Target Corporation

{{Short description|American retail corporation}} {{Distinguish|Target Australia|Target Books}} {{for|the short-lived Canadian branch of the company that operated from 2011 to 2015|Target Canada}}

{{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024 }} {{Infobox company | name = Target Corporation | logo = 130px|class=skin-invert|frameless | logo_caption = Logo used since 2018{{efn|"Bullseye" symbol used since 1968; wordmark version used secondarily}} | logo_alt = A red bullseye with one ring. | image = Target Plaza, cropped.JPG | image_size = | image_caption = Corporate headquarters, Target Plaza, in Minneapolis | former_names = {{ubl|class=nowrap | Goodfellow Dry Goods | (1902–1903) | Dayton's Dry Goods Company | (1903–1910) | Dayton Company | (1910–1962) | Dayton Corporation | (1962–1969) | Dayton-Hudson Corporation | (1969–2000) }} | type = Public | traded_as = {{ubl|class=nowrap|{{NYSE|TGT}}|S&P 500 component}} | industry = Retail | founded = {{ubl|{{start date and age|1902|06|24}} (corporation)|{{start date and age|1962|5|1}} (store)}} | founders = {{ubl|George Dayton (corporation)|Douglas Dayton and John Geisse (store)}} | hq_location = {{ubl|Target Plaza|Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.}} | num_locations = {{increase}} 1,995 stores (2026) | area_served = United States, Canada (formerly, see Target Canada) | key_people = {{ubl|Brian Cornell (executive chairman)|Michael Fiddelke (CEO)<ref name="corporate.target.com">{{Cite web |title=Target Appoints Michael Fiddelke As Chief Executive Officer |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2025/08/target-appoints-michael-fiddelke-as-chief-executive-officer |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=corporate.target.com |language=en}}</ref>}} | products = | brands = | revenue = {{decrease}} {{US$|104.8 billion|link=no}} (2025) | operating_income = {{decrease}} US$5.117 billion (2025) | net_income = {{decrease}} US$3.705 billion (2025) | assets = {{increase}} US$59.49 billion (2025) | equity = {{increase}} US$16.17 billion (2025) | num_employees = 415,000 (2025) | parent = {{ubl|Dayton Corporation (1962–1969)|Dayton-Hudson Corporation (1969–2000)}} | subsid = Shipt | website = {{ubl|class=nowrap|{{URL|https://target.com/}}|{{URL|https://corporate.target.com/}}}} | footnotes = <ref name=10K-2025>{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000027419/000002741926000016/tgt-20260131.htm|title=US SEC: Form 10-K Target Corporation|publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|date=March 11, 2026}}</ref> }}

'''Target Corporation''' is an American retail corporation headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Target operates retail stores. It is the eighth-largest retailer in the United States<ref>{{Cite web |title=NRF Top 100 Retailers 2025 List {{!}} NRF |url=https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-100-retailers/top-100-retailers-2025-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251228221825/https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-100-retailers/top-100-retailers-2025-list |archive-date=2025-12-28 |access-date=2025-12-28 |website=nrf.com |language=en}}</ref> and is a component of the S&P 500 Index.

The original Target retail store was co-founded by John Geisse and Douglas Dayton in 1962 for Dayton's in Roseville, Minnesota. Dayton's was renamed the Target Corporation in 2000. Target is notable for its focus on upscale, trend-forward merchandise at lower costs. Its stores typically sell general merchandise. Target's logo refers to the center of a shooting target, and its canine mascot is named Bullseye. The corporation also operates two criminal forensics laboratories.

{{As of|2024}}, Target is ranked {{Numero|32}} on the 2022 ''Fortune'' 500 list of the largest American corporations by total revenue. {{As of|2025}}, it operates more than 2,000 stores throughout the United States. Target has been consistently ranked as one of the most philanthropic companies in the U.S. [[File:Target in Ocean Township, NJ.png|thumb|295x295px|A Target store in Ocean Township, NJ]] thumb|right|250px|Map of Target stores in United States, as of December 2020

==History== {{main|History of Target Corporation}}

thumb|right|175px|Target's original bullseye logo, used from 1962 until 1968<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2014/04/target-logo-bullseye-history|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806011555/https://corporate.target.com/article/2014/04/target-logo-bullseye-history|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 6, 2021|title=Bullseye Love: The History of Target's Logo|date=April 24, 2014|accessdate=May 1, 2023}}</ref> Target Corporation is an American retail chain that operates large discount stores.<ref>{{cite web | title=Britannica Money | url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Target-Corporation }}</ref>

In 1962, John Geisse and Douglas Dayton founded and launched Target stores for the Dayton Company.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Yardley|first1=William|title=Douglas J. Dayton, First President of Target, Dies at 88|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/10/business/douglas-j-dayton-first-president-of-target-dies-at-88.html|access-date=February 10, 2017|work=The New York Times|date=July 10, 2013}}</ref> The first Target store opened in May 1962 in Roseville, Minnesota, a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://startribune.newspapers.com/image/183503654/?terms=target%2Broseville |title=27 Jan 1962, Page 8 - Star Tribune at Newspapers.com |publisher=Startribune.newspapers.com |date=1962-01-27 |accessdate=2022-06-05}}</ref> By the end of that year, there were four Target stores, located in Roseville, Crystal, Duluth, and St. Louis Park, Minnesota, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://startribune.newspapers.com/image/188056584/?terms=target%2Broseville |title=25 Oct 1962, Page 58 - The Minneapolis Star at Newspapers.com |publisher=Startribune.newspapers.com |date=1962-10-25 |accessdate=2022-06-05}}</ref>

Dayton-Hudson Corporation announced in January 2000 a name change to Target Corporation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://startribune.newspapers.com/image/195594719/?terms= |title=14 Jan 2000, Page 1 - Star Tribune at Newspapers.com |publisher=Startribune.newspapers.com |date=2000-01-14 |accessdate=2022-06-05}}</ref>

Target is the seventh-largest retailer in the United States and is a component of the S&P 500 Index.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |title=Top 100 Retailers 2022 List |work=STORES: NRF's Magazine |url=https://nrf.com/resources/top-retailers/top-100-retailers/top-100-retailers-2022-list |access-date=August 15, 2022 }}</ref> {{As of|2024}}, Target is ranked {{Numero|32}} on the 2022 ''Fortune'' 500 list of the largest American corporations by total revenue.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/company/target/fortune500/|title=Fortune 500: Target|website=Fortune|language=en-US|access-date=March 1, 2023|archive-date=December 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230034657/https://fortune.com/company/target/fortune500/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2025}}, Target operates nearly 2,000 stores in the United States.<ref name="Target's Locations">{{Cite web |title=Target's Locations |url=https://corporate.target.com/about/locations |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=corporate.target.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Store formats==

===Target=== [[File:Target Rock Hill, SC (7151362297).jpg|200px|thumb|The exterior of a typical Target store in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in May 2012 (Store #1371)]] [[Image:CVSTarget19.jpg|thumb|right|200px|CVS Pharmacy inside of a Target store (store #1910 in Savannah, Georgia)]] Target properties are roughly {{convert|135000|sqft}} and sell general merchandise, including hardlines and softlines.<ref name="UrbanShoppers">{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/18/target-citytarget-stores_n_1684484.html |title=Target Launches Smaller CityTarget Stores To Appeal To Urban Shoppers|work=The Huffington Post |date=July 18, 2012 |access-date=October 6, 2015 |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904184122/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/18/target-citytarget-stores_n_1684484.html |url-status=live |agency=Reuters}}</ref> While many Target stores follow a standard big-box architectural style,<ref>{{cite web |last=Halter |first=Nick |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/12/23/target-s-2016-store-plan-urban-urban-and-more.html |title=Target's 2016 store plan: urban, urban and more urban |newspaper=Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |date=December 23, 2015 |access-date=March 10, 2016 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005045811/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/12/23/target-s-2016-store-plan-urban-urban-and-more.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the company has focused on "customizing each new store to ensure a locally relevant experience [...] that best fit the surrounding neighborhood's needs" since August 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/08/flexible-format-stores-new-york|title=New Store, Big City: Target to Open in Queens, N.Y., in 2016|publisher=Target Corporation|date=August 26, 2015|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311010351/https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/08/flexible-format-stores-new-york|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, only SuperTarget locations operated Starbucks Coffee counters, although they were integrated into general-merchandise stores through their expanded partnership beginning in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2002/10/07/daily45.html|title=Target, Starbucks agree to add coffee shops to new Target stores|newspaper=Louisville Business First|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=October 11, 2002|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=August 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818061006/http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/stories/2002/10/07/daily45.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Many stores also feature Pizza Hut Express counters (usually in the self-service snack bar), along with Starbucks.

Target introduced the "PFresh" store prototype in 2008, which expanded its grocery selection in general-merchandise locations by upwards of 200%. Newly constructed stores that follow the PFresh format are roughly {{convert|1500|sqft|abbr=on}} larger than properties without groceries, although retain the Target branding because its offerings are considerably more limited than SuperTarget. PFresh sells perishable and frozen foods, baked goods, meat, and dairy. The company remodeled 109 stores accordingly in 2009, and renovated another 350 stores the following year.<ref>{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Paula |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/11/16/daily32.html|title=Target to add the 'PFresh' (now referred to as 'Market') grocery concept at 350 stores|newspaper=Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=November 16, 2009|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=October 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013040450/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2009/11/16/daily32.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The company's decision to close its garden centers opened floor space for PFresh expansion and larger seasonal departments beginning in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consumerist.com/2010/08/13/target-closing-all-remaining-garden-centers/|title=Target Closing All Remaining Garden Centers|last=Morran|first=Chris|work=Consumerist |date=August 13, 2010|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311025341/https://consumerist.com/2010/08/13/target-closing-all-remaining-garden-centers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====CVS Health==== On June 15, 2015, CVS Health announced an agreement with Target to acquire all of Target's pharmacies and clinic businesses for around $1.9 billion. The Target pharmacies were rebranded as CVS Health pharmacies, which totaled 1,672 pharmacies in February 2016. The Target clinics were also rebranded as MinuteClinic. The acquisition of the Target pharmacies enabled CVS to expand its market into Seattle, Denver, Portland, and Salt Lake City.<ref>{{cite news |title=CVS Health and Target Announce Completed Acquisition of Target's Pharmacy and Clinic Businesses |url=https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-and-target-announce-completed-acquisition-targets-pharmacy-and |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |archive-date=May 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505165401/https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-and-target-announce-completed-acquisition-targets-pharmacy-and |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bi-2016feb03>{{cite news |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/target-and-cvs-pharmacy-is-bad-news-2016-2 |title=Target opening CVS pharmacies in stores is scary news for consumers |website=Business Insider |date=February 3, 2016 |first=Kate |last=Taylor |access-date=June 25, 2019 |archive-date=June 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625005618/https://www.businessinsider.com/target-and-cvs-pharmacy-is-bad-news-2016-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===SuperTarget=== [[File:TargetT1777SuperTarget.jpg|thumb|The exterior of a SuperTarget in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2020: This store was remodeled in October 2017. (Store #1777)]] thumb|The Target Greatland logo used from 1990-2009 The first '''Target Greatland''' location opened in Apple Valley, Minnesota, in September 1990. They were about 50% larger than traditional Target stores, and pioneered company standards, including an increased number of checkout lanes and price scanners, larger aisles, expanded pharmacy and photography departments, and a food court. Target Greatland locations have since been converted to stores following the PFresh format beginning in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2011/01/07/Target-to-roll-out-PFresh-concept.html|title=Target to roll out 'PFresh' concept store at Belmar center in Lakewood|last=Moore|first=Paula|newspaper=Denver Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=January 7, 2011|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=October 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005045610/http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2011/01/07/Target-to-roll-out-PFresh-concept.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

thumb|The SuperTarget logo used from 1995-2006 The first '''SuperTarget''' hypermarket opened in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1995, and expanded upon the Target Greatland concept with the inclusion of a full grocery department.<ref name="TargetThroughTheYears">{{cite news|url=https://corporate.target.com/about/history/Target-through-the-years|title=Target Through the Years|work=Target Corporate |publisher=Target Corporation|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916162456/https://corporate.target.com/about/history/target-through-the-years|url-status=live}}</ref> The company expanded its grocery assortment in 2003 and adopted the modified tagline "Eat Well. Pay Less." (in reference to its tagline "Expect More. Pay Less.") in 2004.<ref name="TargetThroughTheYears"/><ref name="ReboundRecipe">{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124208790239908945|title=Target Believes a Rebound Recipe Is in Grocery Aisle|last=Zimmerman|first=Ann|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|publisher=News Corp|date=May 12, 2009|access-date=March 10, 2006|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311020505/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124208790239908945|url-status=live}}</ref> In the early 2000s, 43 locations (of nearly 100) featured E-Trade trading stations, although they were all closed by June 2003 after E-Trade determined, "we were not able to make it into a profitable distribution channel."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2003/06/02/daily69.html|title=E-Trade closes trading stations|newspaper=San Francisco Business Times|publisher=American City Business Journals|date=June 6, 2003|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=February 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228163316/http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2003/06/02/daily69.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

When comparing SuperTargets with rival Walmart Supercenter hypermarkets, then-chief executive Gregg Steinhafel opined that Walmart operates like "a grocer that happens to also sell general merchandise," whereas the less aggressive expansion of SuperTarget stores reflects his view of Target's grocery effort as a "high-impact, low-cost" side project.<ref name="ReboundRecipe"/> The company operated 239 SuperTarget locations as of September 2015;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statisticbrain.com/target-company-statistics/|title=Target Corporation Company Statistics|publisher=Statistic Brain Research Institute|date=September 3, 2015|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311011807/http://www.statisticbrain.com/target-company-statistics/|url-status=live}}</ref> they each encompass an estimate of {{convert|174000|sqft}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/business/target-is-testing-a-small-store-for-city-shoppers.html|title=Target Tests Small Store for Urban Shoppers as Young People Pick Cities Over Suburbs|last=Harris|first=Elizabeth|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221111403/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/business/target-is-testing-a-small-store-for-city-shoppers.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

thumb|The SuperTarget logo used from 2006-2015 In an article written in August 2015, Target was quoted as saying, "Big or small, our stores have one thing in common: they're ''all'' Target."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/08/rebranding-citytarget-targetexpress-stores-flexibl|title=Keeping Things Simple: Rebranding our CityTarget and TargetExpress Stores|work=Target Corporate |date=August 4, 2015|access-date=June 2, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323090604/https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/08/rebranding-citytarget-targetexpress-stores-flexibl|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Small-format Target=== {{anchor|Urban stores}} [[File:Target Boston Fenway (MA).jpg|200px|thumb|right|The exterior of the CityTarget in Boston, Massachusetts, in October 2015, now rebranded as Target (store #2822)]] While typical Target locations are about {{convert|135000|sqft|abbr=on}}, most "small-format" '''CityTarget''' stores are roughly {{convert|80000|sqft|abbr=on}}. The first stores were opened in July 2012, in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle;<ref name="UrbanShoppers"/> the {{convert|160000|sqft}} location in Boston is the largest CityTarget and opened in July 2015.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url = http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/08/04/target-dropping-targetexpress-and-citytarget-names.html|title = Target's dropping its TargetExpress and CityTarget names for small stores|last = Halter|first = Nick|date = August 4, 2015|work = Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal|access-date = August 26, 2015|archive-date = August 8, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150808061545/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/08/04/target-dropping-targetexpress-and-citytarget-names.html|url-status = live}}</ref> '''TargetExpress''' stores range from {{convert|14000|to|21000|sqft|abbr=on}}; the first opened in Dinkytown near the University of Minnesota in July 2014.<ref>[http://cushwakenmretail.com/2014/07/07/dinkytown-mini-target-store-will-open-in-july/ "Dinkytown mini-Target store will open in July"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912224603/http://cushwakenmretail.com/2014/07/07/dinkytown-mini-target-store-will-open-in-july/ |date=September 12, 2014 }}. Chusman & Wakefield Retail Services. July 7, 2014.</ref> Products in these flexible-format properties are typically sold in smaller packages geared towards customers using public transportation. Locations built in college communities often carry an extended home department of apartment and dormitory furnishings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://laist.com/2015/10/27/target_for_the_people.php|title=Target Stores Planned For Koreatown And Near USC|last=Trinh|first=Jean|publisher=LAist|date=October 17, 2015|access-date=November 5, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029235111/http://laist.com/2015/10/27/target_for_the_people.php|archive-date=October 29, 2015}}</ref> In August 2015, Target announced that it would rename its nine CityTarget and five TargetExpress stores as Target beginning that October, deciding, "Big or small, our stores have one thing in common: they're all Target."<ref name=":0"/> The first small-format stores under the unified naming scheme opened later that month in Chicago, Rosslyn, San Diego, and San Francisco.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/08/rebranding-citytarget-targetexpress-stores-flexibl|title=Keeping Things Simple: Rebranding our CityTarget and TargetExpress Stores|publisher=A Bullseye View. Target Corporation|date=August 4, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905182200/https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/08/rebranding-citytarget-targetexpress-stores-flexibl|url-status=live}}</ref> The company opened a {{convert|45,000|sqft|sqm}} store in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York in October 2016. In that same month, three other similar-sized stores opened in Philadelphia; Cupertino, California; and the area around Pennsylvania State University.<ref name=":1" /> Target opened a {{convert|22000|sqft|sqm|abbr=on}} store in Austin's Dobie Twenty21, adjacent to the UT-Austin campus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thedailytexan.com/2017/09/20/target-in-dobie-will-bring-more-than-50-new-jobs-to-campus |title=Target in Dobie will bring more than 50 new jobs to campus |work=The Daily Texan |last=O'Toole |first=Emily |date=September 20, 2017 |access-date=August 23, 2021 |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205015532/https://thedailytexan.com/2017/09/20/target-in-dobie-will-bring-more-than-50-new-jobs-to-campus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nearly all of its planned openings through 2019 were small formats, which are less than {{convert|50000|sqft|sqm|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":1" /> The goal of these smaller-format stores is to win over the business of millennial customers. The nearly 30 newer locations were to be situated in college towns or densely populated areas.<ref name=":1" />

