Key Stats
Target stands as the seventh-largest retailer in the United States. The company operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and offers a wide assortment of products including apparel, electronics, home goods, groceries, and seasonal merchandise.
The retailer has built a reputation for combining style and affordability. Target’s business model focuses on trend-forward merchandise at competitive prices. This approach has helped the company attract a younger and more affluent customer base compared to traditional discount retailers like Dollar General.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Target serves millions of customers through both physical stores and digital channels. The company’s distinctive red bullseye logo has become one of the most recognized brand symbols in American retail.
Target History
Target Co-founders
Target Revenue
Target generated $106.56 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2024. The company experienced revenue fluctuations in recent years due to changing consumer spending patterns and economic conditions.
Target Market Cap
Target’s market capitalization reflects investor confidence in the retailer’s long-term strategy. The company’s market value stands at approximately $40 billion as of November 2025.
Target Acquisitions
Target has pursued strategic acquisitions to strengthen its market position and capabilities. The company acquired Marshall Field’s in 1990, adding the Chicago-based department store chain to its portfolio. This acquisition made Dayton-Hudson the largest department store chain in the Midwest at the time.
In 2013, Target acquired Dermstore, a skincare products company, expanding its beauty and personal care offerings. The move demonstrated Target’s commitment to growing its health and beauty business. This strategy mirrored moves by competitors, including Amazon’s later acquisition of Whole Foods Market.
Target’s most significant recent acquisition came in 2017 when the company purchased Shipt for $550 million. Shipt is a same-day delivery platform that uses a network of independent contractors. The acquisition strengthened Target’s ability to compete in the rapidly growing online grocery and delivery market.
These strategic moves have helped Target build capabilities in key growth areas. The company also divested its pharmacy business to CVS Health in 2015 for $1.9 billion. This allowed Target to focus on its core retail operations while maintaining pharmacy services for customers through the CVS partnership. The company continues to compete with specialized retailers like Best Buy in electronics and Home Depot in home improvement categories.
More recently, Target has invested in building its own capabilities rather than pursuing large acquisitions. The company has focused on developing its owned brand portfolio, which now includes more than 45 brands. Several of these brands generate over $1 billion in annual sales each.
Target Competitors
Target competes with major retailers across multiple categories. The company faces intense competition in discount retail, grocery, and e-commerce sectors. Major rivals include Amazon in e-commerce and Costco in warehouse retail.
| Competitor | Sector | Key Differentiation |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Discount Retail | Everyday low prices, largest retailer |
| Amazon | E-commerce | Fast delivery, vast selection |
| Costco | Warehouse Club | Membership model, bulk pricing |
| Kroger | Grocery | Supermarket focus, regional strength |
| Home Depot | Home Improvement | Specialized home goods expertise |
| Best Buy | Electronics | Technology specialist, expert service |
| Kohl’s | Department Store | Apparel focus, rewards program |
| Lowe’s | Home Improvement | DIY and professional customers |
| Dollar General | Discount Retail | Extreme value, rural locations |
| Sam’s Club | Warehouse Club | Walmart subsidiary, bulk sales |
FAQs
When was Target founded?
Target’s parent company began in 1902 as Goodfellow Dry Goods. The first Target discount store opened in Roseville, Minnesota, in 1962 under the Dayton Company.
How many stores does Target operate?
Target operates 1,989 stores across all 50 U.S. states. The company also maintains 66 supply chain facilities and 29 office locations globally.
Who owns Target Corporation?
Target is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TGT. Ownership is distributed among institutional investors and individual shareholders.
What makes Target different from Walmart?
Target focuses on upscale, trend-forward merchandise at discount prices. The retailer attracts a younger, more affluent customer base compared to Walmart through stylish product selection and store design.
Does Target own Shipt?
Yes, Target acquired Shipt in 2017 for $550 million. Shipt provides same-day delivery services for Target customers and operates as a Target subsidiary.