What was target called before

Its department stores were not discount stores, and, therefore, did not draw customers based on price. The first Target store opened in Roseville, Minnesota. The rapidly growing retailer went public on October 18, Currently, Target has 1, stores in all 50 states.

It finally added a store in Vermont in According to Target, it has , employees. Seventy-five percent of the American population, it claims, is within 10 miles of a Target location.

Since most of the retailers larger than Target are not classic discount stores, its real competitors are Costco and Walmart. All large retailers, including Target, faced revenues that were battered by the drop shopping brought on by the pandemic. George Draper Dayton died in He left only a modest personal fortune, having given away millions of dollars to charity. World War II did not hamper business; rather, Dayton's turned the war into an asset. Consumer goods were so scarce that it was no longer necessary to persuade shoppers to buy what merchandise was available.

Sales volume increased dramatically thanks to Dayton's managers, who obtained goods to keep the store full. Nelson Dayton was scrupulous about complying with the government's wartime control of business and when, for instance, the government carried out its drive for scrap metal, he ordered the store's electric sign dismantled and added to the scrap heap.

Until Nelson Dayton's death in , the company was run along the strict moral lines of his father, its founder. In January Dayton's became one of the first stores in the nation to offer its workers a retirement policy, followed in by a comprehensive insurance policy. With Nelson Dayton's death in , Dayton Company embarked on a new era.

Instead of one-man rule, the company was led by a team of five Dayton cousins, although one of them, Nelson's son Donald Dayton, assumed the title of president. The prohibition of liquor in the store's dining rooms was dropped, and soon Dayton Company would be completely secularized, advertising and doing business on Sunday. The new management of Dayton Company undertook radical and costly innovations.

In the J. Hudson Company, which would eventually merge with Dayton's, opened the world's largest shopping mall in suburban Detroit. It was a great success, and two years later Dayton Company decided to build a mall on a acre plot of land outside of Minneapolis. Horrified to learn that Minneapolis had only good shopping days a year, the architect decided to build a mall under cover; Southdale, the first fully enclosed shopping mall in history, was the result, with Dayton's as one of its anchor stores.

The safe, conservative management style favored by George Draper Dayton and his son Nelson passed into history; a younger, more aggressive management pushed for radical expansion and innovation would follow in its wake. The company established the discount chain Target in , opening the first unit in Roseville, Minnesota, and in decided to enter the highly competitive market of retail bookselling, opening B.

Dalton Bookstores. In the company changed its name to Dayton Corporation and made its first public stock offering. Hudson to form Dayton Jewelers. Also in the company acquired department stores in Oregon and Arizona. The following year brought the acquisition of J. Caldwell, a Philadelphia-based chain of jewelry stores, and Lechmere, a Boston retailer.

The year also saw a major acquisition: the Detroit-based J. Hudson Company, a department store chain that had been in existence since Since , 5 percent of Dayton Company's taxable income was donated to the foundation, which continued to be the case after the merger. Dayton Hudson bought two more jewelers in C. Peacock, Inc. Jessop and Sons of San Diego. California-based Mervyn's, a line of moderate-price department stores, merged with Dayton Hudson in Also in the Target chain become Dayton Hudson's largest producer of revenue, eclipsing the department stores upon which the firm was founded.

Dayton Hudson bought Ayr-Way, an Indianapolis-based chain of 50 discount stores, in , and converted those units to Target stores. In , meantime, the operations of the company's two full-service department stores were combined into a new unit called the Dayton Hudson Department Store Company, though the Dayton's and Hudson's units themselves retained their separate identities.

The late s found the company the focus of an unsolicited takeover bid by the Dart Group , which would involve lawsuits by both parties before a stock market crash in October ended the takeover attempt.

A second attempt at takeover of the company would be made nine years later, when rival J. Penney Company, Inc. The offer, which analysts considered an undervaluation of the company's worth, was rebuffed. Venerable Marshall Field's was as much a landmark in the Chicago area as Dayton's was in Minneapolis and the Hudson's stores were in Detroit; the acquisition added 24 department stores to Dayton Hudson's Department Store division while also doubling its department store retail space.

