Target launches ‘10-4' training, encouraging workers to smile at customers

Core Insights - Target has launched an internal training program named "10-4" aimed at enhancing the in-store customer experience, particularly ahead of the critical holiday season [1][2] - The company is undergoing a significant turnaround under new CEO Michael Fiddelke, focusing on improving guest experience to address declining sales [2][8] Training Program Details - The "10-4" training program instructs new hires on guest engagement standards, emphasizing friendly interactions based on proximity to shoppers [5][6] - Employees are trained to smile, make eye contact, and wave when 10 feet away from a shopper, and to personally greet and engage when within four feet [5] Sales Performance - In the latest fiscal quarter, Target reported sales of $25.2 billion, a decrease of just under 1% year-over-year, attributed to reduced merchandise spending [11] - Sales at stores open at least a year fell nearly 2%, with in-store sales dropping over 3%, while online sales grew slightly over 4% [11] - Operating income totaled $1.3 billion, down about 19% from the previous year [11] Future Expectations - Target is set to report its third-quarter earnings on November 19 [12]