Ratio Analysis
Target Corporation, formerly Dayton Hudson Corporation, is a general merchandise retailer, comprised of three operating segments: Target, Mervyn's and Marshall Field's. Target, an upscale discount chain, contributed 82% of the Company's 2001 total revenues. Mervyn's, a middle-market promotional department store, contributed 10% of total revenues. Marshall Field's, including stores formerly named Dayton's and Hudson's, is a traditional department store located in eight states in the upper Midwest. It contributed 7% of total revenues.
"Target Corporation is a general merchandise retailer. As of 12/00, the Company operated 978 Target locations, 267 Mervyn's locations, and 64 department store locations throughout the U.S. For the 13 weeks ended 5/4/02, revenues rose 15% to $9.59 billion. Net income rose 36% to $345 million (Target). Revenues reflect increased revenues at Target due to the opening of new stores. Earnings also benefited from improved operating margins.
While it is people (customers) who make Target successful, Target also incorporates a wide range of individuals who are diverse in belief, background and age to develop a slogan that extends to an audience of all ages. Upholding a culture that describes Target as "Fast, Fun and Friendly", the Target team strives to relate a message as natural as their success. This interview will focus on the importance of marketing to the organization, the top three challenges Target faces as part of the multi-corporation, and the diverse initiatives Target Corporation incorporates into its growth.
Since the breaking news of the formerly known Dayton Hudson Corporation announcing it will changed its name to Target Corporation effective January 30, 2002, Target's focus on merchandise retailing is greater than ever before. "Target's principal operating strategy is to provide exceptional value to American consumers through multiple retail formats ranging from upscale discount and moderate-priced to...
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