While the Dayton's, Hudson's, and Marshall Field's department stores offered the monied customer more costly and sophisticated merchandise, the popular Target and Mervyn's catered to the budget-conscious customer, offering apparel and recreational items on a self-service basis.

With the approach of the 21st century, Target continued to be Dayton Hudson Corporation's biggest moneymaker, combining a successful business mix of clean, easy-to-navigate stores with quality, trend-responsive merchandise. The year saw the opening of the first of over 50 expanded Target Greatland stores; in , following the lead of such rivals as Wal-Mart and Kmart, the company opened its first SuperTarget, which combined the chain's successful general merchandise mix with a grocery store.

Dayton is named President of The Dayton Company. The Dayton Company establishes the practice of giving 5 percent of pretax profits back to the community. In doing so, it becomes the second American company to establish a preset amount of annual giving. Following the death of his father, George N. Dayton, Donald C. Dayton, grandson of the company founder, becomes president of The Dayton Company, thus ushering in a new generation of leadership.

Dayton's opens a commercial interiors department specifically tailored to offer furnishings, fabrics and decorations for business and other public institutions. Now known as Target Commercial Interiors, this highly-regarded commercial service provides productive working environments to small, medium and large organizations across the country.

The company's first expansion outside downtown Minneapolis takes place in March, when a full-line Dayton's is established in Rochester, Minn. To meet the needs of busy suburban families, The Dayton Company expands to the suburbs oF Minneapolis with the opening of Southdale Mall, the nation's first fully enclosed shopping center. Southdale changes the face of retail in the United States when Dayton's takes the then unheard-of step of placing top competitors together under the same roof.

Paul metropolitan area. In March, Dayton's unveils its first Flower Show, inspired by gardens from around the world. Eight different gardens, ranging from Hawaii to Holland, were on display for all shoppers to enjoy.

The free annual event offered winter-weary shoppers a preview of spring's vibrant colors and fragrances. As The Dayton Company looks for new ways to strengthen relationships with guests, company leadership recognizes an opportunity to develop and introduce a new kind of mass-market discount store that caters to value-oriented shoppers seeking a higher-quality experience. At the time, the move toward mass-market retail is considered risky by some industry experts as it moves away from the company's dominant position as a department store retailer.

By demonstrating visionary leadership, the company takes the first step toward transforming the organization from a family-run department-store chain into one of the nation's largest discount-store chains. The store's new president, Douglas J. Dayton, draws upon the company's vast wealth of department store experience and states that the new store will, "combine the best of the fashion world with the best of the discount world, a quality store with quality merchandise at discount prices, and a discount supermarket The stores will include wide aisles, easy-to-shop displays, fast checkout and, "loads of well-lighted parking…for 1, cars.

Widdess, is tasked to name and define the new retail store. Widdess and his staff debate more than possible names. In a burst of red-and-white inspiration, they come up with "Target" and immediately envision a classic Bullseye logo.

The reasoning behind the choice was, "As a marksman's goal is to hit the center bulls-eye, the new store would do much the same in terms of retail goods, services, commitment to the community, price, value and overall experience.

Heralded as a, "new idea in discount stores," Target differentiates itself from other retail stores by combining many of the best department store features — fashion, quality and service — with the low prices of a discounter. Created as, "a store you can be proud to shop in, a store you can have confidence in, a store that is fun to shop and exciting to visit," by the end of , Target opens additional locations in St. Louis Park, Crystal and Duluth, Minn.

In , Dayton's brings the magic of the holidays and beloved children's stories to life through a new holiday auditorium show. The free event becomes an annual tradition as guests stroll through animated vignettes and visit Santa's workshop. Over the next four decades, memorable tales such as A Christmas Carol, Cinderella and Harry Potter are brought to life for entire families to enjoy. Dayton's celebrates summer by transforming the entire store into a kaleidoscope of color and activity.

Corner window displays are converted into a working, old-fashioned ice cream parlor and an outdoor BBQ. Inside, guests can relax on convenient park benches next to a bubbling fountain or be entertained by an eight-piece band, flower and balloon vendors, fashion shows and more. After a decade of significant growth, Dayton's transforms itself from a regional department-store company to a national retailer.

