Target news 

We look at how Target is aiming to grow its share in the baby category through private label development. Extending Cloud Island private label Following the exit of Toys R Us and Babies R Us from the US market last year, opportunities to gain share in the toys and baby categories emerged. Building on its private brand expertise, Target is extending its Cloud Island brand into baby essential...

We look at Target’s performance across the holidays and new leadership changes, including within its food business. Benefitting from investments to capture share in toys Target delivered a strong performance over the holiday period in November and December, with comparable store sales up 5.7%. This was a significant improvement on the 3.4% growth it delivered last year and accelerated its t...

Target is partnering with Germany’s Metro AG to launch a new startup accelerator programme, the METRO Target Retail Accelerator. Seeking ways to differentiate the business and develop new technologies Target established its accelerator programme for startups three years ago in conjunction with Techstars. It aims to identify startups which can help the business further differentiate its offe...

We review Target’s third quarter performance as it heads into the critical holiday season. Comp stores sales up 5.1% Target’s second quarter net revenue increased 5.6% to $17.8bn. Comparable sales growth increased 5.1%, with traffic up 5.3%. Operating income fell 3.3% to $819m. This continues the impressive sales performance the retailer has delivered year-to-date. It expects comparable sal...

We look at the strategies of some of the major US retailers, for who Black Friday is a major event and a kick-off to the critical holiday season. Sales impact spread across five-day weekend Although Black Friday is the traditional key shopping day in the US, with many retailers opening their doors a day earlier on Thanksgiving Day and launching pre-Black Friday deals, this has become a mult...

Target is launching a new private label, Smartly, helping it to compete with discount and dollar store ranges in the US. Most items cost less than $2 The Smartly range will initially consist of a range of everyday products across household and personal care categories. It has been developed to appeal to budget-conscious shoppers, with most products costing less than $2, and around 70% cheap...

Target is adding two digitally-native brands, quip and Native, to its in-store offer as it continues to focus on building a unique product range. Track record of working with digitally-native brands Target has previously worked with several digitally-native brands to help them develop a presence within its stores. Men’s grooming brand, Harry’s, has been the most prominent of these, with its...

We review Target’s second quarter performance, which included its strongest comparable sales growth for 13 years. Comparable stores sales up 4.9% Target’s second quarter net revenue increased 6.9% to $17.8bn. Comparable sales growth increased 6.5%, its strongest performance in 13 years, with traffic up 6.4%. Comparable store sales were up 4.9%. Operating income increased 3.6% to $1.1bn. Thi...

The shortlist has been unveiled for the IGD Awards 2018, the annual event celebrating the best of the food and grocery industry. Celebrating nearly three decades, over 540 winners, 10,000 entries, 3,400 hours of judging, 15,000 attendees and 1,800 judges, the awards ceremony is a historic event that will take place in London on 2nd October, where more than 600 senior executives will gather t...

Target has announced the companies which are participating in the third round of its retail accelerator partnership with Techstars. Providing mentorship, business advice and access to investors Target initially partnered with Techstars, a leading startup accelerator in 2016. The retailer has invited 10 companies to participate in the 13-week program this year which will provide the startups...