Target Plans to Spend Another $1B on Merchandising, Store Experience Next Year

Core Insights - Target Corp. is preparing for leadership transition with Michael Fiddelke set to become CEO in February, planning to invest an additional $1 billion to enhance the shopping experience [1] - The company's third-quarter net earnings decreased by 19.3% to $689 million, impacted by $120 million in business transformation costs [2] - Target's net sales fell by 1.5% to $25.3 billion, with a decline in merchandise sales offset by a significant increase in other revenues [3] Financial Performance - Net earnings for the three months ended Nov. 1 were $689 million, down 19.3%, including $120 million in after-tax business transformation costs [2] - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.78, surpassing analysts' expectations of $1.71 [2] - Net sales decreased by 1.5% to $25.3 billion, with merchandise sales down 1.9% but other revenues, including membership fees and digital marketplace revenues, up by 17.7% [3] Sales and Revenue Trends - Comparable sales fell by 2.7% in the quarter, with in-store sales declining by 3.8% while digital sales increased by 2.4% [3] - The company is focusing on elevating the shopping experience both in-store and online [7] Strategic Initiatives - The incoming CEO, Michael Fiddelke, has identified three priorities: leading with design, expanding merchandising authority, and enhancing the shopping experience [5][7] - Target plans to increase capital expenditures by 25% to $5 billion next year to accelerate merchandising and store experience initiatives [6] - The company aims to remodel and refresh more stores and implement significant changes in major assortment categories [6] Operational Enhancements - Target is evolving its stores-as-hubs model to improve in-store experiences and offer next-day shipping to over 50% of the U.S. population [6] - Adjustments will be made to shipping logistics in over 35 markets to enhance efficiency and customer service [6]