==Brands and subsidiaries== As of 2018, Target has four subsidiaries: Target Brands, Inc., Target Capital Corporation, Target Enterprise, Inc., and Target General Merchandise, Inc.<ref>{{cite web |title=List of Significant Subsidiaries |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/27419/000002741918000010/tgt-20180203xexhibit21.htm |website=SEC.gov |publisher=SEC |access-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074529/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/27419/000002741918000010/tgt-20180203xexhibit21.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:TargetCanada.JPG|thumb|right|220px|Cash registers inside the now-closed Target (Store #3609, a former Zellers, later Lowe's that opened in 2016 and closed in 2019 and is now Canada Computers) in Centerpoint Mall (Toronto)]]

===Financial and Retail Services division=== '''Financial and Retail Services''' ('''FRS'''), formerly '''Target Financial Services''', originally issued Target's credit cards, known as the Target Circle Card (formerly the Target Guest Card, then Target RedCard), issued through Target National Bank (formerly Retailers National Bank) for consumers and through Target Bank for businesses. FRS also oversees GiftCard balances. Target launched its PIN-x debit card, the Target Check Card, which was later rebranded as the Target Debit Card. The Target Debit Card withdraws funds from the customer's existing checking account, and allows for up to $40 "cash back". The debit card allows guests to save 5% off each purchase. In late 2017, Target replaced its REDcard slogan, "Save 5% Today, Tomorrow, & Everyday with Target REDcard", when it rolled out new benefits for REDcard holders by offering exclusive products on Target.com and preorders with "Everyday Savings. Exclusive Extras."{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In October 2012, Target enter into an agreement with TD Bank in which TD Bank would handle Target's Visa and private label REDcard accounts for Target for a seven year period.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://td.mediaroom.com/2012-10-23-TD-Bank-Group-to-acquire-Targets-U.S.-credit-card-portfolio-and-enter-into-a-seven-year-program-agreement |title=TD Bank Group to acquire Target's U.S. credit card portfolio and enter into a seven-year program agreement |date=October 23, 2012 |work=TD Bank Group}}</ref> The agreement was finalized in March 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://td.mediaroom.com/2013-03-13-TD-Bank-Group-completes-acquisition-of-Targets-U.S.-credit-card-portfolio-and-enters-into-a-seven-year-program-agreement |title=TD Bank Group completes acquisition of Target's U.S. credit card portfolio and enters into a seven-year program agreement |date=March 13, 2013 |work=TD Bank Group}}</ref> The credit card management agreement was extended in 2022 until 2030 in which TD Bank is the sole issuer of Target's credit cards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://stories.td.com/us/en/article/td-bank-and-target-corporation-extend-u-s-credit-card-partnership-agreement-through-2030 |title=TD Bank and Target Corporation Extend U.S. Credit Card Partnership Agreement Through 2030 |date=September 21, 2022 |work=TD Bank, N.A.}}</ref>

Target RedCard was rebranded Circle Card in April 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/money/target-red-card-worth-it/ |title=Is Target Circle 360 Right for You? Here's Everything You Need to Know. |date=April 8, 2024 |first=Kaitlin |last=Mahar |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>

===Target Sourcing Services=== This global sourcing organization locates merchandise from around the world for Target and helps import the merchandise to the United States, including garments, furniture, bedding, and towels. Target Sourcing Services has 27 full-service offices, 48 quality-control offices, and seven concessionaires located throughout the world, and employs 1,200 people. Its engineers are responsible for evaluating the factories that do business with Target Corporation for quality, labor rights, and trans-shipment issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://targetcareers.target.com/job/Karnataka-Manager-HR-and-Vendor-Compliance-Job/2285729/ |title=Vendor Compliance |publisher=Target Corporation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105024618/http://targetcareers.target.com/job/Karnataka-Manager-HR-and-Vendor-Compliance-Job/2285729/ |archive-date=November 5, 2013 }}</ref> Founded in 1916 as the client-owned Associated Merchandising Corporation, the company was acquired by Target Corporation in 1998.<ref name="Lavergne 2015 p. 57">{{cite book | last=Lavergne | first=M. | title=Fixing Fashion: Rethinking the Way We Make, Market and Buy Our Clothes | publisher=New Society Publishers | year=2015 | isbn=978-1-55092-595-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-f54CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA57 | access-date=May 16, 2023 | page=57}}</ref> TSS ceased operations in its department-store group, the division of the former Associated Merchandising Corporation that acted as a buying office for Saks, Inc., Bloomingdale's, Stage Stores Inc., TJ Maxx, and Marshalls.<ref name=amc>{{cite news| url=http://www.amchamthailand.com/acct/asp/corpdetail.asp?CorpID=212| title=Associated Merchandising Corporation| publisher=The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand| access-date=March 27, 2007| archive-date=July 22, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722144328/http://www.amchamthailand.com/ACCT/asp/corpdetail.asp?CorpID=212| url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Private-label brands=== {{main|List of Target brands}}

[[File:Target, Dublin, CA 5 2017-01-13.jpg|thumb|right|Electronics department inside a Target in Dublin, California (store #2771)]] thumb|right|Grocery department inside a Target in Dublin, California (store #2771) thumb|Target at Serramonte Center in Daly City, California Target Brands is the company's brand-management division that oversees the company's private-label products.

Bullseye (a white Bull Terrier), is Target's mascot.<ref>{{cite web | title=Who is Bullseye? Everything You Need to Know About the Target Mascot | date=October 7, 2021 | url=https://www.rd.com/article/target-mascot/ }}</ref> * '''Good & Gather''', a food and beverage brand, replaced Archer Farms and Simply Balanced.<ref>{{cite web |first=Anne |last=D'Innocenzio |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-launching-private-label-fight-145057174.html |title=Target launching private label in fight for grocery share |website=finance.yahoo.com|date=August 19, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=August 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819213028/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-launching-private-label-fight-145057174.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Market Pantry''', value grocery products * '''Dealworthy''', a low-priced essentials brand * '''Boots & Barkley''', a pet food and supply line * '''Embark''', an outdoor gear line of camping and travel equipment * '''Room Essentials''', inexpensive, primarily flat-pack, furniture * '''Brightroom''', a line of storage solutions * '''Threshold''', a premium furniture line * '''Wondershop''', a Christmas decoration brand * '''Hyde and Eek''', a Halloween decoration brand * '''up & up''', offers essential commodities, including household, healthcare, beauty, baby, and personal-care products. * '''Xhilaration''', a line of intimate and sleepwear, along with swimwear.

Other private labels include brands launched in July 2016, during back-to-school sales. * '''Pillowfort''', a children's line of bedding and room decor * '''Cat and Jack''', a children's line of apparel and accessories * '''Cloud Island''', a baby's line of bedding and clothing * '''Project 62''', a household-goods line placed alongside Room Essentials * '''Goodfellow & Co.''', a clothing and personal-care line for men, with the name being an homage to its beginnings as '''Goodfellow Dry Goods''' * '''A New Day''', a clothing line for women * '''JoyLab''', a fitness-clothing line for women * '''Hearth and Hand''', a home and lifestyle brand, in collaboration with designer Joanna Gaines

Eight Target private-label brands that launched in 2018:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/8-target-private-label-brands-that-launched-this-year/541814/|first=Corinne |last=Ruff|title=8 Target private label brands that launched this year|website=Retail Dive|language=en-US|access-date=April 24, 2019|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424180334/https://www.retaildive.com/news/8-target-private-label-brands-that-launched-this-year/541814/|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Universal Thread''', a denim lifestyle brand * '''Opalhouse''', eclectic home decor * '''Heyday''', a line of electronic accessories * '''Original Use''', male clothing brand targeting gen-Z and millennials * '''Wild Fable''', women's clothing brand targeting gen-Z * '''Made By Design''', a homelines brand, made up of home basics such as towels, cooking utensils, glassware, plates, pots, kitchen gadgets, and more * '''Smartly''', essential a commodity brand, including household, healthcare, beauty, and personal-care products

In addition, Target released three new intimates, loungewear, and sleepwear brands for women on February 25, 2019:<ref>{{cite news|url=http://corporate.target.com/article/2019/02/intimates-and-sleepwear|title=Finding the Perfect Bra—and More—Is Now Easier and More Affordable at Target|website=Target Corporate|access-date=May 6, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323090605/https://corporate.target.com/article/2019/02/intimates-and-sleepwear|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Auden''', an intimates and lingerie exclusive brand * '''Stars Above''', an in-house brand for sleepwear * '''Colsie''', an intimates and loungewear brand

On January 9, 2020, Target announced its new activewear brand, ''All in Motion'', an athleisure line with products for men, women, boys, and girls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2020/01/all-in-motion|title=New Year, New Us: Target's Newest Brand Celebrates the Joy of Movement for ALL Families|website=Target Corporate|access-date=February 22, 2020|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222011703/https://corporate.target.com/article/2020/01/all-in-motion|url-status=live}}</ref> The brand's logo plays homage to a previous Dayton's logo.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ewoldt|first=John|title=Stamped on Target's new athleticwear: an homage to its parent, Dayton's|url=https://www.startribune.com/stamped-on-target-s-new-athleticwear-an-homage-to-its-parent-dayton-s/567179042/|date=January 11, 2020|work=Star Tribune|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506130753/https://www.startribune.com/stamped-on-target-s-new-athleticwear-an-homage-to-its-parent-dayton-s/567179042/|archive-date=May 6, 2021|access-date=January 10, 2022}}</ref>

On March 9, 2021, Target announced a new brand called '''Favorite Day''', a brand that sells bakery, snacks, candy, premium ice cream, cake-decorating supplies, and beverage mixers and mocktails items. It launched on April 5, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title=Target's Newest Owned Brand is About to Become Your *Favorite* Indulgence|url=http://corporate.target.com/article/2021/03/favorite-day|access-date=May 14, 2021|website=Target Corporate|language=en|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515161126/https://corporate.target.com/article/2021/03/favorite-day|url-status=live}}</ref>

Former brands include: * '''Cherokee''', children's and women's clothing: On September 10, 2015, Target stores announced it would cease carrying the brand when its partnership with Cherokee Inc. expired on January 31, 2017. It was replaced by Cat & Jack. * '''Circo''', toddler's and kids clothing: The brand was replaced by Cat & Jack, along with Pillowfort * '''Merona''', a clothing brand purchased by Target in 1991 * '''Mossimo Supply Co.''', a clothing line, in partnership with the brand owner Iconix Brand Group * '''Gilligan & O'Malley''' product lines of intimates and sleepwear were discontinued after the release of the brands Auden, Stars Above, and Colsie.

===Website and app-based purchasing=== {{Infobox website | name = Target.com | collapsible = yes | collapsetext = Screenshot | screenshot = Target.com screenshot.jpg | url = {{URL|https://www.target.com/}} | commercial = Yes | type = E-commerce | registration = Optional but required for some features | launch_date = {{start date and age|2000}} {{start date and age|2011|08}} (rebrand) | current_status = Online }} Target.com owns and oversees the company's e-commerce initiatives, such as the Target.com domain. Founded in early 2000 as target.direct, it was formed by separating the company's existing e-commerce operations from its retailing division and combining it with its Rivertown Trading direct-marketing unit into a stand-alone subsidiary.<ref name=namechange>{{cite news|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_4_39/ai_59649452 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312083618/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_4_39/ai_59649452 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |title=Target is the name |work=Discount Store News |date=February 21, 2000 }}</ref> In 2002, target.direct and Amazon.com's subsidiary Amazon Enterprise Solutions created a partnership in which Amazon.com would provide order fulfillment and guest services for Target.com in exchange for fixed and variable fees. After the company sold Marshall Field's and Mervyn's in 2004, target.direct became Target.com. The domain ''target.com'' attracted at least 288 million visitors annually by 2008, according to a Compete.com survey.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://siteanalytics.compete.com/target.com?metric=uv |title=Site Profile for target.com (rank #28) | Compete |publisher=Siteanalytics.compete.com |access-date=February 21, 2010 |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522145316/http://siteanalytics.compete.com/target.com/?metric=uv |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2009, Target announced that it would build and manage a new Target.com platform, independent of Amazon.com. This new platform was to launch in 2011, in advance of the holiday season. Prior to the announcement, Target and Amazon had extended their partnership until 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/new-target-com-platform.aspx?ncid=25121 |title=Target to Build and Manage New Target.com Platform / Target Corp |publisher=Target |date=August 7, 2009 |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-date=April 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401091704/http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/new-target-com-platform.aspx?ncid=25121 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2010, Target announced its vendor partners for the re-platforming project. These partners include Sapient, IBM, Oracle, Endeca, Autonomy, Sterling Commerce, and Huge, among others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-vendor-partners.aspx |title=Target.com Announces Vendor Partners for Re-platforming Effort / Target Corp |publisher=Target |date=January 11, 2010 |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-date=November 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122123912/http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-vendor-partners.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The re-platformed Target.com officially launched on August 23, 2011, effectively ending the partnership with Amazon.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-launches-redesigned-e-commerce-aug2011.aspx?ncid=25121 |title=Target Launches Redesigned E-Commerce Website / Target Corp |publisher=Target |date=August 23, 2011 |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-date=December 6, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206151631/http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-launches-redesigned-e-commerce-aug2011.aspx?ncid=25121 |url-status=live }}</ref> Over the last few years, Target has been working to grow its fulfillment strategy via the orders placed through its website.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Target Announces Investments to Drive Long-term Growth |url=http://corporate.target.com/press/releases/2022/03/target-announces-investments-to-drive-long-term-gr |access-date=October 12, 2022 |website=Target Corporate |language=en}}</ref>. In November 2025, Target began offering an app for purchasing items through the ChatGPT chatbot, a service also offered by several other retailers including Walmart, Etsy and Shopify.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-26 |title=Target Rolls Out Its ChatGPT Integration, Lets You Buy Inside the AI Chatbot |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/target-is-coming-to-chatgpt-will-let-you-buy-items-inside-the-ai-app |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=PCMAG |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crowe |first=Emily |date=25 November 2025 |title=Target Embraces Agentic Commerce With New ChatGPT Experience |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/target-embraces-agentic-commerce-new-chatgpt-experience |website=Progressive Grocer}}</ref>

===Former subsidiaries=== * '''Target Portrait Studio''' was a chain of portrait studios that were located in select Target stores. The chain, which was operated by Lifetouch, opened in 1996 and ceased operations on January 28, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gajanan|first=Mahita|title=Target will close its remaining portrait studios|url=http://fortune.com/2017/01/11/target-portrait-studios-close-lifetouch/|date=January 11, 2017|work=Fortune|access-date=May 5, 2018|archive-date=May 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506035830/http://fortune.com/2017/01/11/target-portrait-studios-close-lifetouch/|url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Target Garden Center''' was a chain of garden centers that were located in Target, Super Target, and Target Greatland stores. Around 260 Target stores in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida had garden centers. All of Target's garden centers closed in September 2010. Target spokesperson Jana O'Leary claimed that the reason why its garden centers closed was because "the garden centers don't provide significant value to our guests. Also, it's no longer a profitable business for us."<ref>{{cite news|last=O'Leary|first=Jana|title=Target Closes Garden Centers|url=https://www.growertalks.com/Article/?articleid=17661&highlight=target+garden+center}}</ref> * '''Target Canada''' was the chain of Target stores in Canada. It was formed in 2013 when Target acquired Zellers leases and converted them into Target stores. Target Canada was in operation for two years until the closure of all stores in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Castaldo |first1=Joe |title=The Last Days of Target |url=https://www.canadianbusiness.com/the-last-days-of-target-canada/ |access-date=February 28, 2019 |publisher=Canadian Business |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301161931/https://www.canadianbusiness.com/the-last-days-of-target-canada/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The retail chain racked up losses of $2.1 billion in its brief lifespan, and the Canadian news media termed Target's foray into Canada as a "spectacular failure",<ref>{{cite web |first=Amanda |last=Lang |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/target-admits-it-missed-the-mark-but-what-does-it-mean-for-canadian-retail-1.2906830 |title=Target admits it missed the mark, but what does it mean for Canadian retail? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319004035/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/target-admits-it-missed-the-mark-but-what-does-it-mean-for-canadian-retail-1.2906830 |archive-date=March 19, 2016 |publisher=CBC News |date=January 15, 2015}}</ref> "an unmitigated disaster",<ref>{{cite web |first=Jason |last=Kirby |url=http://www.macleans.ca/economy/business/hey-target-heres-how-you-expand-into-canada-courtesy-of-wal-mart/ |title=Hey Target, here's how you expand into Canada, courtesy of Wal-Mart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309000852/http://www.macleans.ca/economy/business/hey-target-heres-how-you-expand-into-canada-courtesy-of-wal-mart/ |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |website=Maclean's |date=August 20, 2014}}</ref> and "a gold standard case study in what retailers should not do when they enter a new market".<ref>{{cite news |first=Hollie |last=Shaw |url=http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/target-corps-spectacular-canada-flop-a-gold-standard-case-study-for-what-retailers-shouldnt-do |title=Target Corp's spectacular Canada flop: A gold standard case study for what retailers shouldn't do |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122031/http://business.financialpost.com/news/retail-marketing/target-corps-spectacular-canada-flop-a-gold-standard-case-study-for-what-retailers-shouldnt-do |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |website=Financial Post |date=January 15, 2016}}</ref>

