Target updates operations so associates can spend more time with shoppers

Core Insights - Target is focusing on customer experience (CX) improvements as a key strategy to return to sales growth under the leadership of incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke [3][4][6] - Comparable store sales decreased by 3.8% year-over-year in Q3 2025, with net sales down 1.5% to $25.3 billion [3][4] - The company plans to invest $1 billion in 2026 to support new store openings and remodels [4] Investment and Strategy - Target's investment will prioritize revamped store operations and new technology to enhance customer experience [4][6] - The retailer aims to reduce time spent on backroom tasks, allowing associates to focus more on customer interactions [6] - Lower-traffic stores will handle more digital order fulfillment, while higher-traffic stores will focus on in-store customer engagement [6] Technology and Operations - Target is modernizing its technology for inventory management, improving availability for its 5,000 most frequently purchased items by over 1.5% year-on-year [5][6] - The focus is on ensuring that frequently purchased items are in stock to enhance customer satisfaction [5] - Enhanced digital tools are being implemented to support associates in providing better customer service [5]