintage, 1940s-inspired military costume and included a jacket, trousers with attached boot covers, a belt and a hat.
The listing did not explicitly reference Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler or the Nazi Party. However, critics said the imagery and design resembled uniforms worn by German military forces during World War II, prompting calls for retailers to remove it.
Target’s product page later became unavailable, although Google search results continued to display cached product imagery and a preview for the listing. Amazon also appeared to remove its listing after the online backlash.
Target and Amazon appear to have removed a WWII German soldier costume after criticism, while Walmart still lists it. https://t.co/h6ZxvhQnPo
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) September 1, 2026
Initially, Walmart was the only major retailer reported to still have the product available. But on Sept. 2, Newsweek reported that Walmart had removed the item from its marketplace as well. Walmart, Target, Amazon and the costume manufacturer had not publicly explained the removals at the time of the report.
The products were marketplace listings, which can involve third-party sellers rather than merchandise designed or produced directly by the retailer. That distinction does not resolve concerns about the listing, but it explains why companies may need separate review processes for items offered through their marketplaces.
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Separate Target Case
The removal came shortly after Target withdrew a different Halloween costume—the children’s “Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit”—after critics said it evoked blackface and minstrel-era imagery. In that case, Target issued a direct apology, called the costume offensive and said it “should never have been part of our assortment.”
Target has not issued a comparable public statement linking that earlier controversy to the German-soldier costume listing. The timing is notable, but it should not be assumed that the two removals were handled for the same reason or under the same review process.