Target - Why They're Successful

Target is among the biggest retailers in the United States. This video talks about their history while identifying some of the key factors behind their success.

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Company Declines:
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[BoyNamedSue]

I hate it when Walmart doesn’t have something I need and I have to go home, change out of my pajamas, and go to target.

[blixkybil]

hey Company Man! I've got a cool Target fact for you. Target was the first company ever to adopt a system that allowed you to order your prescriptions and refills over the phone with an automated service. Cooler still, my uncle was the inventor of the phone system, and was the original automated phone voice for target for YEARS before it was switched to a robotic female system. Has anyone ever called target back in the day and remember hearing a mans voice on the system? thats uncle DOUG!

[Infrared]

I'm surprised that you didn't mention their failed attempt to expand into Canada. Maybe a followup about Target Canada and why they failed?

[saint]

The analogy that I always use for Target vs the competition is simple: if you go to any other retailer, their carts will be uncomfortable steel frames with bad wheels. At Target, their carts have cupholders.

[davis]

Their logo is so iconic that most stores don’t even have the “Target” text anymore. Just the logo. It’s brilliant marketing.

[emenefer]

It can be a bit pricey for sure, but the atmosphere and selection is nice. Also, their store brand stuff us actually quite affordable, especially their dog food. I get a $7 bag every week and a half.

[SuperPlayz]

The best thing about Target is their carts. They are so smooth.

[saintkohle]

Target's one of the very few store chains that has successfully made shopping into a low stress activity. Going to any other department store feels like I'm clawing through the nine circles of Hell just to aquire basic necessities.

[huzzahs]

When I'm in a Target I often think about how Kmart, Sears, etc. utterly failed due to the "retail apocalypse" while Target is thriving. And it's because of everything you mentioned here. Most importantly it's pleasant to shop there. I'm not trying to get what I need and get out. I relax a little. And that leads to thoughts of "oh, what else do I need?" Interior design of a store 100% maximizes profits.

[jliller]

Since Target's main competitor is Walmart, taking the moral high ground definitely sets them apart, especially treating their employees better.

[JahNuhThunDeeTheOneAndOnly]

Target may not be cheaper than Walmart but their stores and products are a lot more aesthetically pleasing.

[Jazzy_Waffles]

Target was always cleaner, has nicer staff, and quieter than other department stores. I will admit I spend a little more there, compared to their competitors, but, I can afford spending extra, for the above reasons. Also, I’ve always lived close to one, so, that adds a lot to it, as I am pretty lazy.

[hbmento]

The atmosphere of Target definitely has an influence on Tiktok and social media. Notice how videos of Target are normally funny and joyful, while Walmart clips are usually some trashy brawls or shoplifting footage.

[MasterCog]

As a Target team member something I believe has helped with Target's success is a guest not customer strategy. Team members at Target are expected to help our visitors find what's best for them and not what's most expensive, even if it's giving people advice that results in loss of sale. Team members are encouraged for better service as well as good guest feedback is rewarded but no rewards are given for pushing more sales. It leads to environments where guests feel welcome to look and ask questions but not pressured to buy leading to more regular visits.

[calday]

Make a video about how you’re successful.

[Dadstechtalk]

What I really appreciate about target was when they added in the men’s grooming and men specific section for soaps and what not. Most stores have that for women but not for men.

[rlgx]

It'll be interesting to see a video about Target's failed expansion into Canada. They had to completely withdraw from Canada only a few years after entering the market.

[Choralone]

I've always preferred Target over Walmart or even Kmart. The Target stores are usually kept up better both inside and outside. The people there, both employees and customers, tend to be more friendly. And frankly I feel safer going to a Target than many Walmarts.
In the metro area I live in we have 4 Walmarts and 2 Targets. I've never heard of or seen any large fights or other violent incidents happening at either of the Target locations, even going back a couple of decades. However, all of the Walmarts have had major incidents of violence happen at them in the past couple of years including a woman who was shot and killed in the parking lot in 1 the 4 area Walmarts in 2020. It is not at all unusual to see multiple police vehicles in front of any of the Walmarts, especially on the weekends or near holidays. I've only ever seen fire trucks or EMS at a Target in our area due to medical emergencies.

[nicolemonrue]

2023...9 locations closed due to high crime and theft

[jrehr]

I loved that you mentioned how culture has created the nickname 'Targhey' lol. It's spot on with exactly how people feel about it. Also my older sister works for Target in PA and she has developed pancreatic cancer. All the while Target has been fully supporting her and her husband and kids and just creating platforms for her to receive help in many amazing ways. They are awesome in my book, totally supporting their staff.