==Supply chain== thumb|right|250px|Truck arriving at a Target distribution center {{As of|2016|5}}, Target Corporation operates 41 distribution centers across the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/corporate |title=Target Corporate Fact Sheet |publisher=corporate.target.com |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717032514/https://corporate.target.com/press/corporate |url-status=dead }}</ref> With the exception of vendor-supplied items, such as greeting cards and soda, these distribution centers ship items directly to Target stores. Also, unlike Walmart, Target's grocery selection does not come from its own distribution centers, but from the companies with whom Target has partnered.<ref name=rowley>{{cite book |last=Rowley |first=Laura |year=2003 |title=On Target: How the World's Hottest Retailer Hit a Bull's-eye |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location=Hoboken, New Jersey |isbn=0-471-25067-8 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/ontarget00laur }}</ref>

The retail chain's first distribution center opened in Fridley, Minnesota, in 1969. It included a computerized distribution system and was known as the Northern Distribution Center. During this time, the chain consisted of 17 stores after having expanded into Oklahoma and Texas.<ref name=growth>{{cite news |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n18_v29/ai_8970766 |title=From Roseville to Greatland, Target still hits the mark |work=Discount Store News |date=September 17, 1990 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050528105558/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_n18_v29/ai_8970766 |archive-date=May 28, 2005 }}</ref>

On August 9, 2004, Target announced to its suppliers that it was going to perform a trial on the effects of radio-frequency identification (RFID) on the efficiency of their supply chain management in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. This trial involved one Target distribution center and 10 nearby Target stores. Here, RFID tags were placed on the bar codes of pallets and cartons to track the goods from the suppliers to the distribution center, and from the distribution center to the stores.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=http://informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=26806887| title=Target Meets With Suppliers About RFID Plans| magazine=InformationWeek| date=August 10, 2004| access-date=December 14, 2005| archive-date=December 14, 2005| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051214190444/http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=26806887| url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2009, RFID had been phased out of the Dallas–Fort Worth stores. In 2016, Target planned to roll out the RFID technology at all 1,795 of its store locations across the United States.{{clarify|reason=why was RFID phased out after the 2004 trial and then adopted across all its sites?|date=October 2024}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Target Announces Nationwide RFID Rollout |website=RFID Journal |url=https://www.rfidjournal.com/target-announces-nationwide-rfid-rollout |access-date=July 14, 2020 |date=May 20, 2015 |archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714121639/https://www.rfidjournal.com/target-announces-nationwide-rfid-rollout|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Target opened new distribution centers in 2006 (Rialto, California, DeKalb, Illinois) to support the growth of its stores. On January 27, 2009, Target announced the closing of its distribution center in Maumelle, Arkansas, the second-oldest in the company. The reason cited was the need to ensure that Target remained competitive in the long term.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://investors.target.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=65828&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1248941&highlight=| title=Target announces workforce reduction| date=January 29, 2009| access-date=February 20, 2009| archive-date=March 23, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323090610/http://investors.target.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=65828&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1248941&highlight=| url-status=dead |website=Target Investors}}</ref> In June 2009, Target opened a new distribution center to supply more than 60 stores in three states.<ref>{{cite news |title=Target distribution center opens in Newton |url=https://www.wbtv.com/story/10885305/target-distribution-center-opens-in-newton/ |publisher=WBTV |date=August 11, 2009 |access-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905002342/https://www.wbtv.com/story/10885305/target-distribution-center-opens-in-newton/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

SuperTarget and PFresh stores require fresh produce and refrigerated and frozen items. Food-distribution centers owned by SuperValu have been used by Target for many years. In October 2003, SuperValu's facility in Phoenix, Arizona, was converted to serve Target exclusively.<ref name=RT>{{cite web| url=http://refrigeratedtrans.com/news/Target-planning-FL-food-distribution-center/| publisher=Refrigerated Transporter| date=February 1, 2007| title=Target aims for FL food distribution center| access-date=August 24, 2009| archive-date=April 13, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413191255/http://refrigeratedtrans.com/news/Target-planning-FL-food-distribution-center/| url-status=live}}</ref> The same change was implemented at the SuperValu center in Fort Worth, Texas.<ref name=TARGET>{{cite web| url=http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-stores/target-distribution-centers.aspx| title=Target Stores, Target Distribution Centers| publisher=Target| access-date=August 24, 2009| archive-date=September 4, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904083346/http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-stores/target-distribution-centers.aspx| url-status=live}}</ref> A new distribution center was constructed by Target in Lake City, Florida, to serve the Southeast, but it was operated by SuperValu until 2011, when it transitioned to Target.<ref name=RT/> A fourth center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, opened in 2009 and is unique in that it is located adjacent to a standard Target Distribution Center, each using the same dispatch office.<ref name=TARGET/> Other warehouses owned by SuperValu are still used in other regions, but Target plans to replace those over the next few years.<ref name=RT/> In Colorado, stores are serviced through FreshPack Produce Inc. of Denver.<ref name=rowley/> In the mid-Atlantic region/Philadelphia market, C&S Wholesale Grocers services the fresh produce, meat, dairy, bakery, and frozen-food needs to PFresh stores. Target partnered with Swisslog Holding to use a semiautomated monorail picking system called the CaddyPick system for use in the food-distribution centers.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The company operates four facilities to receive shipments from overseas manufacturers and suppliers. They are located near ports at Rialto, California; Savannah, Georgia; Lacey, Washington; and Suffolk, Virginia. Merchandise received is sent directly to Regional Distribution Centers. Internet sales orders from the Target Direct division, which operates from the Target.com website, are processed by the facility in Woodbury, Minnesota, with some support from Savannah, Georgia, and other vendors. New centers opened in Ontario, California, and Tucson, Arizona, in 2009.<ref name=TARGET /> In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Target supply chain and inventory teams worked proactively to move products fast, and they hired more than 30,000-year-round supply chain team members to bolster their team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Checking in on Target's Holiday Supply Chain Strategy|url=http://corporate.target.com/article/2021/10/supply-chain-update|access-date=November 28, 2021|website=Target Corporate|language=en|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128070915/https://corporate.target.com/article/2021/10/supply-chain-update|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Distribution centers=== <gallery widths="240px" heights="150px"> File:TargetWarehouseFKL.jpg|Reach forklifts at a Target distribution center File:TargetDCSWSL.jpg|Target distribution center with a Swisslog CaddyPick system File:TargetDCLC19.jpg|T-3892 Target food distribution center in Lake City, Florida File:Target Distribution Center, Tift County.jpg|T-0556 Target regional distribution center in Tifton, Georgia </gallery>

{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! Distribution center ! style=max-width:8em; |Type ! style=max-width:8em; |Location |- ! T-580 | rowspan="2" | Regional | Madison, Alabama |- ! T-588 | Phoenix, Arizona |- ! T-9478 | E-commerce fulfillment | Tucson, Arizona |- ! T-0553 | Regional | Fontana, California |- ! T-9479 | E-commerce Fulfillment | Ontario, California |- ! T-3806 | Regional | rowspan="3" | Rialto, California |- ! T-3807 | Import |- ! T-3899 | Food |- ! T-0593 | rowspan="3" | Regional | Shafter, California |- ! T-0555 | Woodland, California |- ! T-0554 | Pueblo, Colorado |- ! T-3892 | Food | Lake City, Florida |- ! T-3808 | rowspan="2" | Regional | Midway, Georgia |- ! T-3862 | Lawrenceville, Georgia |- ! T-3810 | Import | Savannah, Georgia |- ! T-0556 | Regional | Tifton, Georgia |- ! T-3865 |{{ubl|Flow Center, UDC, RDC, E{{nbh}}commerce fulfillment|(Like {{no wrap|Logan Township, NJ,}} T{{nbh}}3857 it is the second MFC, doing UDC, RDC, E{{nbh}}commerce and reverse logistics)}} | Chicago, Illinois |- ! T-3897 | Consolidation Center | Elwood, Illinois |- ! T-9275 | Speciality Distribution (SDC) | Joliet, Illinois |- ! T-3809 | Regional | DeKalb, Illinois |- ! – | Central returns | rowspan="2" | Indianapolis, Indiana |- ! T-0559 | rowspan="2" | Regional |- ! T-0590 | rowspan="2" | Cedar Falls, Iowa |- ! T-3895 | Food |- ! T-3803 | rowspan="3" | Regional | Topeka, Kansas |- ! T-0587 | Galesburg, Michigan |- ! T-0551 | Fridley, Minnesota |- ! T-9407 | rowspan="2" | E-commerce fulfillment | Woodbury, Minnesota |- ! T-3844 | Perth Amboy, New Jersey |- !T-3857 | Flow Center, UDC, RDC, E-commerce | Logan Township, New Jersey |- !T-9156 | E-commerce fulfillment | Burlington, New Jersey |- ! T-3802 | rowspan="3" | Regional | Amsterdam, New York |- ! T-0579 | Wilton, New York |- ! T-3811 | Newton, North Carolina |- ! T-3880 | Food | rowspan="2" | West Jefferson, Ohio |- ! T-3804 | rowspan="3" | Regional |- ! T-0558 | Albany, Oregon |- ! T-0589 | Chambersburg, Pennsylvania |- ! T-1875 | E-commerce fulfillment | York, Pennsylvania |- ! T-3863 | Sortation Center | King of Prussia, Pennsylvania |- ! T-0594 | Regional | Lugoff, South Carolina |- ! T-3866 | Sortation Center | Austin, TX (opened late 2021) |- ! T-3861 | Sortation Center and E-commerce | Dallas, Texas (opened 2022) |- ! T-3897 | Food | Denton, Texas |- ! T-3859 | rowspan="4" | Regional | Houston, Texas (opened in 2022) |- ! T-3801 | Midlothian, Texas |- ! T-0578 | Tyler, Texas |- ! T-0560 | Stuarts Draft, Virginia |- ! T-3800 | rowspan="2" | Import | Suffolk, Virginia |- ! T-0600 | Lacey, Washington |- ! T-0557 | Regional | Oconomowoc, Wisconsin |}

==Corporate affairs== ===Headquarters=== [[File:Target Plaza South.jpg|right|thumb|Target Plaza South, a portion of the Target Corporation headquarters complex in downtown Minneapolis, United States: The building originally featured the Target Light System, created by using 3M light pipes,<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2003/04/14/focus2.html?page=1 Target Lights create evolving Minneapolis landmark] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104002637/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2003/04/14/focus2.html?page=1 |date=November 4, 2016 }}, ''Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal'', April 11, 2003.</ref> but was replaced by more energy-efficient LEDs in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2011/05/13/target-hq-light-show-high-def.html|title=Target Mpls skyline light show to go high def|date=May 13, 2011|work=Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-date=February 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203032618/http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2011/05/13/target-hq-light-show-high-def.html|url-status=live}}</ref>]] Target Corporation has its headquarters on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis<ref>"[http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031463 Corporate Headquarters]." {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118054646/http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031463 |date=November 18, 2010 }}. Target Corporation. Retrieved on July 8, 2010. "Target Corporate Headquarters 1000 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55440"</ref> near the site of the original Goodfellows store.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peloquin|first=Jahna|date=October 22, 2017|title=Can the Dayton's Project Bring Back the Magic of Dayton's?|url=https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/arts-entertainment/can-the-daytons-project-bring-back-the-magic-of-daytons/|access-date=April 7, 2021|website=Minnesota Monthly|language=en-US|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221111322/https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/arts-entertainment/can-the-daytons-project-bring-back-the-magic-of-daytons/|url-status=live}}</ref> The complex includes Target Plaza North and Target Plaza South. Ryan Companies developed the complex, and Ellerbe Becket served as the architect. Target had the roughly $260 million complex developed to provide one location of office space for 6,000 employees. The 14-story Target Plaza North has {{convert|600000|sqft|sqm}} of office and retail space, while the 32-story Target Plaza South has {{convert|1250000|sqft|sqm}} of space.<ref>"[http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/target_towers.asp Target Office Towers]." {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117163710/http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/target_towers.asp |date=January 17, 2012 }}. City of Minneapolis. Retrieved on July 8, 2010.</ref> In October 2014, Target completed construction of an 1,600,000 square feet corporate campus in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, called Target Northern Campus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Target Northern Campus {{!}} Ryan Companies |url=https://www.ryancompanies.com/project/target-northern-campus |access-date=July 27, 2023 |website=www.ryancompanies.com |date=July 19, 2016 |language=en}}</ref>

Michael Fiddelke serves as CEO of Target Corporation, having succeeded Brian Cornell on February 1, 2026. Cornell transitioned to the role of executive chairman of the board.<ref name="corporate.target.com">{{Cite web |title=Target Appoints Michael Fiddelke As Chief Executive Officer |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/release/2025/08/target-appoints-michael-fiddelke-as-chief-executive-officer |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=corporate.target.com |language=en}}</ref> Cornell had served as chairman and CEO since 2014. In January 2016, Cornell began making home visits in an effort to understand better the needs and desires of his customers.<ref name="Target CEO Brian Cornell visiting homes of customers">{{cite news|last1=Crosby|first1=Jackie|title=Target CEO Brian Cornell visiting homes of customers|url=http://www.startribune.com/target-to-add-1-000-technology-jobs-in-year-ahead/365965181/|newspaper=Star Tribune|access-date=January 21, 2016|date=January 20, 2016|archive-date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122072308/http://www.startribune.com/target-to-add-1-000-technology-jobs-in-year-ahead/365965181/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2016, Target fired Tina Tyler from her job as chief stores officer. She was replaced with long-time employee Janna Potts.<ref name="Wall Street Journal: Home Depot Replaces Head of U.S. Stores Business">{{cite news|last1=Ziobro|first1=Paul|title=Home Depot Replaces Head of U.S. Stores Business|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/home-depot-replaces-head-of-u-s-stores-business-1453239562|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|access-date=January 21, 2016|date=January 19, 2016|archive-date=January 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121052013/http://www.wsj.com/articles/home-depot-replaces-head-of-u-s-stores-business-1453239562|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 26, 2020, the headquarters building was broken into and damaged during the Minneapolis false rumours riot.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fox9.com/news/minneapolis-police-say-shooting-suspect-died-by-suicide-on-nicollet-mall-video-released |date=August 26, 2020 |title=Minneapolis police say shooting suspect died by suicide on Nicollet Mall, video released |work=Fox 9 |access-date=September 17, 2025 |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827182036/https://www.fox9.com/news/minneapolis-police-say-shooting-suspect-died-by-suicide-on-nicollet-mall-video-released |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/a-list-of-the-buildings-damaged-during-rioting-in-minneapolis |date=August 27, 2020 |title=A list of the buildings damaged during rioting in Minneapolis |work=Maven Networks |access-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828015802/https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/a-list-of-the-buildings-damaged-during-rioting-in-minneapolis |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/08/27/widespread-looting-leaves-downtown-minneapolis-shattered-mayor-says-more-destruction-will-not-be-tolerated/ |date=August 27, 2020 |title=Looting Along Nicollet Mall Leaves Downtown Minneapolis Shattered; Mayor Says More Destruction Will 'Not Be Tolerated' |work=CBS Minnesota |access-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210062536/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/08/27/widespread-looting-leaves-downtown-minneapolis-shattered-mayor-says-more-destruction-will-not-be-tolerated/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three Minnesota residents were later convicted of federal arson charges for setting fires inside the building during the riot.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|date=January 25, 2021|title=Two Men Plead Guilty To Arson Of Target Corporation Headquarters|url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/two-men-plead-guilty-arson-target-corporation-headquarters|access-date=August 13, 2021|website=www.justice.gov|publisher=U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota|language=en|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209194907/https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/two-men-plead-guilty-arson-target-corporation-headquarters|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite web|date=August 12, 2021|title=Federal Jury Convicts St. Paul Man in Target Headquarters Arson|url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-convicts-st-paul-man-target-headquarters-arson|access-date=August 13, 2021|website=www.justice.gov|publisher=U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota|language=en|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207194842/https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-convicts-st-paul-man-target-headquarters-arson|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Chao|last=Xiong|title=At least 19 charged with burglary, assault in Minneapolis riot|url=https://www.startribune.com/at-least-19-charged-with-burglary-assault-in-minneapolis-riot/572256452/|access-date=December 1, 2021|website=Star Tribune|date=August 29, 2020 |archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210062704/https://www.startribune.com/at-least-19-charged-with-burglary-assault-in-minneapolis-riot/572256452/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Diversity=== The company states that "individuality may include a wide spectrum of attributes such as personal style, age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, language, physical ability, religion, family, citizenship status, socio-economic circumstances, education, and life experiences."<ref>[http://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-002097 Diversity Statement] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629131339/http://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-002097 |date=June 29, 2006 }}, Target Corporation.</ref>

