1902

our founder George Draper Dayton

In 1881, native New Yorker George D. Dayton decides to explore the growing Midwest markets. After several years in banking and real estate, Dayton decides Minneapolis offers the strongest opportunities for growth. He purchases land on Nicollet Avenue and forms the Dayton Dry Goods Company–today, known as Target Corporation.

Dayton's personal principles shapes the new store, including his belief in the "the higher ground of stewardship." His store soon becomes known for dependable merchandise, fair business practices and a generous spirit of giving. As President, he remains active in the store's management until his death in 1938. His son and grandsons take over leadership and begin to grow the Dayton Company into a nationwide retailer.

1902

creation of Dayton Dry Goods Company

George D. Dayton, a banker and real estate investor, becomes a partner in Goodfellow's Dry Goods Company, the fourth largest department store in Minneapolis, Minn. The following year, desiring greater involvement, Dayton takes sole ownership of the store and becomes the first President of the newly named Dayton Dry Goods Company.

1911

Dayton's Department Store

After a decade of rapid growth, Dayton Dry Goods Company is renamed The Dayton Company to better reflect its wide assortment of goods and services. It becomes commonly known as Dayton's department store.

1916

associated merchandising corporation

The Dayton Company becomes a founding member of the Retail Research Association, a cooperative of leading retailers. In 1918, the association expands and is renamed the Associated Merchandising Corporation.

1918

a history of giving

George D. Dayton creates The Dayton Foundation with a $1 million endowment and a purpose to aid in promoting the welfare of mankind anywhere in the world. Renamed the Dayton-Hudson Foundation in 1969, it later becomes the Target Foundation in 2000.

"Success is making ourselves useful in the world, valuable to society, helping in lifting in the level of humanity, so conducting ourselves that when we go the world will be somewhat better of our having lived the brief span of our lives."

—George Draper Dayton

1920

Merchandise Takes Flight

Merchandise shipments come to a standstill during a freight-handlers strike, preventing the shipment of goods from New York to Minneapolis. Facing the prospect of empty shelves and dissatisfied shoppers, Dayton's captures the imagination of America by using airplanes to transport goods across country. Two Curtiss Northwest Airplane Company planes pick up 400 pounds of merchandise and make the flight to Minnesota — the longest commercial flight ever at the time. The arriving planes are paraded through the streets of Minneapolis and throngs of onlookers immediately purchase the in-demand goods. This innovative solution helps pave the way to a new method of transporting merchandise across the United States.

1922

Introducing WBAH Radio

Dayton Company creates WBAH Radio, one of only six radio stations in Minneapolis and the first radio broadcast station to be operated by a department store in the Twin Cities. At the time, it is the most powerful in the entire Midwest. In less than two months, the station sets an official distance record when the local broadcasting is heard in England.

1938

Passing the Torch

Following George D. Dayton's death, son George N. Dayton is named President of The Dayton Company.

1946

Giving 5 Percent to Communities

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.

1950

A New Generation of Leadership

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. Eventually, all of the founder's grandsons—Wallace, George II, Kenneth, Donald, Bruce and Douglas—take leadership positions within the company.

1953

Commercial Interiors

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.

1954

Dayton's First Branch Location

The company's first expansion outside downtown Minneapolis takes place in March, when a full-line Dayton's is established in Rochester, Minn.

1956

Expansion to the Suburbs

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. Stores thrive as busy shoppers flock to the mall, and Dayton's follows suit with three more shopping centers over the next 20 years: Brookdale in 1962; Rosedale in 1969; and Ridgedale in 1974; all located within the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.

1960

Spring Arrives Early at Dayton's

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.

1960

Entrance into Discount Retailing

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.

1961

Making it Official

On May 9, 1961, the Minneapolis Tribune reports that The Dayton Company plans to form a new discount chain store. 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...75 departments in all." Shopping at the new, currently unnamed store will be fun, delightful and welcoming to the entire family. The stores will include wide aisles, easy-to-shop displays, fast checkout and, "loads of well-lighted parking…for 1,200 cars."

1962

Creation of an Icon

In the months before the first Target store opens its doors, former Dayton's Director of Publicity Stewart K. Widdess, is tasked to name and define the new retail store. Widdess and his staff debate more than 200 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."

1962

The Birth of Target

On May 1, 1962, guests in the Twin Cities area wake to the news of Target's first grand opening in Roseville, Minn. 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 1962, Target opens additional locations in St. Louis Park, Crystal and Duluth, Minn.

1963

Holidays at Dayton's

In 1963, 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.

1963

The Joys of Summer

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.