President Donald C. Dayton takes the new position of chairman of the board, and Bruce B. Dayton steps into the president role.

The corporation has five autonomous divisions: Dayton's department stores, Target Stores, B. The corporate expansion opens new doors and becomes the first step in bringing Dayton's foundation of affordable, quality fashion, innovative management, community giving and good corporate governance to a national audience.

In the late s, Target expands across the country to the metro areas of St. Louis, Dallas and Houston. The Bullseye logo design is revamped into a more direct, memorable and poignant symbol of the company — what it stands for and offers to all guests everywhere. In Fridley, Minn. Dayton Corporation joins forces with the J. The two companies have similar merchandising philosophies and decades of commitment to outstanding corporate governance.

The celebration of this new partnership includes a three-day long flower show on Wall Street. The merger establishes the corporation as one of the 15 largest non-food retailers in the nation. In the s, Dayton-Hudson Corporation observes Earth Day by giving out pine trees to guests and supporting store team members who volunteer to plant trees and clean parks in Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Colorado and Oklahoma.

In , the popular event goes chain-wide and becomes an annual event. As Target grows, so does our commitment to providing guests with a consistent shopping experience at every store, no matter the location. In , we introduce our first planograms, which help team members deliver clean, uncluttered and in-stock merchandise presentations.

Today, planograms are an integral part of our guests' shopping experience. In the s, the Dayton family paves the way for new leadership. Seeing the need for superior managerial talent to succeed in a competitive retail environment, they adopt philosophies that encourage advancement and establish organizational success as a top priority.

Donald, Wallace and Douglas Dayton cede their management responsibilities and retire by The Billion Dollar Sale thanks all Target guests visiting our 74 stores in 11 states as Target continues to strive to be the best store in town. Bruce B. Dayton and Kenneth N. Dayton retire from the Dayton-Hudson Corporation Board of Directors, ending 80 years of direct family involvement with the company. In , Dayton's guests shopping on the day after Thanksgiving find a new arrival in stores—a cuddly white plush bear named Santabear.

Created by senior toy buyer Paul Starkey, the first department store doorbuster of its kind is instantly popular. In the years following its smash debut, Santabear's popularity spreads nationwide through television specials and community events. Updated annually with a new outfit and adventure, over the next two decades Santabear becomes a must-have collectible item for the holiday season. In the mids, manufacturers begin to test and implement UPC bar-code packaging technology.

The revolutionary new technology contributes to the evolution of the in-store shopping experience through greater inventory management, increased automation, and most importantly, a shorter wait time at the checklane. The result is a more efficient and enjoyable shopping experience for guests and team members. Target becomes the lead sponsor of the International Trans-Antarctica Expedition.

Minnesotan Will Steger and Frenchman Jean-Louis Etienne lead a team composed of representatives from six nations to traverse the polar continent. The expedition becomes a world-wide learning tool for environmental and scientific issues of Antarctica as classrooms across the country learn about the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the frozen continent through classroom activities, workshops and televised specials.

The journey, completed in , marks the first west-east, unmechanized traverse of Antarctica. In the years to come, the new racing partnership embodies all the best aspects of what the company represents — speed, excitement, a modern flair, trend setting and success.

To share our brand experience of Fast, Fun and Friendly service and quality goods at discounted prices, Target partners with country-music group The Judds to create TV and print advertisements to promote the new stores. Industries P. The addition increases the corporation's size and scale, positioning Dayton-Hudson as the premier department store company in the Midwestern United States.

On Sept. Fifty percent larger than a standard Target store, Greatland includes many changes that help create a better shopping experience for guests. The new store features amenities such as wider aisles, faster and more efficient checklanes, and automatic teller machines ATMs. The new store layout also includes more service options, such as Food Avenue, expanded pharmacy and photo services, and electronic information stations with price scanners.

The innovative superstore combines superior guest service, great in-store design, and fashionable, affordable merchandise. Target opens 11 stores in the Chicago metropolitan area in one day — the most store openings in any one city on the same day to date.

Target Stores unveils its brand promise, Expect More. Pay Less. The brand promise is a natural evolution of Target's commitment to community giving and offering guests value, quality and service, all in a fun and inviting store environment.

