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Here's why Target is more exposed than Walmart to the sweeping trade changes that Trump promised
TGTTarget(TGT) Business Insider·2024-11-16 09:11

Core Insights - Walmart is less exposed to potential tariff impacts due to its grocery-heavy business model, which sources nearly 60% of its revenue domestically, while Target relies more on imported merchandise, making it more vulnerable to rising import costs [1][2][3][4]. Company Comparisons - Walmart's grocery sales account for about 60% of its revenue, while Target's food and beverage sales are less than 25% [3][4]. - Target's apparel segment is more sensitive to seasonality, complicating its ability to adjust orders ahead of potential tariffs [5][6]. - Walmart has a competitive advantage over Target due to its larger scale and more advanced supply chain, allowing for better demand prediction and quicker reactions to market changes [7][8]. Market Trends - In 2023, as consumers prioritized essential spending, Walmart's sales remained stable while Target faced challenges, prompting Target to adopt price cuts similar to Walmart's strategy [9]. - Target's share of grocery sales has increased by 1-2 percentage points annually over the past three years, indicating a shift towards grocery offerings [9][10]. Historical Context - Previous discussions on tariffs by both companies highlighted differing impacts, with Target estimating an additional cost of 50millionto50 million to 60 million per quarter due to tariffs in 2019 [12][13].