1966

Target opens its first stores outside of Minnesota in the Denver metro area.

1967

Growth on a National Scale

After a decade of significant growth, Dayton's transforms itself from a regional department-store company to a national retailer. The company's Initial Public Offering (IPO) is Oct. 18, 1967. 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. Dalton Bookseller, Dayton Jewelers and Dayton Development Company. 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.

1968

Updating the Bullseye

In the late 1960s, 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.

1969

First Distribution Center

In Fridley, Minn., the corporation opens its first distribution center—a warehouse responsible for storing and shipping trailer loads of products to Target stores.

1969

A New Partnership

Dayton Corporation joins forces with the J.L. Hudson Company of Detroit to create the Dayton-Hudson Corporation. 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.

1970

Earth Day Volunteers

In the 1970s, 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.

1973

Lending a Helping Hand

Holiday Helpers, a program first conceived of by Jim Simms, store manager in Moline, Ill., offers a great holiday-shopping event for our senior and disabled guests by providing personal shopping assistance in a friendly, festive shopping environment. In 1974, the popular event goes chain-wide and becomes an annual event.

1974

Shopping Made Easy

As Target grows, so does our commitment to providing guests with a consistent shopping experience at every store, no matter the location. In 1974, 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.

1975

Target Stores becomes the No. 1 revenue producer of the Dayton-Hudson Corporation.

1975

Now in Your Sunday Paper

Target introduces its weekly newspaper advertisement.

1977

Family Management Transition

In the 1950s, 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 1978.

1978

Dayton-Hudson Corporation purchases Mervyn's of California.

1979

An Organizational Milestone

Target Stores celebrates an organizational milestone after achieving $1 billion in annual sales by holding our first Billion Dollar Sale for guests. 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.

1983

Recognition of Community Involvement

President Ronald Reagan awards the Dayton-Hudson Foundation the President's Committee on the Arts & Humanities Medal of Honor for its community giving in arts and social welfare.

1983

Daytons Retire From Board of Directors

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.

1983

Target opens its first stores in Southern California.

1985

Santabear Arrives at Dayton's

In 1985, 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. and within three days of its first appearance in stores, 400,000 bears find a new home. 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.

1988

Target opens its first stores in the Pacific Northwest.

1988

Innovation Through Technology

In the mid-1980s, manufacturers begin to test and implement UPC bar-code packaging technology. In 1988, Target becomes the first mass merchandiser to introduce UPC scanning at all Target stores and Distribution Centers. 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.

1989

Exploration of the Polar Continent

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 1990, marks the first west-east, unmechanized traverse of Antarctica.

1989

A New Contender in the World of Racing

Now open in 32 states, Target partners with Chip Ganassi to form Target Chip Ganassi Racing. 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.

1989

Grand Opening in the Southeast

On April 30, Target opens 30 new stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, becoming a national retailer with stores from coast-to-coast. 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.

1990

Purchasing a Legendary Retailer

Dayton-Hudson Corporation purchases Marshall Field's, a legendary Chicago-based department store founded in 1852, from Batus Inc., the American arm of B.A.T. Industries P.L.C. The addition increases the corporation's size and scale, positioning Dayton-Hudson as the premier department store company in the Midwestern United States.

1990

Sometimes You Just Need a Bigger Target

On Sept. 30, 1990, Target Greatland is unveiled in Apple Valley, Minn. 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.

1993

Target Expands to Chicago

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.

Map reprinted with permission from Rand McNally.

1994

Evolution of Our Brand Promise

Target Stores unveils its brand promise, Expect More. Pay Less.® to reflect the unique retail experience offered at Target. 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.

1995

Target Offers Credit

The first Target store credit card, known as the Target Guest Card, launches in 1995. It's followed in 2001 by the Target Visa® Credit Card, the first company credit card to be accepted at major retailers nationwide. Renamed REDcards in 2004, the portfolio of credit products expands to add the Target Check Card in 2007.

1995

First SuperTarget^® Store Opens

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., in 1995.

1995

Registry from Coast-to-Coast

Target becomes one of the first mass-market retailers to offer a comprehensive gift-registry service. The introduction of Club Wedd® at Target brought together the latest registration technology, a convenient self-service environment and exclusive merchandise available at low discount prices. Within the first year, more than 125,000 couples register.

1995

Archer Farms^® Debuts

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.

1996

Restoration of a National Treasure

Target joins the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation's effort to restore the Washington Monument by donating $1 million and becoming the five-year lead sponsor. 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.

1997

Target Welcomes Snowden

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.