In February 2006, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) filed a class action discrimination lawsuit in Northern California's Alameda County Superior Court, claiming that Target's commercial website contains "thousands of access barriers that make it difficult, if not impossible, for blind customers to use."<ref>{{cite web| last=Meyers| first=Michelle| url=http://news.cnet.com/Blind-patrons-sue-Target-for-site-inaccessibility/2100-1030_3-6038123.html| title=Blind patrons sue Target for site inaccessibility – CNET News| website=CNET| access-date=February 21, 2010| archive-date=August 7, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807105220/http://news.cnet.com/Blind-patrons-sue-Target-for-site-inaccessibility/2100-1030_3-6038123.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Target Corporation settled the lawsuit in October 2008, paying $6 million and agreeing to work with the NFB over the next three years improving the usability of the Target.com site.<ref>{{cite news|first=Steve |last=Alexander |url=http://www.startribune.com/business/27570799.html?page=1&c=y |title=Target settles suit over Web access |work=Star Tribune |date=August 27, 2008 |access-date=February 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015185337/http://www.startribune.com/business/27570799.html?page=1&c=y |archive-date=October 15, 2012 }}</ref>

On August 24, 2009, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a discrimination lawsuit against Target Corporation for unlawfully denying reasonable accommodation to an employee with multiple disability-based impairments and substantially reducing his work hours due to the medical conditions.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://6abc.com/archive/6981568/| title=EEOC Sues Target For Disability Discrimination| publisher=ABC| date=August 25, 2009| access-date=January 1, 2013| archive-date=December 13, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213205518/http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news%2Fbusiness&id=6981568| url-status=live}}</ref> According to the claims in the EEOC press release, Target's actions violated Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title I of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.eeoc.gov/press/8-24-09.html| title=Target Stores Sued For Disability Discrimination| publisher=Equal Opportunity Employment Commission| access-date=February 21, 2010| archive-date=September 10, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090910235019/http://www.eeoc.gov/press/8-24-09.html| url-status=dead}}</ref>

In February 2012, the company extended the team member discount to same-sex partners of employees. It had received a 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index Score, prior to donating funds to Minnesota Forward.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hrc.org/issues/workplace/organization_profile.asp?organization_id=1153&search_id=1&search_type=Quick |title=Profile: Target Corp. |work=Human Rights Campaign |access-date=July 30, 2010 |archive-date=July 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722164548/http://www.hrc.org/issues/workplace/organization_profile.asp?organization_id=1153&search_id=1&search_type=Quick |url-status=live }}</ref>

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has repeatedly given Target failing grades on its annual Economic Reciprocity Initiative report card, a measure of the company's "commitment to the African-American citizenry". In 2003 and 2005, the NAACP has rated Target an "F" on this report; in 2004, Target was rated a "D−".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/economy/economic_gen_merc_report_card-04.pdf |title=NAACP General Merchandising Industry Report Card |publisher=National Association for the Advancement of Colored People |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213201521/http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/economy/economic_gen_merc_report_card-04.pdf |archive-date=February 13, 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2005-07-12/index.html| title=NAACP 2005 Industry Surveys Give Five Major Industries "C" and "D" Grades| publisher=National Association for the Advancement of Colored People| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524103354/http://www.naacp.org/news/press/2005-07-12/index.html| archive-date=May 24, 2011| df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/economy/economic_gen_merc_report_card-05.pdf |title=NAACP General Merchandising Industry Report Card |publisher=National Association for the Advancement of Colored People |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213202047/http://www.naacp.org/inc/docs/economy/economic_gen_merc_report_card-05.pdf |archive-date=February 13, 2006 }}</ref> In 2006, when Target was asked why it didn't participate in the survey again,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naacp.org/advocacy/economic/reportcard/2006/generalmerchandising/ |title=2006 General Merchandising Industry Report Card |publisher=National Association for the Advancement of Colored People |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061130051219/http://www.naacp.org/advocacy/economic/reportcard/2006/generalmerchandising/ |archive-date=November 30, 2006 }}</ref> a representative explained, "Target views diversity as being inclusive of all people from all different backgrounds, not just one group."<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/18/AR2006071800729.html| title=NAACP Issues Corporate Report Cards| author=Erin Texeira| newspaper=The Washington Post| agency=Associated Press| date=July 18, 2006| access-date=September 15, 2017| archive-date=April 28, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428134936/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/18/AR2006071800729.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

Target was ranked by LGBTQ Consumers as a favorite brand in 2016 and 2017 by Community Marketing Inc's 10th and 11th Annual LGBT Community Surveys. In 2018, Target had a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index<ref name="l818">{{cite web|url=https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/corporate-equality-index|title=HRC's 2018 Corporate Equality Index |website=Human Rights Campaign|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=January 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102124940/http://www.hrc.org/campaigns/corporate-equality-index|url-status=live}}</ref> for its corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.

In September 2020, Target published a "Workforce Diversity Report" indicating that 50% of Target's 350K employees are people of color, and over half are women. The report also stated that within the corporate leadership team, people of color account for 24% of the team and 42% are women. On a retail level, 33% of stores are managed by people of color, with more than half of management positions occupied by women.<ref>{{cite web|title=Target touts diversity gains, pledges to hire more Black employees – RetailWire|work=RetailWire |date=September 11, 2020 |url=https://www.retailwire.com/discussion/target-touts-diversity-gains-pledges-to-hire-more-black-employees/|access-date=April 7, 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423072903/https://www.retailwire.com/discussion/target-touts-diversity-gains-pledges-to-hire-more-black-employees/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Brian Cornell publicly declared a commitment to programs at Target to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) following the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. He stated "I recognize that it's time to take it to another level, and that as CEOs, we have to be the company's head of diversity and inclusion."{{cn |date=March 2026}} One of the created programs intended to help Black entrepreneurs develop, test, and scale products to sell at mass retailers promised to spend more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025.{{cn |date=March 2026}}

In 2025, Target announced an abrupt change to these policies following an executive order from President Trump ordering a dismantling of the federal government's DEI programs. Target announced a halt to many of its DEI-related programs. The company also said it would no longer participate in external diversity surveys, including the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.

===Philanthropy=== Target is consistently ranked as one of the most philanthropic companies in the US. It ranked No. 22 in ''Fortune'' magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" for 2010, largely in part to the donation efforts of the company as a whole.<ref>{{cite news| title=World's Most Admired Companies| url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2010/full_list/| access-date=December 5, 2010| publisher=CNN| archive-date=November 29, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129181554/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2010/full_list/| url-status=dead}}</ref> According to a November 2005 ''Forbes'' article, it ranked as the highest cash-giving company in America in percentage of income given (2.1%).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060515230306/http://www.forbes.com/business/2005/11/11/charities-corporations-giving-cx_lm_1114charity.html The Most Charitable Companies], ''Forbes'', November 14, 2005.</ref> Target donates around 5 percent of its pre-tax operating profit; it gives over $3 million a week (up from $2 million in years prior) to the communities in which it operates. It also gives a percentage of charges from its Target Visa to schools designated by the cardholders. To date, Target has given over $150 million to schools across the United States through this program.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

Further evidence of Target's philanthropy can be found in the Target House complex in Memphis, Tennessee, a long-term housing solution for families of patients at the city's St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The corporation led the way with more than $27 million in donations, which made available 96 fully furnished apartments for families needing to stay at St. Jude over 90 days.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

Target has a no-solicitation rule at its properties, as it seeks to provide a "distraction-free shopping experience for its guests." Exemptions to this policy were previously made for the Salvation Army red kettles and bell-ringers outside Target stores during the holidays through Christmas. In 2004, however, Target asked the organization to explore alternate methods to partner with Target. Target donates to local Salvation Army chapters through its grant program and annually to the United Way of America (the Salvation Army is a member of the United Way coalition).{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In 2005, Target and the Salvation Army<ref>[http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn%5Cwww_usn.nsf/vw-news/A2C8D799DEE5BE74802570B90052D6C7?opendocument Target and The Salvation Army Announce Partnership] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060222085916/http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf/vw-news/A2C8D799DEE5BE74802570B90052D6C7?opendocument |date=February 22, 2006 }}, The Salvation Army, November 14, 2005.</ref> created a joint effort called "The Target/Salvation Army Wish List", where online shoppers could donate goods to the organization for hurricane victims by buying them directly from Target.com between November 25, 2005, and January 25, 2006. In 2006, it created another joint effort called "The Target/Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree",<ref>[http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn%5Cwww_usn.nsf/vw-news/C243B3583468A6E7852572260057D753?opendocument Target Launches Multi-Faceted Christmas Partnership With The Salvation Army] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061122191207/http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn.nsf/vw-news/C243B3583468A6E7852572260057D753?opendocument |date=November 22, 2006 }}, The Salvation Army, November 14, 2006.</ref> which is an online version of the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program;<ref>[http://target.com/salvationarmy Salvation Army Giving Tree] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128031923/http://target.com/salvationarmy |date=November 28, 2005 }}, Target.com.</ref> in addition to donating proceeds made from the sales of limited edition Harvey Lewis angel ornaments within Target's stores. During the Thanksgiving holiday of 2006, Target and the Salvation Army partnered with magician David Blaine to send several families on a shopping spree the morning of Black Friday. The challenge held that if Blaine could successfully work his way out of a spinning gyroscope by the morning of Black Friday, then several families would receive $500 shopping certificates. The challenge was completed successfully by Blaine.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/story/magician-david-blaine-ends-latest-stunt-by-escaping-from-gyroscope-in-nyc Magician David Blaine Ends Latest Stunt by Escaping From Gyroscope in NYC], FOXNews.com, November 24, 2006.</ref>

During disasters, Target has been a major benefactor for relief efforts. Target provided monetary and product donations during the September 11 attacks; it also donated money for relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami in South Asia and donated $1.5 million (US) to the American Red Cross in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}} It also allowed its store properties in the affected area to be used as command centers for relief organizations and donated supplies such as water and bug spray.

Target will often donate its unused, returned or seasonal merchandise (particularly clothing) to Goodwill Industries.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

=== Environmental record === In 2007, Target Corporation agreed to reduce its sales on all materials containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC).<ref name="newswire1">{{cite news|url=http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/nov2007/2007-11-12-092.asp|publisher=Environment News Service|date=November 12, 2007|access-date=May 4, 2008|title=Target Stores to Phase Out Vinyl Plastic Products|archive-date=February 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228132232/http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/nov2007/2007-11-12-092.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> Testers found toxic lead and phthalates and large amounts of PVC in toys, lunch boxes, baby bibs, jewelry, garden hoses, mini blinds, Christmas trees, and electronics.<ref name="newswire1" /> Several studies have shown that chemicals in vinyl chloride can cause serious health problems for children and adults.<ref name="newswire1" /> The University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago states that people who use products containing PVC can become exposed with harmful toxic phthalates and lead, which eventually can become a big contributor with dioxins.<ref name="newswire1" /> Lois Gibbs, executive director of the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, stated, "Target is doing the right thing by moving away from PVC and switching to safer alternatives."<ref name="newswire1" /> Other companies reducing the PVC on their shelves include Walmart, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Nike, and Apple.<ref name="newswire1" /> Target is beginning to reduce energy use with energy-efficient storefronts and reducing waste with recycling programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/623/Green-Commerce-Is-Good-Commerce/|title=Green Commerce Is Good Commerce|date=December 5, 2007|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-date=May 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512020452/http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/623/Green-Commerce-Is-Good-Commerce/|url-status=live}}</ref> All Target stores in the United States use plastic carts with metal frames. In mid-2006, Target took it a step further when it began introducing a newer cart design made entirely of plastic. It also uses the same design in its hand-use baskets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.plasticsdesign.org/Winners/WinnerDetail.cfm?itemnumber=2783|title=Target All Plastic Shopping Cart – Past Winners – International Plastics Design Competition|date=January 7, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907192045/http://www.plasticsdesign.org/Winners/WinnerDetail.cfm?itemnumber=2783|archive-date=September 7, 2012}}</ref>

Target released a 13-page report in 2007 that outlined its current and future plans for becoming more earth-friendly according to LEED. Such efforts include installing sand filtration systems for the stores' wastewater. Recycling programs will be aimed at garment hangers, corrugated cardboard, electronics, shopping carts, shrink wrap, construction wastes, carpeting, and ceiling tiles and roofing materials. All stores in Oklahoma will be partnered with Oklahoma Gas & Electric to exclusively use wind power for all Target stores to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Stores nationwide use only LED and fluorescent lights and low-flow restrooms that reduce wastewater by 30%.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}} Some Target stores are installing roof gardens or green roofs, which absorb stormwater and cut down on surface runoff, mitigate temperature fluctuations, and provide habitats for birds. There are currently four green-roof Target stores in Chicago.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

Target carries over 700 organic and alternative products from brands such as Archer Farms, Burt's Bees, and Method Products. They also sell clothes made from organic cotton, non-toxic cleaners, low-energy lighting and electronics, non-toxic and non-animal tested cosmetics, and furniture made from recycled materials. {{As of|2007|6}}, Target has been offering reusable shopping bags as an alternative to disposable plastic bags. Target gift cards are made from corn-based resins. All of the stores' packaging is done with a modified paperboard/clamshell option and has goals for phasing out plastic wrap completely.<ref>Target Corporation. [http://sites.target.com/images/corporate/about/responsibility_report/responsibility_report_environmental.pdf "Environmental Responsibility." Target Corporation Responsibility Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529174404/http://sites.target.com/images/corporate/about/responsibility_report/responsibility_report_environmental.pdf|date=May 29, 2008}}. June 2007. Date Accessed: April 16, 2008</ref>

In collaboration with MBH Architects, Target's first "green" building was a 100,000+{{nbsp}}square foot Target store built in 1995 in Fullerton, California. It was a part of the EPA Energy Star Showcase for its use of skylights that cut the original energy consumption by 24% with a 5-year payback.<ref>Dobrovolny, Peter. "[http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/light/conserve/sustainability/studies/cv5_ss.htm Sustainability: High Performance Buildings Deliver Increased Retail Sales]." {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050405030406/http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/light/conserve/sustainability/studies/cv5_ss.htm|date=April 5, 2005}}. Seattle.gov. Date accessed: March 17, 2008</ref> Target and MBH Architects were awarded the "Green Lights Partner/Ally of the Year Award".<ref>Brookter, Carolyn. "[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1996_June_4/ai_18355343 Target receives National Energy-efficiency award; EPA Partnerships Signify Commitment to Environment and Communities]." {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080508021153/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1996_June_4/ai_18355343|date=May 8, 2008}}. ''Business Wire''. June 4, 1996. Date accessed: April 16, 2008.</ref>

Target is the only national retailer employing a Garment Hanger reuse program, which keeps millions of pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills. In 2007, this program prevented 434{{nbsp}}million hangers from entering landfills.<ref>{{cite web|website=RecycleNation|title=On Target with Sustainability|date=January 18, 2013|url=https://recyclenation.com/2013/01/target-sustainability/|access-date=January 25, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125143303/https://recyclenation.com/2013/01/target-sustainability/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 15, 2009, the California Attorney General and 20 California District Attorneys filed a lawsuit in Alameda County alleging that Target stores across the state have been illegally dumping hazardous wastes in landfills.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pressbanner.com/pages/full_story?page_label=opinion_letters&id=2806048-Attorney+general+targets+Target&article-Attorney%20general%20targets%20Target%20=&widget=push&instance=opinion_letters&open|title=Attorney general targets Target|work=Press-Banner|location=Scotts Valley, Calif.|date=June 26, 2009|access-date=February 21, 2010|archive-date=July 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715112419/http://pressbanner.com/pages/full_story?page_label=opinion_letters&id=2806048-Attorney+general+targets+Target&article-Attorney%20general%20targets%20Target%20=&widget=push&instance=opinion_letters&open|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 1, 2009, Target Corporation agreed to pay a $600,000 civil penalty for importing and selling a variety of toys with lead paint levels that were higher than is legally allowed. The Consumer Products Safety Commission alleged that "Target knowingly imported and sold the illegal Chinese-made toys between May 2006 and August 2007."<ref>[http://www.azcentral.com/business/consumer/articles/2009/10/01/20091001targetlead.html Target penalized for toys with lead paint] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221111401/https://help.azcentral.com/|date=February 21, 2022}}, ''AZ Central''. August 1, 2009. Retrieved June 27, 2013.</ref> A similar problem occurred a few months later in February 2010, when Target pulled Valentine's Day "message bears" from its shelves at the request of the California attorney general's office. The bears, which were manufactured in China, contained more lead than is permissible under federal law for children under 12.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerdc/article_272630344.shtml |title = Target Bears Recall (Photo) "Message Bears" for Valentine's Day Pulled |work = National Ledger |date = February 10, 2010 |access-date = February 10, 2010 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100302163506/http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerdc/article_272630344.shtml |archive-date = March 2, 2010 }}</ref>

