Is JC Penney’s Makeover the Future of Retailing? Kim Girard, Harvard Business Week, March 2012…
As a very large retail company, Target has grave concerns with consumers using their stores as a way to look at merchandise prior to purchasing these same merchandise from online vendors (Kinicki & Williams, 2013). They have asked their vendors to make products exclusively for Target to eliminate the price comparisons (Kinicki & Williams, 2013). Executives from Target came up with a strategy called Cheap Chic (Kalyanam & Tsay, 2013).…
An early strategic choice to build a brand around the Target name fostered the company's steady growth. From the very beginning, George Dayton's strategy was to position Target as an upscale discount chain at which the prices would be just above the lowest prices. To achieve this upscale image, it offered trendy and stylish goods in an environment that was bright and attractive, unlike other discount stores of the time (HBS Working Knowledge, 2004 para 2). Once a generic strategy is selected Target will also need to consider how to implement its grand strategy to ensure it correlates with its long term goals. In the following paragraphs it describes how Target has identified its best value, and how it has selected a strategy to ensure the company can achieve its long term goals.…
Penney, the last several years have been very successful for Target. Sales have risen from $64.9 billion in 2008 to $73.3 billion in 2012 with net earnings of $2.9 billion (Target Corporation Annual Report, 2012). Even though there have been some difficult economic times for retailers in the last five years, Target has managed to compete with Wal-Mart, grow revenues by almost $10 billion, maintain earnings, establish themselves as a trendy discount store and generously give to charity and education. I think their success speaks volumes for their employees, their management team and the planning and innovativeness of senior management and their Board of…
Target Stores' competitive advantage is their "ability to surprise and delight" consumers by carrying affordable items that buyers need and still allowing guests the opportunity to "fill their baskets with what they want." Target has been recognized as a leader in trend…
Target’s mission “is to make Target the preferred shopping destination for our guests by delivering outstanding value, continuous innovation and an exceptional guest experience by consistently fulfilling our “Expect More. Pay Less. ®” brand promise. To support our mission, we are guided by our commitments to great value, the community, diversity and the environment” (Target). Target was created in 1961 by the Dayton Company in order to expand and “combine the best of the fashion world with the best of the discount world, a quality store with quality merchandise at discount process, and a discount supermarket…” (About Target, 2012).…
This report examines Target Corporation’s performance in a detailed strategic audit. The audit includes an external, internal and strategic analysis as well as a recommended course of action. The findings of the audit recommend a robust on-line/mobile presence to complement in-store sales, and to increase future earnings to remain competitive by building upon physical assets, brand value and logistical capabilities.…
Target’s purpose and mission statement is “We fulfill the needs and fuel the potential of our guests. That means making Target your preferred shopping destination in all channels by delivering outstanding value, continuous innovation and exceptional experiences—consistently fulfilling our Expect More. Pay Less.® brand promise.” Target’s determination to fulfill the needs and fuel the potential of their guests is leading them to their solutions that drive both business and social value. Target is focused on new ways to build onto Target’s legacy of corporate responsibility. Target works along side and together with their team members, guests, suppliers, and communities to create better outcomes on issues that matter. The focus will always be…
The current age level for the shoppers at Target was 25-34 which is a lot lower than the ages that shop at Walmart. The income levels for these shoppers were 50,000-79999 and females were also their main shoppers. As from the statistics the age of the shoppers was lower than Walmart which is the only difference in between Walmart and Target. From these statistics, the target market for Target seems to be on the Lower end of age while the target market for Walmart seems to be middle age.…