1997

Recognition for Being a Good Neighbor

Target's Good Neighbor volunteer program, today known as Target Volunteers, receives the President's Service Award from President William J. Clinton. The award is the highest national honor given for corporate volunteer efforts.

1997

Target Supports Education

To help give educators the tools they need to inspire students to embrace learning, Target launches Take Charge of Education®. Through this innovative program, Target donates up to 1 percent of REDcard® purchases at Target or Target.com to eligible K-12 schools. Schools can use the money for anything they choose, such as textbooks and playground equipment. Since 1997, Target has donated more than $320 million to K-12 schools across the country.

1998

Dayton-Hudson Corporation purchases the Associated Merchandising Corporation (AMC).

1999

A New Beauty Genre at Target

In 1997, 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 1999, 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.

1999

Target Moves Online with Target.com

Target launches Target.com, allowing guests to shop a wide assortment of fashionable, affordable merchandise from the comfort of their own home.

1999

Pioneering Design for All

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.

1999

Bullseye Dog Makes His First Appearance

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 2006, Bullseye becomes the second dog ever to have his likeness displayed in Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

1999

First Gift Cards

Target sells its first GiftCards.

1999

A Home Away from Home

In 1997, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® an organization in Memphis, Tenn., committed to treating all patients regardless of their ability to pay, plans to buy a hotel to solve their long-term housing challenge. With the assistance of generous guests and vendors, Target steps in and funds the construction of Target House®, a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses. Since opening in 1999, more than 1,337 families from 42 states and 36 countries have passed through Target House® and found it to be a place of love, support, community and hope.

2000

Dayton-Hudson Corporation is renamed Target Corporation to better reflect its core business.

2000

The Target Weekly Ad makes its first appearance on Target.com.

2001

Now Open in 47 States

In July, Target Stores passes a major milestone as a national retailer after opening its 1,000th store. Guests have 1,000 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.

2001

Market Pantry® Debuts

Target introduces its exclusive private label, Market Pantry.

2002

Popping Up in Unexpected Places

In December, Target introduces one of the first ever Pop-Up stores with Target Boat at Chelsea Pier in New York City. 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.

2003

Target introduces the Red Hot Shop on Target.com.

2004

Associated Merchandising Company is renamed Target Sourcing Services.

2004

Target launches its in-store dollar section, See. Spot. Save.^®

2004

Eat Well. Pay Less.^®

Target continues to be the ultimate one-stop shopping destination by increasing its availability of grocery products at stores in 2003. In 2004, Target introduces the SuperTarget tagline "Eat Well. Pay Less.^®" This is our promise to provide a great selection of unique, affordable grocery items as a complement to the hip and fashionable low-priced merchandise for which Target is known.

2004

Target sells retail chains Marshall Field's and Mervyn's.

2004

Summer in the Hamptons

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.

2005

For the first time, Target exceeds $50 billion in annual sales.

2005

Target launches Sutton and Dodge^®, an exclusive premium meat brand.

2005

Target launches choxie^®, an exclusive premium line of chocolates.

2005

The Future of Pharmacy Is Clear

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.

2005

A New View on Fashion

Target turns the runway upside down during an electrifying Vertical Fashion Show in New York City. This one-of-a-kind event features world-class athletes/models scaling the walls of a nine-story tower in Rockefeller Center on a 100-foot "vertical catwalk." The event showcases the Target Fall Women's and Men's collections in a surprising and fun way.

2006

SuperTarget^® Goes Organic

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 600 organic items.

2006

Redesigning a Classic

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.

2006

Innovation in Design

Target unveils GO International®, an innovative, limited-time-only fashion program designed to provide affordable fashion created by emerging designers. 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 2006, more than a dozen world-renowned designers have been featured in the GO International program.

2006

Traveling Target Style

Target welcomes attendees of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Italy with special Bullseye-branded trains. Passengers hop aboard for a railway ride from Torino to various event sites, often with a specially branded cowbell or horn to get them into the spirit of the games.

2007

Target Corporation introduces the Target Check Card.^®

2007

Celebration of a Giving Milestone

In January, Target celebrates a monumental milestone: giving more than $3 million per week to local communities. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income to our communities to make positive changes in education, arts, social services and volunteerism.

2008

Target's Food Distribution Center

In August, the corporation opens its first Target-owned food distribution center in Lake City, Fla. The new facility is specially designed to distribute perishables such as meat, produce, frozen foods and dairy.

2008

Hello, Alaska!

Target opens its first stores outside the continental U.S. in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska. The store design and merchandise assortment cater specifically to the Alaskan market and include sections for fishing supplies and cold-weather gear.