A class action suit was filed in 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, on behalf of consumers in Ohio that purchased Target{{nbh}}brand wet wipes. The lawsuit filed against Target Corporation alleges the retailer misled consumers by marking the packaging on its up & up brand wipes as flushable and safe for sewer and septic systems. The lawsuit also alleges that so-called flushable wipes are a public health hazard because they are alleged to clog pumps at municipal waste-treatment facilities.<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Lorenzo B. Cellini|author2=Tycko & Zavareei LLP|title=Class Action Lawsuit Alleges That Target-Brand Flushable Wipes Are Not Suitable For Flushing And Can Clog Pipes And Damage Sewer And Septic Systems|magazine=The National Law Review|date=April 18, 2014|url=http://www.natlawreview.com/article/class-action-lawsuit-alleges-target-brand-flushable-wipes-are-not-suitable-flushing-|access-date=April 19, 2014|archive-date=April 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419155629/http://www.natlawreview.com/article/class-action-lawsuit-alleges-target-brand-flushable-wipes-are-not-suitable-flushing-|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 27, 2017, Target announced a corporate goal to install rooftop solar panels in 500{{nbsp}}buildings by 2020 with each project reducing 15 to 40{{nbsp}}percent of a property's energy needs. Target also unveiled its first solar installation in shape of the bullseye logo at a distribution center in Phoenix, Arizona.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hello, Sunshine: See Target's Latest Solar Installations Take Shape|url=http://corporate.target.com/article/2017/04/solar-power-update|access-date=July 27, 2023|website=Target Corporate|language=en}}</ref>

On December 5, 2018, Alameda County District Attorney O'Malley announced fining Target $7.4{{nbsp}}million for putting illegal e-waste, medical supplies and private information into the garbage.<ref name="ACDAO-121418">{{cite web|title=$7.4M Settlement with Target for Environmental Violations|url=http://www.alcoda.org/newsroom/2018/dec/target_settlement|website=Alameda County District Attorney's Office|access-date=December 14, 2018|archive-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214164058/http://www.alcoda.org/newsroom/2018/dec/target_settlement|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 23, 2018, Target announced plans to accelerate its electric vehicle program by installing charging stations at more than 600 parking spaces at over 100 sites across 20{{nbsp}}states.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Target's Charging Up Its Electric Vehicle Program to Reach More Than 20 States|url=http://corporate.target.com/article/2018/04/electric-vehicles|access-date=July 27, 2023|website=Target Corporate|language=en}}</ref>

===Customer privacy=== In December 2013, a data breach of Target's systems affected up to 110 million customers.<ref name="auto">"[https://news.yahoo.com/target-says-data-breach-hit-70-mn-customers-150615694.html Target says data breach up to 110 mn customers]." {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112003710/https://news.yahoo.com/target-says-data-breach-hit-70-mn-customers-150615694.html |date=January 12, 2014 }}. AFP. Retrieved on December 27, 2013.</ref><ref>"[https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/12/27/target-confirms-encrypted-pin-data-stolen/4219415/ Target confirms encrypted PIN data stolen]." {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031231543/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/12/27/target-confirms-encrypted-pin-data-stolen/4219415/ |date=October 31, 2017 }}. USA Today. Retrieved on May 23, 2015.</ref> Compromised customer information included names, phone numbers, email and mailing addresses.<ref name="yahoo millions more">"[https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-breach-affected-millions-more-184807005.html Target: Breach affected millions more customers]". {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425033046/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-breach-affected-millions-more-184807005.html |date=April 25, 2017 }}. Yahoo! Finance. Retrieved on May 22, 2015.</ref> In March 2015, Target reached a class-action settlement with affected consumers for $10 million (plus class-action attorney fees).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/03/19/technology/security/target-data-hack-settlement/|title=Target will pay hack victims $10 million|author=Charles Riley and Jose Pagliery|date=March 19, 2015|work=CNNMoney|access-date=August 3, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926233354/https://money.cnn.com/2015/03/19/technology/security/target-data-hack-settlement/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In May 2016, Target settled with affected banks and credit unions for $39 million (plus class-action attorney fees), of which $19 million would be disbursed by a MasterCard program.<ref>{{cite news|title=Target Data Breach Settlement With Banks Gets Final OK|url=http://www.bna.com/target-data-breach-n57982072561/|access-date=May 21, 2016|work=Bloomberg BNA/Bloomberg Law|archive-date=May 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519120902/http://www.bna.com/target-data-breach-n57982072561/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== International operations == As of 2025, Target operates only in the United States, although from 2013 to 2015, Target also operated stores in Canada. Other companies that are under the name of "Target" outside of the United States, most notably that of Target Australia,<ref>{{Cite web |last=THOMAS LEE |first=Star Tribune |date=2013-08-25 |title=Target has a twin in Australia, but they're not related |url=https://www.startribune.com/target-has-a-twin-in-australia-but-they-re-not-related/220867991 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=www.startribune.com |language=en}}</ref> are not owned or operated by the Target Corporation.

==Labor relations== In 2015, Target followed Walmart in raising its minimum wage to $9 per hour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-target-wages-exclusive-idUSKCN0XF2L4|work=Reuters|date=April 18, 2016|title=Exclusive: Target increases minimum wage to $10 an hour – sources|author=Nandita Bose|quote=Target ... raised its minimum pay rate in April 2015 to $9 an hour, up from the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour at the time.|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=May 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530231357/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-target-wages-exclusive-idUSKCN0XF2L4|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, Target announced that the minimum hourly wage would be increased to $11 by October 2017 and pledged to raise it to $15 (referred to as "living wage" by labor advocates) by 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/r-target-raises-minimum-hourly-wage-to-11-pledges-15-by-end-of-2020-2017-9|title=Target raises its minimum wage and promises to get to $15 per hour by the end of 2020|work=Business Insider|date=September 25, 2017|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925170407/http://www.businessinsider.com/r-target-raises-minimum-hourly-wage-to-11-pledges-15-by-end-of-2020-2017-9|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/14/fight-for-15-protests-fair-minimum-wage|title=Fight for $15 protesters across US demand living wage in day of action|work=Guardian|date=April 14, 2016|access-date=September 26, 2017|archive-date=September 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926235341/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/14/fight-for-15-protests-fair-minimum-wage|url-status=live}}</ref> By April 2019, the company announced that it was on track to meet this goal, increasing its minimum wage to $13 per hour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/04/target-raises-its-minimum-wage-to-13-an-hour-aims-for-15-by-2020.html|title=Target raises its minimum wage to $13 an hour, with goal of reaching $15 by end of 2020|last=Reagan|first=Courtney|date=April 4, 2019|website=CNBC|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404131959/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/04/target-raises-its-minimum-wage-to-13-an-hour-aims-for-15-by-2020.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, Target announced ahead of schedule that the minimum hourly wage would rise to $15 permanently, after previously announcing it to be temporary through July 4, 2020. As a thank you to store and distribution center team members who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Target also announced a one-time $200 bonus to be paid towards the end of July 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Target began providing additional team member resources to help team members meet essential needs, obtain virtual healthcare, and take a paid leave of absence (based on certain medical or physical criteria that may cause exposure to coronavirus).<ref>{{cite web|last=Hanbury|first=Mary|title=Target says it's permanently raising its minimum wage to $15 an hour|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/target-raises-its-minimum-wage-to-15-dollars-an-hour-2020-6|access-date=June 26, 2020|website=Business Insider|archive-date=June 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628080510/https://www.businessinsider.com/target-raises-its-minimum-wage-to-15-dollars-an-hour-2020-6|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How Target's Continuing to Invest in Team Members with $15 Starting Minimum Wage—And Much More|url=http://corporate.target.com/article/2020/06/pay-and-benefits-update|access-date=June 26, 2020|website=Target Corporate|language=en|archive-date=June 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629024745/https://corporate.target.com/article/2020/06/pay-and-benefits-update|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2021, Target began offering all of its hourly employees up to four hours of pay when they get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as covering the cost of a Lyft ride, up to $15 each way, to the vaccination appointment.<ref>{{cite web|last=Repko|first=Melissa|date=February 10, 2021|title=Target offers extra pay, free transportation to hourly employees who get Covid vaccines|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/10/target-offers-extra-pay-free-rides-to-employees-who-get-covid-shots.html|access-date=February 10, 2021|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=February 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210171024/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/10/target-offers-extra-pay-free-rides-to-employees-who-get-covid-shots.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2021, Target announced a $200 million investment to offer debt-free degrees to more than 340,000 full-time and part-time team members at stores, distribution centers, and headquarters locations.{{Citation needed|date=July 2024}}

In December 2021, an employee at a Target store in Indianapolis, Indiana named Andrew Stacy filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that a manager at the store confiscated union flyers that Stacy was distributing with a co-worker and then interrogated the co-worker about the flyers.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Sainato |first=Michael |date=2022-02-10 |title=Target directing store managers to prevent workers from unionizing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/10/target-directs-managers-prevent-workers-from-unionizing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414094713/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/10/target-directs-managers-prevent-workers-from-unionizing |archive-date=2024-04-14 |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

==Corporate identity== ===Differentiation from competitors=== Target claims to offer upscale products at below average costs.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Tuttle |first=Brad |date=October 5, 2016 |title=Why Target Is Focusing on Millennials and Cities Instead of Suburban Moms |website=Money.com |url=https://money.com/target-small-stores-millennials-cities-college-towns/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501215328/https://money.com/target-small-stores-millennials-cities-college-towns/ |archive-date=May 1, 2022}}</ref> Douglas J. Dayton, one of the Dayton brothers, explained John Geisse's concept: {{cquote|"We will offer high-quality merchandise at low margins because we are cutting expenses. We would much rather do this than trumpet dramatic price cuts on cheap merchandise."<ref name=growth/>}}

Target stores tend market their products to younger customers than Walmart, among other competitors. The median Target shopper is 40, the youngest of all major discount retailers that Target competes directly against. The median household income of Target's customer base is roughly $64,000. Roughly 76% of Target customers are female, and more than 43% have children at home. About 80% have attended college and 57% have completed college.<ref name=community>{{cite web|url=http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/grad/html/gfinfo.html |title=Community of Grand Forks |access-date=June 11, 2007 |publisher=University of North Dakota |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219205819/http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/grad/html/gfinfo.html |archive-date=December 19, 2007 }}</ref><ref name=factcard>{{cite web| url=http://sites.target.com/images/corporate/about/pdfs/corp_factcard_101107.pdf| title=Corporate Fact Card| publisher=Target Corporation| date=October 10, 2007| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128161431/http://sites.target.com/images/corporate/about/pdfs/corp_factcard_101107.pdf| archive-date=November 28, 2007| df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In October 2008, Target announced plans to fight the perception that its products are more expensive than those of other discount retailers. It added perishables to its inventory, cut back on discretionary items, and spent three-quarters of its marketing budget on advertising that emphasizes value and includes actual prices of items featured in ads. Target also planned to slow its expansion from about 100 stores a year down to 70 stores a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.marketingdoctor.tv/2008/10/24/value-for-money-is-back--target-does-marketing-right.aspx |date=October 23, 2008 |title=Value For Money Is Back – Target Does Marketing Right |publisher=Marketing Doctor Blog |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112221355/http://blog.marketingdoctor.tv/2008/10/24/value-for-money-is-back--target-does-marketing-right.aspx |archive-date=January 12, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/target-intensify-value-message-vend/story.aspx?guid={3530B21A-2435-466C-A282-42594139AE9F}| date=October 23, 2008| title=Target to emphasize value, add perishables| publisher=Market Watch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewarticle+articleid_2802564.html| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104032318/http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewarticle+articleid_2802564.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=January 4, 2013| date=November 15, 2008| title=Earnings Preview – Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT)| publisher=iStockAnalyst}}</ref>

Target stores are designed to compete against large big-box stores by having wider aisles, drop ceilings, and its own unique presentation of merchandise. Graphics around the store reinforce its advertising imagery, while shelves are dressed with contemporary signage, backdrops, and liners, often printed on inexpensive material such as paper, corrugated and foam boards. Some stores, particularly those in the vicinity of major airports, have a bullseye painted on the roof that can be seen from above: the stores in East Point, Georgia, near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Rosemont, Illinois, near O'Hare International Airport; Potomac Yard, Virginia, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; College Point, New York (Queens), east of LaGuardia Airport; and Richfield, Minnesota, adjacent to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport are among such locations. The location in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles International Airport and SoFi Stadium, has an LED bullseye logo on its roof, made out of solar panels.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Target+loc:+Rosemont,+Illinois&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=42.006903,-87.887095&spn=0.00287,0.006748&t=k&om=1 |title=Target on rooftop in Rosemont, IL |publisher=Google Maps |access-date=April 24, 2017 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629071749/http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Target+loc:+Rosemont,+Illinois&ie=UTF8&z=18&ll=42.006903,-87.887095&spn=0.00287,0.006748&t=k&om=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |url=https://sloanled.com/stories/on-target-to-a-brighter-future/ |title=On-target to a brighter future. |publisher=SloanLED |access-date=May 15, 2023 }}</ref>

Target stores do not sell firearms. In the early 1990s, it ceased sales of toy guns that looked realistic and limited its toy gun selection to ones that were brightly colored and oddly shaped. In 2014, Target also "respectfully" asked its guests to leave any firearms at home when visiting the store.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/07/06/target-no-guns-request-your-say/12274409/| title=Cheers, grumbles for Target no guns request| newspaper=USA Today| access-date=September 15, 2017| archive-date=January 5, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105204535/https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/07/06/target-no-guns-request-your-say/12274409/| url-status=live}}</ref> They do not sell tobacco products and have not sold cigarettes since 1996.<ref name="responsibility report">[http://sites.target.com/images/corporate/about/pdfs/corp_responsibility_report_0406.pdf Corporate Responsibility Report (PDF)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716093402/http://sites.target.com/images/corporate/about/pdfs/corp_responsibility_report_0406.pdf |date=July 16, 2006 }}, Target Corporation, January 31, 2006.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.target.com/press/corporate|title=corporate|access-date=May 31, 2016|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717032514/https://corporate.target.com/press/corporate|url-status=dead}}</ref> Most Target stores do not play music, but may be changing that from 2017 with a rebranding process, adding music to the rebranded stores.<ref>{{cite web|date=June 20, 2017|first=Blake|last=Bakkila|title=The Surprising Reason Why Target Stores Now Have Background Music|url=https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/target-background-music|access-date=January 25, 2022|website=Real Simple|language=en|archive-date=January 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125143303/https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/target-background-music|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2025, Target discontinued its long-standing competitor price-matching policy, effective July 28, ending the practice of matching prices with retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. The retailer now limits price matching to its own in-store, online, and Target Plus prices within 14 days of purchase, citing customer feedback and a focus on internal pricing consistency.<ref>{{cite web |last= Yu |first= Yi Jin |title=Target ends longtime price-matching policy: What to know |url= https://abcnews.go.com/living/story/target-end-longtime-price-matching-policy-find/?id=123935014 |website=ABC News |date=2025-07-28 |access-date=2025-08-03}}</ref>

===Targét=== Some people jokingly give Target the pseudo-French pronunciation {{IPAc-en|t|ɑr|ˈ|ʒ|eɪ}} {{respell|tar|ZHAY|'}}, as though it were an upscale boutique.<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Friday 2019: Best deals at Target you can still get|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2019/11/30/best-black-friday-target-deals-you-can-still-get/4226696002/|access-date=July 31, 2020|website=USA TODAY|language=en|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808042525/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/reviewedcom/2019/11/30/best-black-friday-target-deals-you-can-still-get/4226696002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news|date=July 7, 2013|title=Douglas J. Dayton, Target Stores' Founding President, Dies at 88|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-07-07/douglas-j-dayton-target-stores-founding-president-dies-at-88?sref=eMecddu3|access-date=July 31, 2020|website=Bloomberg.com|archive-date=October 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010162833/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-07-07/douglas-j-dayton-target-stores-founding-president-dies-at-88?sref=eMecddu3|url-status=live}}</ref> Though this practice is often attributed to Oprah Winfrey's usage on her television show, it is first attested in 1962, the year the first Target store opened.<ref name=":2" /> Target once sold a line of shoes called "Miss Targé;"<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeJDddD4GXM| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/ZeJDddD4GXM| archive-date=October 28, 2021| title=Target 1970| author=((davek70s))| date=September 1, 2011| website=YouTube| access-date=November 29, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> this was reinforced by a 1980s television advertisement starring Didi Conn.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}} This pronunciation has also led some people to incorrectly believe that the company is French-owned.<ref name=rowley/> In recognition of the nickname's popularity and cachet, Target Corporation licensed its new name and logo to Brand Central LLC in 2006, complete with an accent over the letter "E" for a new line of clothing aimed at more upscale fashion customers. The line, "Targét Couture", was originally sold in Los Angeles-based store Intuition, which dealt in high-end brands.<ref name="The Washington Post">{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/20/AR2006062001271.html| title=Where "Target" Will Always Be "Tar-Zhay"| newspaper=The Washington Post| date=June 20, 2006| first=Ylan Q.| last=Mui| access-date=September 15, 2017| archive-date=March 19, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319174436/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/20/AR2006062001271.html| url-status=live}}</ref>

