The website CNET is reporting that the Alex From Target meme was pioneered as a viral marketing scheme from a new company called Breakr, which helps "connect fans to their fandoms." Still, there's no proof Breaks was behind the meme.
The girl who first shared his picture on Twitter has reportedly said she found the image on Tumblr and has never heard of the marketing company.
FWIW, @auscalum, the account that Breakr implied they got to tweet the Alex photo says she's never heard of them & she found it on tumblr
On Sunday afternoon, Twitter user @auscalem posted a photo of a guy named Alex working at Target.
YOOOOOOOOOO
Then she quickly explained that it wasn't her photo. She just posted it.
i never once said that was my photo y'all need to chill
According to Twitter tracking site Topsy, people started sharing photos of "Alex from Target" Sunday morning.
I DIDNT SAY IT WAS MY FUCKING PHOTO SHUT THE FUCK UP
Regardless of who took the photo, people ran with it.
ALEX FROM TARGET IS HOT AF
Alex from target is hot af 😍🔥🔥
The majority of my TL is Alex from target omg😂
And now, #AlexFromTarget is a MASSIVE thing.
Honestly this is probably gonna happen worldwide😂 #alexfromtarget #AlexFromTargetFollowParty
I DONT WANNA LOSE MY CHANCE #alexfromtarget
Basically, the internet turned this guy named Alex into a huge meme in less than 12 hours.
HAHAHA WHO MADE THIS?!?😂😂 #alexfromtarget
Couldn't stop laughing😂😂😂💯 #alexfromtarget
STEAL HIS LOOK: ALEX FROM TARGET shirt: $29.99 Target pants: $35.99 Target watch: $19.99 Target bags: $0.05 Target
thank god its sunday so the lord can still cleanse all your unholy thoughts #alexfromtarget
People are even doing "impressions" of him on Vine...
Alex from Target's roommate (w/ David Dobrik) @annie_girl_ omg <img src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f605.png">
RV IF YOURE IN THE ALEX FROM TARGET FANDOM 😩😍�
...and there are spinoffs too.
Now let's find frankie from starbucks
Kieran from T-Mobile.
Forget #alexfromtarget I'm all about #JakeFromStateFarm
Alex realized he was an internet celebrity Sunday night.
Am i famous now?
Now i have to change my number...
He seemed a little freaked out, of course, but appeared to be taking everything with a pretty good attitude.
So many followers <img src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f602.png">
If we sold AlexFromTarget merch would you guys buy it?
BuzzFeed News reached out to Alex to see if he's received any harassment after becoming internet famous in under 12 hours. He hasn't responded yet.
Target's Twitter has announced their support for Alex and dispelled rumors that his popularity online might have cost him his job.
We heart Alex, too! #alexfromtarget