Company Profile Target Corporation was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Target Corporation operates general merchandise and food discount stores in the United States. It operates as two reportable segments: Retail and Credit Card. The company offers household essentials, including electronics, music, and toys; apparel and accessories; home furnishings as well as seasonal merchandise. It also sells its merchandise under private-label brands, such as Archer Farms, etc. Target Corporation operates in-store amenities, such as Target Caféand Target Clinic as well. Its marketing strategy includes selling its products on its online shopping site Target.com and its network of distribution centers. As of June 2, 2010, it operated 1,740 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia covering 231,941,000 square feet, and has more than 351,000 employees across the United States. Target Corporation’s main competitors are Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), and Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST). According to its 10-K annual SEC filing, 88% of shares are held by institutional and mutual fund owners. The five largest shareholders of Target Corporation are Gregg W. Steinhafel, Kathryn A. Tesija, Douglas A. Scovanner, Richard M. Kovacevich and John D. Griffith. Segment Performance Target operates as two reportable segments: Retail and Credit Card segments. According to Target’s 10-K annual SEC filing, Target Corporation’s retail segment contains service of merchandising operations, and associate with online services. Its credit card segment gives qualified clients credit cards, such as Target…
In 1962 history was made. An employee of Dayton Dry Goods Company named John. F. Geisse thought of the idea of an upscale discount-relating store. The Dayton Company used Geisse’s idea and opened its first store in Minnesota called “Target,” currently owned by Target Corporation. With more than 1,934 stores across the country, Target has grown into a household staple brand. In fact, Target mega-brand is second only to Wal-Mart. It’s amazing how successful Target has become in such a short period of time, but the question on everyone's mind is how? What makes Target so successful? Do they scam their everyday shoppers or are they genuinely that good? Whether it’s the colors or the adorable dog as their mascot Target is doing something…
Target is a very popular chain store across the United States. In almost every major city you visit, you can find at least one store, maybe even multiple across large suburban areas. The easily recognized red and white bullseye has become a national symbol of a high quality shopping experience with low, affordable prices. But how did Target come to be such an affluent business? Despite having humble beginnings in the midwest, Target has grown to be a well-known, successful chain that has many different products that are high quality to offer to its customers.…
In all of its 100 plus years of serving the community, Target has become the one stop shop for most households. With a variety of products ranging from toiletries to clothing, Target is what you would call the all-around retailer. With 1,793 stores throughout 49 states and 37 distribution centers in the United States, Target is taking the place or your local corner store (Target, 2014). This company’s sales, gross margins, and profitability are affected by current trends which alter consumer preferences, if Target does not comply with these changes it could negatively impact operating profit and cause Target to lose money on inventory items with spoilage and markdowns (Target, 2014).…
In 1902, Target’s founder George Dayton opened his first store Dayton Dry Goods Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The residents in this community could expect dependable merchandise, fair business practices and a generous spirit of giving from their new store. Mr. Dayton shaped his new store around his personal principals and humanitarian spirit. By 1960, Mr. Dayton entered into mass-market discount and on May 1, 1962 “Tar-zhay” as it’s known by shoppers like me, was born in the twin cities Roseville. Target’s 75 departments would offer customers the best fashions, discounts, quality, prices, and a supermarket. The shopping experience would be fun for the entire family. The store had wide aisles, easy to shop displays, quick checkouts and well- lighted parking lots. The director of publicity with the help of his staff bounced around more than 200 names before they came up with the name and the bulls- eye logo. “As a marksman’s goal is to hit the center of the bulls-eye, the new store would do much of the same in terms of retail goods, services, commitment to the community, price, value, and overall experience.” (Target Corporation, 2013) Target employs more than 365,000 people and has cultivated a reputation as big box discounter offering affordability and style in more than 1,763 locations. Target appeals and attracts younger, educated, and affluent customers. Target stores are clean, well-kept, and organized. Customers are referred to as “Guests “and employees as “Team-Members.” Target has been recognized as the best place to work for hourly employees and ranked in the top 50 for diversity. Forbes awarded Target most reputable and admired company for its philanthropy. Target’s reputation is under fire for its low wages, poor working conditions, animal abuse, discrimination, lack of diversity and resistance in the…
In addition to prices and products, Target has a better atmosphere than Wal-Mart does. Target is a lot cleaner; Target is more organized. Target has more helpful and nicer employees. Target’s employees are more willing to help a customer; a customer also gets help faster. Wal-Mart is not as clean as Target is. Wal-Mart is not as organized as Target is. In Wal-Mart they have more products on the ground, such as clothes, than Target does. The employees at Wal-Mart are not that willing to help a customer. Someone has to wait a long time to get the help…