===Nomenclature=== Target uses a practice that was derived in 1989 from The Walt Disney Company<ref name=rowley/> by calling its customers "Guests", its base-level employees "Team Members", and its supervisors "Team Leaders". Also, managers are known as "Executive Team Leaders (ETLs)", "Senior Team Leaders (SRTLs)", or "Service and Engagement Team Leaders (SETLs)", and the Store Manager is known as the "Store Team Leader (STL)", Further up the chain of command are "District Team Leaders (DTL)", "Group Team Leaders (GTL, sometimes also Group Vice President)", "Regional Team Leaders (RTL, sometimes also Regional Vice President)", and corporate-level executives.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

This practice began to be revised in 2018 and became more widespread in 2019 as the Group Team Leader became the Group Operations Director. District Team Leader became the District Senior Director. The Store Team Leader became Store Director. Executive Team Leaders were shortened to Executive Team Lead. Other Team Leaders retained their title though some of the department names changed such as Guest Service Team Leader was renamed Service & Engagement Team Leader. Front of store team members were renamed Guest Advocates. Specialty areas in Style, Beauty and Tech are considered Consultants. Other areas such as General Merchandise, Presentation, Inbound, Fulfillment, Food Service and Reverse Logistics are considered Experts, and Assets Protection and Security Officers are Specialists. Distribution centers and the supply chain including corporate office refers to its employees as Team members, Operations manager, Senior operations manager, Distribution Director, Problem Solvers, and Leads.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Target-Distribution-Operations-Manager-Salaries-E194_D_KO7,38.htm |title=Target Distribution Operations Manager Salaries |publisher=Glassdoor |date=December 13, 2021 |accessdate=February 21, 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120234441/https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Target-Distribution-Operations-Manager-Salaries-E194_D_KO7,38.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Product lines and partnerships=== Target has many exclusive deals with various designers and name brands, including Finnish design company Marimekko; architect Michael Graves; athletic wear company Converse; Portland-based undergarment designer Pair of Thieves; Italian fashion label Fiorucci; fashion designers Lilly Pulitzer, Liz Lange, Mossimo Giannulli, and Isaac Mizrahi, among others.<ref>{{cite web|last=Xie|first=Jenny|date=September 9, 2019|title=Our wishlist for Target's 20th Anniversary Collection of designer collabs|url=https://www.curbed.com/2019/9/9/20851105/target-20th-anniversary-collection-designers-home-goods|access-date=July 31, 2020|website=Curbed|language=en|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808034153/https://www.curbed.com/2019/9/9/20851105/target-20th-anniversary-collection-designers-home-goods|url-status=dead}}</ref> To further increase its fashion profile, Target also created its fashion-forward Go International line, which hires famous designers to design collections available only for a few months.<ref name=michael_graves>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_1999_Feb_8/ai_53904958 Is Target making a Graves mistake?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312085505/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3092/is_1999_Feb_8/ai_53904958 |date=March 12, 2007 }}, ''Discount Store News'', February 8, 1999.</ref>

After hiring architect Michael Graves to design the scaffolding used to renovate the Washington Monument and contributing US$6 million to the restoration plan, Target introduced its first designer line of products in 1999, the Michael Graves Collection of housewares and home decor products.<ref name="michael_graves"/> Walmart and Kmart have followed Target's lead by signing exclusive designers to their stores as well.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 19, 2012|title=Walmart, Target, Kmart, Kohl's Lead 50 Years of Retail Revolution|url=https://adage.com/article/news/walmart-target-kmart-kohl-s-lead-retail-revolution/233379|access-date=July 31, 2020|website=adage.com|language=en|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726231452/https://adage.com/article/news/walmart-target-kmart-kohl-s-lead-retail-revolution/233379|url-status=live}}</ref> Target also partners with well-established national brands to create exclusive collections for its stores.<ref name="michael_graves"/>

In 2005, Target introduced a major revision of prescription bottles, which it calls the ClearRx system. The redesigned bottles are color-coded, flattened-out and turned upside down, providing more room for the label. This system was based on the patent<ref>[http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030214129%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20030214129&RS=DN/20030214129 US patent application 20030214129: Medication packaging and labeling system] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228163408/http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220030214129%22.PGNR.&OS=DN%2F20030214129&RS=DN%2F20030214129 |date=February 28, 2016 }}, U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.</ref> by student Deborah Adler and was named one of ''TIME's'' "Most Amazing Inventions of 2005".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20051124044957/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1129522,00.html Best Inventions 2005: Healthy Options], ''Time'', November 21, 2005.</ref> After Target sold its in-store pharmacy and clinic operations to CVS Health in December 2015, CVS discontinued the use of ClearRx.<ref name="qz">{{cite web |first = Anne |last = Quito |title = People are digging through their trash and reusing Target's well-designed prescription pill bottles |url = https://qz.com/796794/clearrx-people-are-digging-through-their-trash-to-save-targets-well-designed-prescription-pill-bottles/ |website = Quartz |date = September 30, 2016 |access-date = March 23, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161017205857/http://qz.com/796794/clearrx-people-are-digging-through-their-trash-to-save-targets-well-designed-prescription-pill-bottles/ |archive-date = October 17, 2016 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Sometimes manufacturers will create red-colored items exclusively for Target. In 2002, Nintendo produced a red special edition variant of the Game Boy Advance, which featured the Target logo above the screen.<ref name="gameboyadvance">[http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=8056 Target Gets Exclusive New GBA Color!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927203337/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=8056 |date=September 27, 2007 }}, ''Nintendo World Report'', Billy Berghammer, November 25, 2002.</ref>

In 2005, IFC began a partnership with Target to promote a selection of independent films, both in Target stores and on IFC Monday nights at 9:00 pm Eastern. Originally titled ''IFC Cinema Red'', the promotion was rebranded on-air as ''The Spotlight'' in 2007. The in-store headers refer to the selected titles as ''IFC Indies – Independent films chosen for Target by the Independent Film Channel.''<ref>{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5057/is_200607/ai_n18406438 |title=Target welcomes indies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424005028/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5057/is_200607/ai_n18406438 |archive-date=April 24, 2008 |via=Find Articles at BNET |date=July 2006 |url-access=subscription |last1=Spielvogel |first1=Cindy |work=Video Business }}</ref>

In 2016, Target began to enforce gender neutrality in its marketing of toys, and stopped explicitly listed specific toys as being for "boys" or "girls".<ref>{{cite web|title=How gender-targeted marketing is hurting toy retail|url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/how-gender-targeted-marketing-is-hurting-toy-retail/416547/ |date=April 4, 2016 |first1= Jason |last1=Ankeny |access-date=July 31, 2020|website=Retail Dive|language=en-US|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808023132/https://www.retaildive.com/news/how-gender-targeted-marketing-is-hurting-toy-retail/416547/|url-status=live}}</ref> This change came after the store stopped color coding toy aisles with pink and blue for "girls" or "boys", respectively.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schwab|first=Katharine|date=May 5, 2016|title=Beyond Blue and Pink: Will Toys Ever Be Gender-Neutral? |url-access=subscription |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/05/beyond-blue-and-pink-the-rise-of-gender-neutral-toys/480624/|access-date=July 31, 2020|website=The Atlantic|language=en-US|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807223455/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/05/beyond-blue-and-pink-the-rise-of-gender-neutral-toys/480624/|url-status=live}}</ref> This practice was expanded with the February 2016 launch of new children's decor line, Pillowfort, which replaced its Circo brand and features more gender-neutral designs and color schemes.<ref name="startrib-pillowfort">{{cite news|title=Target takes gender-neutral approach with new kids home brand|url=http://www.startribune.com/target-takes-gender-neutral-approach-with-new-kids-home-brand/367849611/|access-date=February 8, 2006|work=Star-Tribune|archive-date=February 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208123837/http://www.startribune.com/target-takes-gender-neutral-approach-with-new-kids-home-brand/367849611/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2021, Target announced it would begin opening "mini Apple shops" in some of its stores.<ref>{{cite web |title=Target to open 'mini Apple shops' in select stores, offer more products online |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/02/25/apple-target-stores-iphone-ipad-shopping-experience-upgrade/6806584002/ |website=usatoday.com |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225195043/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/shopping/2021/02/25/apple-target-stores-iphone-ipad-shopping-experience-upgrade/6806584002/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Gift cards=== The Target GiftCard is the retailing division's stored-value card or gift card. Target sells more gift cards than any other retailer in the United States and is one of the top sellers, by dollars and units, in the world.<ref>[http://www.secinfo.com/d11MXs.112p2.d.htm Target Corporation's Third Quarter Earnings Release conference call] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312225146/http://www.secinfo.com/d11MXs.112p2.d.htm |date=March 12, 2010 }}, ''Securities Information from the SEC EDGAR database'', November 11, 2004.</ref> The unique designs of its cards contribute to its higher sales, as well as Target's policy of no expiration dates or service fees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_iw_l_0/?node=1232828011 |title=About GiftCards: GiftCards |publisher=Target |access-date=February 21, 2010 |archive-date=February 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219040433/http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_iw_l_0/?node=1232828011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Past and current designs include lenticular, "scratch and sniff" (such as peppermint during the Christmas season), glow in the dark, LED light-up, a gift card on the side of a bubble blower, a gift card that can function as a CD-ROM, and even a gift card that allows the sender to record a voice message. A current environmentally friendly gift card is made from bioplastic manufactured from corn.<ref>[http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/01/targets_bioplas.php Target's Bioplastic Gift Card] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614143909/http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/01/targets_bioplas.php |date=June 14, 2006 }}, treehugger, January 31, 2006.</ref> Target rolled out a new MP3 player gift card for the 2006 holiday season. It holds 12 songs and must be purchased with an initial value of at least $50.

Beginning in January 2010, Target Stores rolled out Mobile GiftCards, through which one can produce a GiftCard barcode on any web-capable cell phone. This data matrix barcode can be scanned at a Target POS like any physical card barcode, and balances can be stored, retrieved, and gifted with the convenience of a cell phone.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nelson |first1=Ryan |title=The Target Affiliate Program |url=https://nichefacts.com/target-affiliate-program |website=Niche Facts |access-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702210048/https://nichefacts.com/target-affiliate-program/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Some of these unique design ideas are patented, and these patents are assigned to the Target Brands subsidiary. For example, some such Target GiftCard designs feature a wooden front side. On May 24, 2005, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted U.S. patent D505,450 for the "ornamental design for credit or stored value card with wood layer" to inventors Amy L. Lauer and John D. Mayhew.<ref>{{US patent|D505,450|US design patent D505,450}}: Credit or stored value card with wood layer, U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.</ref> U.S. patent 7004398, for the "stored-value card assembly including a stored-value card, an edible product, and a wrapper", was granted to Michael R. Francis and Barry C. Brooks on February 28, 2006.<ref>{{US patent|7004398}}: Stored-value card with edible product, U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.</ref> Both patents have been assigned by their inventors to Target Brands, Inc.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

Target GiftCards are also collector's items. Some of the first gift cards issued are valued at over $300 (even though the card does not have any money on it). Every year, Target introduces new Holiday GiftCards. In 2007, Target's Holiday GiftCards featured a wind-up flashlight, a musical gift card, a gift card that lights up, and a scented gift card.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

==Target forensic services== In 2006, ''The Washington Post'' revealed that Target was operating two criminal forensics laboratories, one at its headquarters and the other in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.azag.gov/StopMeth/RetailBusinessPerspectiveOnLawEnforcementPartnerships.pdf |title=Target Corporation Assets Protection |author=Office of the Arizona Attorney General |date=2006 |access-date=August 8, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620130430/http://www.azag.gov/StopMeth/RetailBusinessPerspectiveOnLawEnforcementPartnerships.pdf |archive-date=June 20, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Originally, the lab was created with the role of investigating internal instances of theft, fraud, and other criminal actions that have occurred on its own properties. Eventually, the company began offering ''pro bono'' services to law enforcement agencies across the country. Target's Forensic Services has assisted agencies at all levels of government, including such federal agencies as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Secret Service.<ref name=police_work>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/28/AR2006012801268.html|title=Retailer Target Branches Out Into Police Work|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=January 29, 2006|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113095036/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/28/AR2006012801268.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/blog/2006/02/target-sets-sights-on-hard-to-crack.html|title= Target sets sights on hard-to-crack cases|work= CNN|date= February 9, 2006|access-date= February 10, 2006|archive-date= February 21, 2006|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060221104228/http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/blog/2006/02/target-sets-sights-on-hard-to-crack.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Criticism and controversy== ===Animal welfare concerns=== In 2011, Mercy for Animals uncovered apparent animal abuse at a Target egg supplier in Minnesota, Sparboe Farms.<ref>{{cite web| title=McDonald's Cruelty: The Rotten Truth About Egg McMuffins| url=http://www.mcdonaldscruelty.com/| publisher=Mercy For Animals| access-date=September 5, 2012| archive-date=August 24, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824064220/http://www.mcdonaldscruelty.com/| url-status=live}}</ref> The investigation received international media attention, including on ABC's ''Good Morning America'',<ref>{{cite news| title=ABC News Investigation: What's In Your Breakfast| url=http://www.hulu.com/watch/302147| publisher=ABC News Good Morning America| access-date=September 4, 2012| archive-date=March 24, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324220607/http://www.hulu.com/watch/302147| url-status=live}}</ref> ''World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer'',<ref>{{cite news| title=McDonald's – Friday, November 18, 2011| url=http://www.hulu.com/watch/302366| publisher=ABC World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer| access-date=September 4, 2012| archive-date=March 24, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324222951/http://www.hulu.com/watch/302366| url-status=live}}</ref> and ''20/20''.<ref>{{cite news| last=Galli| first=Cindy| title=McDonald's, Target Dump Egg Supplier After Investigation| url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/mcdonalds-dumps-mcmuffin-egg-factory-health-concerns/story?id=14976054#.UGIypVHdKfQ| publisher=ABC News 20/20| access-date=September 4, 2012| archive-date=September 1, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901060505/http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/mcdonalds-dumps-mcmuffin-egg-factory-health-concerns/story?id=14976054#.UGIypVHdKfQ| url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of the investigation, Target discontinued its relationship with the supplier.<ref>{{cite news| last=Ford| first=Dana| title=McDonald's, Target drop egg supplier after animal cruelty report| url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/19/business/sparboe-farms-animal-cruelty/| publisher=CNN| access-date=September 5, 2012| archive-date=January 6, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106130047/http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/19/business/sparboe-farms-animal-cruelty/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last=Hughlett| first=Mike| title=McDonald's, Target fire Minnesota egg company| url=http://www.startribune.com/business/134160418.html?refer=y| work=Star Tribune| access-date=September 4, 2012| archive-date=December 13, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213192832/http://www.startribune.com/business/134160418.html?refer=y| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=McDonald's Drops Large McMuffin Egg Supplier| url=https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/mcdonalds-drops-large-mcmuffin-egg-supplier-14986800| publisher=ABC News| access-date=September 4, 2012| archive-date=July 15, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715080303/http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/mcdonalds-drops-large-mcmuffin-egg-supplier-14986800| url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2016, Target announced that it would discontinue sourcing eggs from hens confined in battery cages by 2025.<ref name="Chicago Sun-Times: Target stores switching to cage-free eggs by 2025">{{cite news|title=Target stores switching to cage-free eggs by 2025|url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/business/7/71/1265865/cage-free-eggs-target|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=January 21, 2016|date=January 20, 2016|archive-date=January 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122103034/http://chicago.suntimes.com/business/7/71/1265865/cage-free-eggs-target|url-status=live}}</ref> As of July 2024, Target reported that 68% of its egg sales were cage-free but stated that it would not meet its 2025 commitment. This prompted criticism by animal welfare and consumer activist organizations that urged the company to uphold its pledge.<ref>{{cite news| last=Norfleet| first=Nicole| title=Target won't meet its cage-free egg goal in 2025| url=https://www.startribune.com/cage-free-cage-free-eggs-target-walmart-sustainability-esg-goals-pledges/601112057| publisher=Minnesota Star Tribune| access-date=May 1, 2025| archive-date=February 17, 2025| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250217020723/https://www.startribune.com/cage-free-cage-free-eggs-target-walmart-sustainability-esg-goals-pledges/601112057| url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2025, activists with Humane World for Animals demonstrated outside Target headquarters to deliver petition signatures demanding that the company set a new timeline to end the use of battery cages and gestation crates in its supply chain.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Brooks |title=Activists pressure Target to set new goal after missing its cage-free eggs deadline |url=https://www.startribune.com/target-cage-free-eggs-deadline-2025-activist-petitions-bird-flu-cost/601445654 |access-date=29 July 2025 |work=Minnesota Star Tribune |date=29 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729215759/https://www.startribune.com/target-cage-free-eggs-deadline-2025-activist-petitions-bird-flu-cost/601445654 |archive-date=July 29, 2025 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===LGBTQ=== {{see also|2023 Target Pride Month merchandise backlash}} In 2010, Pop star Lady Gaga was expected to give the store an exclusive expanded edition of her then-upcoming album ''Born This Way'', but she ended the deal after discovering that then-CEO Gregg Steinhafel donated to a political action group that supported an anti-gay candidate.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-ends-deal-with-target-over-its-support-of-anti-gay-groups-20110309|title=Lady Gaga Ends Deal With Target Over Its Support of Anti-Gay Groups|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 9, 2011|access-date=September 15, 2017|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818010627/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady-gaga-ends-deal-with-target-over-its-support-of-anti-gay-groups-20110309|url-status=live}}</ref> Target apologized<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/05/target-apology-donation|title=Target apologizes for donation to MN Forward|first=Tom|last=Scheck|date=August 5, 2010 |access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072508/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/05/target-apology-donation|url-status=live}}</ref> and began showing outward support of the LGBTQ community.