The first Target store credit card, known as the Target Guest Card, launches in Recognizing that busy shoppers don't always have time to visit several stores in one shopping trip, Target develops the SuperTarget store to provide guests with the convenience of one-stop shopping. The first SuperTarget — which includes a grocery section with fresh produce, dairy, meat — opens in Omaha, Neb. Target becomes one of the first mass-market retailers to offer a comprehensive gift-registry service.

Within the first year, more than , couples register. Target introduces Archer Farms, an exclusive line of premium grocery products. Upon initial launch, Archer Farms includes grocery staples such as bread, milk, pasta and bottled water. Target even helps to recruit renowned architect and designer Michael Graves to develop unique restoration approaches — including an artful web of steel scaffolding covered with semi-transparent architectural fabric and hundreds of gleaming lights.

Snowden, the plush collectible snowman, makes his first appearance in Target stores just in time for the holiday season. The collectible snowman plush creates a blizzard of excitement after he stars in his first hour-long special with figure skating legends Ekaterina Gordeeva and Scott Hamilton.

Over the next several years, guests have the opportunity to take home a new Snowden and a variety of themed merchandise every year. The award is the highest national honor given for corporate volunteer efforts.

Schools can use the money for anything they choose, such as textbooks and playground equipment. In , make-up artist Sonia Kashuk collaborates with supermodel Cindy Crawford on the instructional beauty workbook, Basic Face. During the promotional tour, she is inspired to create a completely new beauty genre — professional makeup at affordable prices. In , Sonia Kashuk partners with Target to introduce the Sonia Kashuk Professional Makeup Collection, featuring advanced formulas and elegant packaging at an amazing value.

Over the years, the product line grows to include fragrance, skin care, nail color and innovative cosmetics accessories while never wavering on the principals of un-compromising style, design, quality and value. Target launches Target. After working with Target and the National Park Service to design scaffolding for the Washington Monument restoration, world-renowned architect Michael Graves becomes the first of more than 75 designers to create an exclusive line of products for Target.

The original Bullseye, an English Bull Terrier named Arielle, makes his first appearance in a television commercial. Viewers instantly fall in love. In the ensuing years, Bullseye goes on to star in several advertisements and makes numerous celebrity appearances on the red carpet. In , Bullseye becomes the second dog ever to have his likeness displayed in Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

In , St. In July, Target Stores passes a major milestone as a national retailer after opening its 1,th store. Guests have 1, reasons to celebrate with a greater selection of style and value in more locations. With stores in every contiguous state except Vermont, Target has a presence from coast to coast. The limited-time, and sometimes mobile, store allowed us to foster a deeper relationship with our Manhattan-area guests by delivering the Target brand in a new, innovative way.

Target continues to be the ultimate one-stop shopping destination by increasing its availability of grocery products at stores in Target turns a local landmark into the Bullseye Inn—the ultimate home and garden store for the chic Hamptons crowd.

The historic-home-turned-Pop-Up-store is outfitted in stylish Target merchandise, with a special focus on products for summer living and entertaining. After her grandmother accidentally ingests her grandfather's medicine, designer Deborah Adler partners with Target to create ClearRx SM , an innovative pharmacy concept that improves the way people take medication.

Available at Target Pharmacies, the program features an easy-to-read bottle and color-coded rings, which help minimize the chance of taking the wrong dose or confusing medications between family members. Target becomes a USDA certified-organic produce retailer, one of the first grocers in the country to do so.

To meet these guidelines, the produce is guaranteed to meet USDA organic standards on everything from how it's grown and transported to how it's stocked in our stores. Today, the average SuperTarget carries more than organic items. Target redesigns an icon of consumer culture: the shopping cart. Made of recycled plastic, the new shopping cart has a clean, modern look designed to make the shopping experience easier.

Continuous handles are added for ergonomic comfort, lightweight plastic makes it easier to handle, and the old wire backrest for kids is replaced by smooth plastic. British designer Luella Bartley rolls out the exciting fashion initiative with a traveling boutique in a trademark-red London double-decker bus. The mobile boutique hits the streets of New York for three days only before the new collection launches in all Target stores.

Since , more than a dozen world-renowned designers have been featured in the GO International program.