Target seeking to improve operations in U.S., Canada

[Sherman A1]

Target Corp., Minneapolis, is taking steps to improve the performance of its U.S. and Canadian business segments following lower earnings and flattish sales during the second quarter ended Aug. 2, company executives told investors.

Some industry analysts said they expect more challenges for Target before things turn around.

“Target continues to struggle with retailing basics in both its U.S. and Canadian divisions," said Kelly Tackett, U.S. research director for Planet Retail, London. "In its home market, improving store-level execution and delivering newness and excitement in marketing and merchandising must be at the top of the to-do list.

http://supermarketnews.com/retail-financial/target-seeking-improve-operations-us-canada

I got a real kick out of the highlighted comment by Kelly Tackett, which said rather nicely, they don't have a clue as to what is going on in their stores.

[littlemissmartypants]

1. Drinking too much of that Target kool-aid bad for the business brain. nt

[Sherman A1]

2. It would seem so

One would think that a retailer that has been in business as long as Target would have "the basics" down pretty well by now. I know that when I visit the store near my home, I always see significant numbers of out of stocks and empty shelves, first guess would be that by controlling labor costs, they are controlling their sales (not enough help or qualified help to get the stuff that may be in the back room on the shelf). Retail isn't rocket science, it is all about fundamentals over and over and over again.

[cantbeserious]

3. Seems Flat Wage Growth For Decades And A Stagnant Economy Are Their Undoing

eom

[Sherman A1]

4. That would most certainly be a

contributing factor. One also might include an aging Baby Boom Generation who frankly doesn't need as much "stuff" as they did when they were raising families along with increased competition from Dollar Stores and Online Retailers. As in most things, there is never just one answer...........

[littlemissmartypants]

5. Agreed. nt

[littlemissmartypants]

6. I'm a little agitated that part of their new business plan includes

Invasion of the public school system via gifting Target libraries with the included indoctrinating memes and propaganda.
I would post a link but I just can't look for something that painful and unfunny. If I run across it I will add it later. Thank you for your post.

Love, Peace and Shelter.
Lmsp