In May 2023, Target received threats against team members in response to the stores' Pride Month merchandise. Several viral posts on social media incorrectly<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-target-swimsuits-transgender-pride-collection-892500330955|title=Target's Pride collection features 'tuck-friendly' swimsuits for adults, not kids|date=May 25, 2023|website=Associated Press|access-date=June 2, 2023|archive-date=June 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601145522/https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-target-swimsuits-transgender-pride-collection-892500330955|url-status=live}}</ref> claimed that "tuck-friendly" products were being sold to children, which sparked outrage among anti-LGBTQ groups. The products were quickly withdrawn from stores in Southern states, to avoid a "Bud Light situation".<ref>{{cite web |date=May 23, 2023 |title=Target holds 'emergency' meeting over LGBTQ merchandise in some stores to avoid 'Bud Light situation' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/target-holds-emergency-meeting-lgbtq-pride-merchandise-stores-avoid-bud-light-situation |publisher=Fox News}}</ref>

In May 2024, Target announced it would reduce the number of stores that sell its Pride Month collection for the safety of its employees after the backlash and threats received in 2023. The corporation sold its Pride Month collection online for customers who do not live near one of the select stores that carried the merchandise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haworth |first=Jon |title=Target will only sell Pride Month collection in some stores after backlash in 2023 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/target-sell-pride-month-collection-stores-after-backlash/story?id=110101112 |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, Target further retreated from its LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives, as part of a larger retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, as further discussed below.

===Consumer data usage=== On February 12, 2012, ''The New York Times'' published an article which detailed a statistical model that Target had deployed which used customer data to assign guests a "pregnancy prediction score".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Duhigg |first1=Charles |title=How Companies Learn Your Secrets |work=The New York Times |date=February 16, 2012 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> This article contained an account of a father who complained to a store manager about his teenage daughter receiving pregnancy-related coupons and subsequently discovered that his daughter was actually pregnant. This anecdote received wide coverage in other media outlets.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Kashmir |title=How Target Figured Out A Teen Girl Was Pregnant Before Her Father Did |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2012/02/16/how-target-figured-out-a-teen-girl-was-pregnant-before-her-father-did/?sh=79084dec6668 |work=Forbes |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Wagstaff |first1=Keith |title=How Target Knew a High School Girl Was Pregnant Before Her Parents Did |url=https://techland.time.com/2012/02/17/how-target-knew-a-high-school-girl-was-pregnant-before-her-parents/ |magazine=Time |date=February 17, 2012 |publisher=Time USA |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lubin |first1=Gus |title=The Incredible Story Of How Target Exposed A Teen Girl's Pregnancy |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/the-incredible-story-of-how-target-exposed-a-teen-girls-pregnancy-2012-2 |website=Business Insider |publisher=Insider |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> The public backlash focused on privacy concerns and companies using data mining techniques to infer sensitive information about customers, as well as perceived attempts to hide the influence of the model by interspersing pregnancy-related coupons in advertising for general household goods.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ellenburg |first1=Jordan |title=What's Even Creepier Than Target Guessing That You're Pregnant? |url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/06/big-data-whats-even-creepier-than-target-guessing-that-youre-pregnant.html |journal=Slate |date=June 9, 2014 |publisher=The Slate Group |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> Target responded by defending its customer analytics program and stating that the resulting inferences were in compliance with federal and state health information laws.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The controversy also resulted in a wider conversation around informed consent and whether a website's terms of service are sufficient to notify consumers of the potential use of data mining techniques and obtain their consent, and whether the practice is acceptable even with consent.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Krishnamurthy |first1=Vivek |title=Predictive Analytics, Informed Consent, and Privacy: The Case of Target |url=https://www.globalbusinessandhumanrights.com/2012/02/23/predictive-analytics-informed-consent-and-privacy-the-case-of-target/ |website=Global Business and Human Rights |date=February 23, 2012 |publisher=Foley Hoag |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref> In response to this and similar consumer concerns, the White House released a "Consumer Bill of Rights" which outlined consumer expectations for security, transparency, and corporate accountability when it comes to online data usage.<ref>{{cite web |title=We Can't Wait: Obama Administration Unveils Blueprint for a "Privacy Bill of Rights" to Protect Consumers Online |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/23/we-can-t-wait-obama-administration-unveils-blueprint-privacy-bill-rights |website=Obama White House Archives |date=February 23, 2012 |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ramasastry |first1=Anita |title=Should Target Tell Your Loved Ones You Are Pregnant, Or Should You? The Perils of Consumer Data Aggregation, Including Loss of Privacy |url=https://verdict.justia.com/2012/02/28/should-target-tell-your-loved-ones-you-are-pregnant-or-should-you |website=Verdict |date=February 28, 2012 |publisher=Justia |access-date=April 13, 2022}}</ref>

===Bathroom policy and boycott=== thumb|right|Restroom at a Target store

In April 2016, Target announced on its website that it would allow transgender customers and employees access to use restrooms and changing areas that correspond with the gender with which they identify, issuing a statement that said:<ref name=":7" /> <blockquote> "We believe that everyone—every team member, every guest, and every community—deserves to be protected from discrimination, and treated equally. Consistent with this belief, Target supports the federal Equality Act, which provides protections to LGBT individuals, and opposes action that enables discrimination. In our stores, we demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive experience in many ways. Most relevant for the conversations currently underway, we welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity."<ref name=":7">{{cite news|last1=Andrews|first1=Travis|title=Target CEO responds to nationwide boycott of the store over transgender bathroom policy|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/05/13/target-ceo-responds-to-nationwide-boycott-of-the-store-over-transgender-bathroom-policy/|access-date=January 2, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=May 13, 2016|archive-date=January 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/05/13/target-ceo-responds-to-nationwide-boycott-of-the-store-over-transgender-bathroom-policy/|url-status=live}}</ref> </blockquote>

''The New York Times'' called this "the most prominent position taken by a national retailer".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Abrams|first1=Rachel|title=Target Steps Out in Front of Bathroom Choice Debate|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/28/business/target-steps-out-in-front-of-bathroom-choice-debate.html|access-date=May 3, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=April 27, 2016|archive-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503081000/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/28/business/target-steps-out-in-front-of-bathroom-choice-debate.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In response, the American Family Association (AFA), a conservative and Christian fundamentalist group, launched a nationwide boycott, and by April 28 about one million people had signed the AFA's petition.<ref>{{cite news|title=More than 700,000 pledge to boycott Target over transgender bathroom policy|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/04/25/conservative-christian-group-boycotting-target-transgender-bathroom-policy/83491396/|access-date=May 3, 2016|work=USA TODAY|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429074318/http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/04/25/conservative-christian-group-boycotting-target-transgender-bathroom-policy/83491396/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Wahba|first1=Phil|title=Nearly 1 Million Sign Pledge to Boycott Target Over Bathroom Policy|url=http://fortune.com/2016/04/28/target-transgender-bathroom-petition/|access-date=May 2, 2016|work=Fortune|date=April 28, 2016|archive-date=May 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501165700/http://fortune.com/2016/04/28/target-transgender-bathroom-petition/|url-status=live}}</ref> Around the time of publicity about the policy, a survey analysis by YouGov BrandIndex reported a drop from 42% to 38% of consumers saying they would consider shopping at Target when they needed something.<ref>{{cite news|title=Target brand perception falls, but it's not 'catastrophic'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/04/29/target-bathroom-transgender-brand-perception/83702928/|access-date=May 28, 2016|work=USA Today|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531064049/http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/04/29/target-bathroom-transgender-brand-perception/83702928/|url-status=live}}</ref> In mid-May, CEO Cornell said the boycott had impacted "just a handful of stores across the country".<ref>{{cite news|title=Target Says Boycotts Over Bathroom Policy Not Hurting Sales|url=http://fortune.com/2016/05/18/target-transgender-bathroom-2/|access-date=May 28, 2016|work=Fortune|date=May 18, 2016|archive-date=May 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529223302/http://fortune.com/2016/05/18/target-transgender-bathroom-2/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Some observers, such as ''Fortune''{{'}}s Phil Wahba, said that Target's bathroom policy may have caused part of Target's drop in shopper traffic during the second quarter of 2016. On August 17, Target announced it would add a third, private, single-stall locking bathroom at many of its stores.<ref name=fortune-20mil>{{cite news|title=Target's Transgender-Friendly Bathroom Policy Is Costing It $20 Million|url=http://fortune.com/2016/08/17/target-transgender-bathroom-3/|access-date=August 29, 2016|work=Fortune|archive-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827140429/http://fortune.com/2016/08/17/target-transgender-bathroom-3/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Cornell claimed not to have known about or to have approved the policy before it was published. To appease the critics of the policy, the company spent US$20 million on installing single-occupancy bathrooms in all of its stores.<ref name=BIboycottcost/> Sales fell nearly 6% in the three-quarters that followed, relative to sales in the previous year.<ref name=BIboycottcost>{{cite news|via=Yahoo! News|work=Business Insider|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-boycott-cost-more-anyone-141019006.html|title=The Target boycott cost more than anyone expected—and the CEO was blindsided|author=Hayley Peterson|date=April 6, 2017|access-date=April 10, 2017|archive-date=April 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411064619/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-boycott-cost-more-anyone-141019006.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Absence of AEDs in stores=== In 2014, the California Supreme Court ruled that Target stores do not have a positive duty to keep automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in stores for purposes of first aid. This decision came after a 49-year-old woman died following a heart attack in a Target store, and two family members filed a wrongful-death lawsuit.<ref>[https://www.emsworld.com/news/11445547/california-court-hears-target-aed-case California Court Hears Target AED Case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226111314/https://www.emsworld.com/news/11445547/california-court-hears-target-aed-case |date=February 26, 2019 }}. EMS World (Associated Press), Paul Elias, May 7, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-california-court-target/californias-top-court-says-target-not-required-to-carry-in-store-defibrillators-idUSL2N0P503P20140624 California's top court says Target not required to carry in-store defibrillators] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222095153/https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-california-court-target/californias-top-court-says-target-not-required-to-carry-in-store-defibrillators-idUSL2N0P503P20140624 |date=February 22, 2019 }}, Reuters, Jennifer Chaussee, June 23, 2014.</ref>

=== DEI rollback and boycott === As the second presidency of Donald Trump began, Target was one of dozens of Fortune 500 companies that backtracked on their DEI policies in response to conservative court decisions, pressures from activists and right-wing legal groups, as well as the incoming Trump administration and its policies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meyersohn |first=Nathaniel |date=2024-12-17 |title=DEI isn't actually dead |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/17/business/dei-isnt-actually-dead/index.html |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> In January 2025, the company withdrew from its expressed three-year DEI goals and stopped reporting its diversity status to external groups.<ref name=Brew/> It also removed some of its prior LGBTQ+ supportive press releases from its website and withdrew from sponsorship of a Pride celebration event.<ref name=Brew>{{cite web |url=https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2025/01/28/target-backtrack-dei-programs-past-lgbtq-activism |title= Target backtracks on DE&I programs, past LGBTQ+ activism |first=Paige |last=McGlauflin |work=HR Brew |date=January 28, 2025}}</ref> Many people took to social media to protest the decision, and Anne and Lucy Dayton, the daughters of one of the founders, called the backtrack of Target's "Racial Equity Action and Change and Supplier Diversity" programs a betrayal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-13 |title=Letters to the Editor: Our father helped create Target. Its rollback of DEI programs is a betrayal |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/story/2025-02-13/our-father-helped-create-target-its-rollback-of-dei-programs-is-a-betrayal |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2025, a forty-day consumer boycott was announced, started by an Atlanta area pastor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meyersohn |first=Nathaniel |date=2025-03-05 |title=A 40-day Target boycott starts today. It couldn't come at a worse time for the company |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/business/target-boycott-jamal-bryant/index.html |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> It was reported on February 28 that Target lost $12.4 billion in market value after the stock value dropped by $27.27 per share by the end of February.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Stacy |date=March 6, 2025 |title=Target takes a hit: $12.4 billion in value lost after boycott |url=https://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2025/03/06/business/target-takes-a-hit-12.4-billion-in-value-lost-after-boycott/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=www.thecharlottepost.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In April, CEO Cornell met with Bryant and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton. The company has continued to work with organizations that support Black small business founders with education, mentorship, and access to retail opportunities. Target also supported historically black college and university programs under an effort to connect graduates with the company's mentorship network. The rollback also affected programs promoting racial equality, women, veterans, and people with disabilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/target-says-it-is-ending-its-dei-goals-and-programs-citing-an-evolving-external-landscape |title=Target says it is ending its DEI goals and programs, citing an 'evolving external landscape' |date=January 24, 2026 |website=PBS}}</ref>

Backlash against the chain continued after the company was silent when its employees were targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://fortune.com/2026/01/23/target-ice-backlash-protest-minnesota-dei-boycott-sales-foot-traffic-earnings/|title=Target faces new backlash amid Minnesota ICE raids after boycotts over its DEI rollback. But don't blame politics for falling profits, analyst says|date=23 January 2026|publisher=Fortune.com}}</ref>

A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of the City of Riviera Beach Police Pension Fund, containing allegations that Target defrauded investors by issuing false and misleading statements concerning DEI initiatives, along with environmental, social, and governance policies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Danziger |first=Pamela N. |date=February 4, 2025 |title=Target Hit With Shareholder Lawsuit, Claiming Investors Were Defrauded About DEI Risks |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/04/target-hit-with-shareholder-lawsuit-claiming-investors-were-defrauded-about-dei-risks/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>{{update inline |date=March 2026 |reason=That was more than a year ago. What happened to this lawsuit? What class was claimed to be represented in this class action lawsuit?}}

==Major sponsorships== [[File:Target IndyCar.jpg|thumb|The Target Chip Ganassi Racing IndyCar visiting Purdue University]]

===Events=== * Target often supports major awards shows, such as the Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars.<ref>{{cite news |title=How Target Hits The Sponsorship Bulls-Eye |url=http://www.sponsorship.com/iegsr/2014/02/24/How-Target-Hits-The-Sponsorship-Bulls-Eye.aspx |access-date=February 28, 2019 |publisher=Sponsorship |date=February 24, 2014 |archive-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228012201/http://www.sponsorship.com/iegsr/2014/02/24/How-Target-Hits-The-Sponsorship-Bulls-Eye.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> * Target Corporation is a major sponsor of the annual Minneapolis Aquatennial, where it hosts the Target Fireworks Show, the largest annual fireworks show west of the Mississippi River and the fourth-largest annual fireworks show in the United States.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.aquatennial.com/event/show/23337303| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121000221/http://www.aquatennial.com/event/show/23337303| url-status=dead| archive-date=January 21, 2013| title=Target Fireworks Show| publisher=2011 Minneapolis Aquatennial| date=July 23, 2011}}</ref> * Target was a sponsor of the 2006–2007 New Year's Times Square Ball drop, and had its logo placed on the confetti dropped during the celebrations, as well as specially designed "2007" glasses.<ref>{{cite magazine| url= http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1573429,00.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101206205738/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1573429,00.html| url-status= dead| archive-date= December 6, 2010| title=A Very Confetti New Year's| magazine=TIME| date=January 2, 2007}}</ref>

===LGBTQ=== In 2012, Target began stocking gay pride merchandise and donating half of the profits on these items to GLSEN, a LGBTQ rights education organization.<ref>{{cite web|last=Palma|first=Bethania|date=May 31, 2019|title=Is Target Donating $100,000 to 'Promote Gay Lifestyles' to School Kids?|url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/target-donating-100000-lgbt/|access-date=May 31, 2021|website=Snopes|language=en-US|archive-date=November 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127114748/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/target-donating-100000-lgbt/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, it began featuring LGBTQ individuals and couples in national advertising.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3393641/target-ad-lgbt/|title=See Target's New Ad Featuring Same-Sex Parents and Their Son|magazine=Time|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=August 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803101720/http://time.com/3393641/target-ad-lgbt/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, Target debuted its #takepride campaign, and partnered with GLSEN to produce a mini-documentary celebrating its 25th anniversary.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/06/pride-week|title=#TakePride With Target|work=Target Corporate |access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072806/https://corporate.target.com/article/2015/06/pride-week|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.glsen.org/news/glsen-and-target-team-25th-anniversary-documentary|title=GLSEN and Target Team Up for 25th Anniversary Documentary|last=Hudnell|first=Kari|date=June 2, 2015|website=GLSEN|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808003500/https://www.glsen.org/news/glsen-and-target-team-25th-anniversary-documentary|url-status=live}}</ref> Target sponsors many LGBTQ non-profits including Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN, GLAAD, Family Equality Council, NGLCC and the Williams Institute. For a three year period, Target was the presenting sponsor of GLAAD's Spirit Day. In 2017, Target was the founding partner of New York City's Pride Youth.<ref name="l818"/> In 2019, Target donated $100,000 to GLSEN.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jun/3/target-goes-full-speed-lgbtq-love-my-dads-shirts-k/|title=Target goes full speed LGBTQ with 'Love my dads' shirts for kiddies|last=Chumley|first=Cheryl|date=June 3, 2019|work=The Washington Times|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105034547/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jun/3/target-goes-full-speed-lgbtq-love-my-dads-shirts-k/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2025, Target{{snd}} previously a platinum sponsor of New York City's Heritage of Pride annual Pride Week{{snd}} donated as a "silent partner" to avoid publicity<ref name="nyt-stack-25">{{cite news |last1=Stack |first1=Liam |title=Nervous Corporate Sponsors Retreat from New York Pride |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/21/nyregion/nyc-pride-sponsors-trump-tariffs.html |access-date=21 May 2025 |work=The New York Times |date=2025-05-21}}</ref> and removed its sponsorship of Twin Cities Pride in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.<ref name=Brew/>

===Sports=== ====Minnesota United FC==== [[File:Jerome Theisson PHI vs MIN 2017-09-09 (36975333956).jpg|thumb|right|240px|Minnesota United FC player with Target's logo on the jersey and on the stadium's advertisement boards]] In January 2017, Minnesota United FC, a Major League Soccer expansion team debuting for the 2017 season, announced that Target would be the team's front-of-jersey match-kit sponsor, as well as sponsoring MLS overall. This made Target one of the league’s largest sponsors, particularly for an expansion team in its debut season. The team also benefited from partnering with a large, well-known hometown brand rather than a company based outside the region, in addition to the financial benefits of such a large sponsor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burdine |first1=Wes |title=Target to Sponsor Minnesota United FC Jerseys and Major League Soccer |url=https://fiftyfive.one/2017/01/target-sponsor-minnesota-united-fc-jerseys-major-league-soccer/ |access-date=February 28, 2019 |publisher=Fifty Five One |date=January 18, 2017 |archive-date=March 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314194018/http://fiftyfive.one/2017/01/target-sponsor-minnesota-united-fc-jerseys-major-league-soccer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Major League Soccer and US Youth Soccer==== In 2017, Target announced a series of national, local, and charitable initiatives that mark the retailer's largest-ever push into team sports. Target became an official partner of Major League Soccer in a multiyear deal that includes airtime during MLS broadcasts on Univision, FOX Sports, and ESPN, opportunities for in-stadium experiences, player appearances, and ownership of certain major MLS platforms.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://corporate.target.com/press/releases/2017/01/target-announces-major-push-into-soccer-in-the-u-s|title=Target Announces Major Push into Soccer in the U.S.; Becomes Official Partner of Major League Soccer|work=Target Corporate |access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072804/https://corporate.target.com/press/releases/2017/01/target-announces-major-push-into-soccer-in-the-u-s|url-status=live}}</ref> Target also announced a $14 million commitment to local youth soccer through two new national initiatives—an $8 million local soccer grant program, and a $6 million partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 100 new soccer play spaces by 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2017/08/youth-soccer|title=Target's $14-Million Move Will Help More Kids Play Youth Soccer|work=Target Corporate |access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072659/https://corporate.target.com/article/2017/08/youth-soccer|url-status=live}}</ref> Target is the official sponsor of 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2017/01/mls-all-star-game-sponsorship|title=Get Ready to See Stars! Target's the Presenting Sponsor of This Year's MLS All-Star Game|work=Target Corporate |access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072734/https://corporate.target.com/article/2017/01/mls-all-star-game-sponsorship|url-status=live}}</ref> and 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/10/23/atlanta-united-host-2018-mls-all-star-game-presented-target|title=Host info|website=mlssoccer.com|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024212156/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/10/23/atlanta-united-host-2018-mls-all-star-game-presented-target|url-status=live}}</ref> MLS All Star Games.

====Extreme sports==== Target sponsors professional freestyle motocross rider Nate Adams, pro snowboarder/skateboarder Shaun White, pro skateboarder Paul Rodriguez, pro BMX rider Mat Hoffman, and pro surfer Kolohe Andino.<ref>{{cite news |title=Target Signs Professional Skateboarder Paul Rodriguez |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/releases/2010/08/target-signs-professional-skateboarder |access-date=February 25, 2019 |date=August 13, 2010 |archive-date=February 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223910/https://corporate.target.com/press/releases/2010/08/target-signs-professional-skateboarder |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Target Signs Professional Surfer Kolohe Andino |url=https://corporate.target.com/press/releases/2010/01/target-signs-professional-surfer-152120 |access-date=February 25, 2019 |date=January 20, 2010 |archive-date=February 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223839/https://corporate.target.com/press/releases/2010/01/target-signs-professional-surfer-152120 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=10 Years (and Counting): Shaun White and Target Celebrate Their Anniversary |url=https://corporate.target.com/article/2012/07/10-years-and-counting-shaun-white-and-target-celeb |access-date=February 25, 2019 |date=July 23, 2012 |archive-date=February 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223806/https://corporate.target.com/article/2012/07/10-years-and-counting-shaun-white-and-target-celeb |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Motocross==== Target sponsors Motocross and Supercross champion Ryan Dungey.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-05-17 |title=Legends Never Die {{!}} Ryan Dungey |url=https://elevatedmx.com/2017/05/16/legends-never-die-ryan-dungey/ |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=elevatedmx.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Chip Ganassi Racing==== right|thumb|Target car driven by Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyle Larson in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2017 Target was a long-time sponsor of the IndyCar and NASCAR racing teams of Chip Ganassi Racing.<ref name=nbc>{{cite web |url=http://nascar.nbcsports.com/2017/07/28/target-withdrawing-sponsorship-from-chip-ganassi-racing-after-this-season/ |title=Target withdrawing sponsorship from Chip Ganassi Racing after this season |last=McFadin |first=Daniel |date=July 28, 2017 |website=NBCSports.com |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107020940/http://nascar.nbcsports.com/2017/07/28/target-withdrawing-sponsorship-from-chip-ganassi-racing-after-this-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Target's relationship with Ganassi in IndyCar go back to 1990 when it began sponsoring Eddie Cheever. Some of its most famous drivers in the 1990s include Michael Andretti, Bryan Herta, and Arie Luyendyk. In the late 1990s, Target Chip Ganassi Racing had a four-year run of winning championships in CART, winning 1996 with Jimmy Vasser, 1997 and 1998 with Alex Zanardi, and 1999 with Juan Pablo Montoya.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/auto/indy/news/2000/0228/386968.html |title=CART's Vasser, Montoya to race in Indy 500 |last=Martin |first=Bruce |date=March 1, 2000 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005749/http://www.espn.com/auto/indy/news/2000/0228/386968.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Ganassi won its first Indianapolis 500 in 2000. The team moved full-time into the rival Indy Racing League in 2003,<ref>{{cite magazine |author= |title=When the chips are up |url=http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/march-2011/95/when-chips-are |magazine=Motor Sport |date=March 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011617/http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/march-2011/95/when-chips-are |url-status=live }}</ref> and won in its first year of full-time competition, with Scott Dixon, who won the championship again in 2008. The 2009 season marked the 20th anniversary of the Target race program. Franchitti won his second career IndyCar championship, and with Scott Dixon finishing second, gave Target a one-two sweep in the IndyCar series. Dixon and Franchitti won 10 of 17 races (five each) and tied the team record from 1998 when Alex Zanardi and Jimmy Vasser combined to win 10 in the 19-race 1998 CART season. In 2010, Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500. He also won the series championship for the Target team, by five points over second-place finisher Will Power.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emirates247.com/sports/other/power-failure-gives-indycar-title-to-franchitti-2010-10-03-1.298411 |title=Power failure gives IndyCar title to Franchitti |author= |date=October 3, 2010 |website=Emirates 24/7 |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011650/http://www.emirates247.com/sports/other/power-failure-gives-indycar-title-to-franchitti-2010-10-03-1.298411 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season, the No. 41 Chip Ganassi Target car was driven by Jimmy Spencer, and from 2003 to 2005, Casey Mears drove the car. In 2006, Reed Sorenson took over the 41 car when Mears moved to a different car on the same team. Sorenson drove the car through the 2008 season, and Target has also had some major sponsorship time on the Ganassi Racing No. 40 car with Dario Franchitti and Jeremy Mayfield, who subbed for the injured Franchitti. The 40 team has since been shut down. For 2009, the Target sponsorship moved to the No. 42 driven by Juan Pablo Montoya with the newly formed Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/72912/target-to-sponsor-montoya-again |title=Target to sponsor Montoya again |last=Mejia |first=Diego |date=January 21, 2009 |website=autosport.com |access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011933/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/72912/target-to-sponsor-montoya-again |url-status=live }}</ref> Target also sponsored Earnhardt Ganassi Racing's No. 8 car driven by Aric Almirola, which it co-sponsors in some races with other sponsors such as Guitar Hero and TomTom until the team was disbanded in May 2009. Kyle Larson took over the No. 42 car in 2014 and Target sponsored the No. 51 of Phoenix Racing for Larson's Sprint Cup Series debut.<ref>{{cite news| last=Ryan| first=Nate| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/10/01/nascar-kyle-larson-earnhardt-ganassi-racing-phoenix-racing-juan-pablo-montoya/2901905/| title=Kyle Larson to make Sprint Cup debut at Charlotte| newspaper=USA Today| date=October 1, 2013| access-date=October 14, 2013| archive-date=October 4, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004163245/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2013/10/01/nascar-kyle-larson-earnhardt-ganassi-racing-phoenix-racing-juan-pablo-montoya/2901905/| url-status=live}}</ref>

{{multiple image | align = | direction = | width = | image1 = Target Center 2013.jpg | width1 = 250 | caption1 = Target Center | image2 = Minnie and Paul.jpg | width2 = 222 | caption2 = Target Field }} The Target Chip Ganassi<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chipganassiracing.com/TargetGanassi/Sponsors.aspx |title=Target Ganassi Racing Sponsors |publisher=Chip Ganassi Racing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325045153/http://www.chipganassiracing.com/TargetGanassi/Sponsors.aspx |archive-date=March 25, 2013 }}</ref> car driven by Dario Franchitti won the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 30, 2010.<ref name="INDY1">{{cite web |publisher=Indianapolis Motor Speedway |url=http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/images/news/show/37788-franchitti-savors-sweet-second-indianapolis-500-victory/ |title=Franchitti Savors Sweet Second Indianapolis 500 Victory |date=May 30, 2010 |access-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222204703/http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/images/news/show/37788-franchitti-savors-sweet-second-indianapolis-500-victory/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Target ended its association with IndyCar racing at the end of the 2016 season.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Cavin|first1=Curt|title=Going Off Target|journal=Autoweek|date=August 22, 2016|pages=42–44}}</ref> In July 2017, Target announced that it would end its sponsorship of Ganassi's NASCAR team at the end of the year.<ref name=nbc />

====Naming rights==== Target owns the naming rights to the Minnesota Timberwolves' home, Target Center since it first opened in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |title=Target and Wolves Extend Arena Parntership |url=https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/pressrelease_Target_and_Wolves_Extend_Arena_Partnership_2011_09_19.html |access-date=February 28, 2019 |publisher=NBA |date=September 19, 2011 |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301023558/https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/pressrelease_Target_and_Wolves_Extend_Arena_Partnership_2011_09_19.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, Target purchased the naming rights to the Minnesota Twins' home ballpark, Target Field, for an undisclosed amount. The sponsorship agreement expires in 2035.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sitaramiah |first1=Gita |title=Twins new ballpark gets its name: Target Field |url=https://www.twincities.com/2008/09/14/twins-new-ballpark-gets-its-name-target-field/ |access-date=February 28, 2019 |publisher=Twincities |date=September 14, 2008 |archive-date=March 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074539/https://www.twincities.com/2008/09/14/twins-new-ballpark-gets-its-name-target-field/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Radio=== Target was the founding sponsor of the ''Weekend America'' radio program.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

==Finances== {| class="wikitable sortable float-left" style="text-align: right;" |- !Year !Revenue in mil. US$ !Net income in mil. US$ !Total assets in mil. US$ !Employees !Stores |- |2005 |46,839 |3,918 |32,293 |292,000 |1,308 |- |2006 |106,839 |2,408 |34,995 |338,000 |1,397 |- |2007 |59,490 |2,787 |37,349 |352,000 |1,488 |- |2008 |63,637 |2,849 |44,560 |366,000 |1,591 |- |2009 |64,948 |2,214 |44,106 |351,000 |1,682 |- |2010 |65,357 |2,488 |44,533 |351,000 |1,740 |- |2011 |67,390 |2,920 |43,705 |355,000 |1,750 |- |2012 |69,865 |2,929 |46,630 |365,000 |1,763 |- |2013 |73,301 |2,999 |48,163 |361,000 |1,778 |- |2014 |71,279 |1,971 |44,553 |366,000 |1,917 |- |2015 |72,618 |1,636 |41,172 |347,000 |1,790 |- |2016 |73,785 |3,363 |40,262 |341,000 |1,792 |- |2017 |69,495 |2,737 |37,431 |323,000 |1,802 |- |2018 |71,879 |2,934 |38,999 |345,000 |1,822 |- |2019 |75,356 |2,937 |41,290 |360,000 |1,851 |- |2020 |93,561 |4,368 |51,248 |409,000 |1,897 |- |2021 |106,000 |6,946 |53,811 |450,000 |1,926 |- |2022 |109,120 |2,780 |53,335 |440,000 |1,948 |- |2023 |107,412 |4,138 |55,356 |415,000 |1,956 |- |2024 |106,566 |4,091 |57,769 |440,000 |1,978 |} <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/TGT/target/financial-statements|title=Target Financial Statements 2005–2019 – TGT|website=www.macrotrends.net|access-date=November 30, 2018|archive-date=December 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201005149/https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/TGT/target/financial-statements|url-status=live}}</ref> 2020-2024 <ref>{{Cite web |title=Financial Summary: Target 2024 Annual Report {{!}} Target Corporate |url=https://corporate.target.com/investors/annual/2024-annual-report/financials/five-year-financial-summary |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=corporate.target.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Logo gallery== <gallery> File:Target logo (1968).png|Target logo, 1962–1968 File:Target Corporation logo (vector).svg|Target logo, 1968–present File:Target old logo.svg|Target logo, used as primary logo from 1968 to 2004 and secondary logo from 2004 to 2018 File:Target logo.svg|Target logo, 2004–2018 File:Target (2018).svg|Target logo, 2018–present File:Target Greatland logo (1990).svg |Target Greatland logo, 1990–2006 File:SuperTargetLogo95.png|Original SuperTarget logo, 1995–2006 File:SuperTarget2006PNG.PNG|Second SuperTarget logo, 2006–2018 File:CityTargetLogo.png|CityTarget logo, 2012–2015 File:TargetExpressLogo.png|TargetExpress logo, 2014–2015 File:Super Target logo.png|Super Target logo, 2004–2018 </gallery> Target's logo mimics the bullseye used by marksmen.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Complete History of the Target Logo | date=August 14, 2023 | url=https://www.logodesign.org/the-complete-history-of-the-target-logo/ }}</ref>

==See also== * Design For All (product line)

== Notes and references == {{Notelist}}{{reflist}}

==Bibliography== * Leebrick, Kristal (2013). ''Dayton's: A Twin Cities Institution''. * {{cite book |title= On Target: How the World's Hottest Retailer Hit a Bull's-Eye| last=Rowley |first=Laura| year=2003 |publisher= John Wiley & Sons| location=Hoboken, New Jersey |isbn= 978-0-471-25067-8|url=http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471250678.html }}

==External links== {{Commons category|Target Corporation}} * {{Official website|https://www.target.com/}} retailing website ** [https://corporate.target.com/ Target Corporation] corporate website ** [https://intl.target.com/ Target International Shopping Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126030844/https://intl.target.com/ |date=August 09, 2025 }} {{Finance links | name = Target Corporation | symbol = TGT | sec_cik = TGT | yahoo = TGT | google = TGT | stockrow = TGT }} * [http://projects.flowingdata.com/target/ Growth of Target, 1962–2008]

{{Target Corp}} {{Major retail companies}} {{S&P 500 companies}} {{Marshall Field's history}} {{Minnesota Corporations}} {{Supermarkets of the United States}} {{National Medal of Arts recipients 1980s|state=autocollapse}} {{Portal bar|United States|Companies}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Target Corporation Category:1902 establishments in Minnesota Category:1960s initial public offerings Category:American companies established in 1902 Category:Companies based in Minneapolis Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange Category:Companies in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Category:Consumer electronics retailers of the United States Category:Discount stores of the United States Category:Health care companies based in Minnesota Category:Online retailers of the United States Category:Pharmacies of the United States Category:Retail companies established in 1902 Category:Supermarkets of the United States Category:Superstores in the United States Category:Toy retailers of the United States Category:Video game retailers of the United States