2008

Target School Library Makeover Program

The Target School Library Makeover Program launches through a partnership with The Heart of America Foundation. Through library remodels, donations of more than 1 million books and thousands of volunteer hours, the program has brought new life into school libraries across the United States.

2009

Aloha, Hawaii!

Target opens its first stores in Hawaii on the islands of Oahu and the Big Island. Long before the doors open, Target embraces the Hawaiian culture by taking part in a native Hawaiian ceremony to bless the land in which the new stores will stand. The store environment and merchandise assortment caters specifically to Hawaiian guests and includes specially printed red Hawaiian shirts and surfboards.

2009

Target expands fresh food offerings into stores nationwide.

2010

Liberty of London Crosses the Pond

Just in time for spring, Target launches a new, limited-time partnership with British fashion house Liberty of London, marking the first time a Target collection spans categories ranging from home and garden to fashion for the entire family. Building upon a century's worth of rich heritage and innovation, the partnership allows guests to experience Liberty of London's iconic prints and fashion at affordable prices.

2010

$1 Billion for Education

Target announces its goal to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015. We're on track to reach that number thanks to innovative education programs and partnerships, including our Target School Library Makeovers, book donations and other reading events around the world.

2011

Target is coming to Canada

In 2011, Target acquired 189 Zellers sites across Canada, and we're planning to renovate between 125-135 of them to become Target stores in the future. As we prepare to open the new stores, our list of stores is always growing, so check back often to get the latest scoop on our plans. Since construction can be affected by many things, including the weather, dates of store openings are subject to change.

2011

meet Missoni… and Little Marina

Target unveils a partnership with legendary Italian fashion house Missoni during New York Fashion Week and offers a preview sale at a limited-time pop-up store. Some visitors get to meet Little Marina, a Missoni-obsessed fashion blogger who just happens to be a 25-foot doll. The larger-than-life puppet, operated by four puppeteers, travels the country, blogging and tweeting via a king-size smartphone. When the in-demand collection is released in stores and online on Sept. 13, the collection experiences unprecedented sales, with most items selling out in just a matter of hours.

2012

Target and Neiman Marcus Partner Up

Target partners with legendary department store Neiman Marcus to create an unprecedented, limited-edition holiday collection. Target + Neiman Marcus features unique items from 24 of America's preeminent designers, all members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). In addition to the collection, Target and Neiman Marcus donate $1 million to the CFDA to underscore the retailers' long-standing commitment to fostering design talent.

2012

Making the Most Out of Mobile

Target continues to innovate in mobile and online shopping, allowing our guests to shop wherever, whenever and however they like. Highlights include our Webby Award-winning mobile app, which lets guests navigate a Target store, refill prescriptions, browse the Weekly Ad and more. During the holidays, guests use the app's QR code scanner to scan top-selling toys' codes in store, buy the product on their phone and have it shipped for free—even if the toy is sold out. Target also mixes movie-watching and shopping in "Falling for You," a star-studded short film guests can watch while adding the items from the film to their Target.com cart…without interruption.

2012

Giving Reaches $4 Million a Week

Our community giving gets even bigger with the announcement that Target's giving has reached $4 million a week to local communities. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its profit to our communities to fight hunger, aid disaster preparedness and relief efforts, support the arts and put more kids on the path to graduation.

2012

Smart in the City

The first CityTarget stores open in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. CityTarget stores offer commuters, tourists and urban dwellers the same one-stop shopping convenience of a typical Target store but in a smaller format that's tailored to an urban neighborhood. Plus, guests will find an assortment that's the right size for city-dwellers (so no worries about lugging jumbo-packs of paper towels on the bus) and, in typical Target fashion, innovative store features like a digital wall and redesigned navigational signs to help to our multilingual guests find what they need quickly.

2012

Celebrating the Big 5-0

Target celebrates 50 years since its first store opened in 1962 and 110 years since the Dayton's Dry Goods Company—now Target Corporation—was created. To mark this milestone Target hosts a New York City soirée with a guest list that includes noted partners like home-design superstar Nate Berkus, Olympic snowboarder Shaun White and legendary crooner Tony Bennett, as well as Target's official ambassador, Bullseye.

2013

Hello, Canada!

In March, we welcome Canadian guests into our first stores north of the border, the culmination of an unprecedented international expansion. Another milestone: with the opening of 124 stores across Canada throughout the year, we mark our largest ever single-year of store openings—even more than our entire first decade of business! Our entry into Canada is achieved by thousands of team members collaborating around the world.

2013

Rooted in Great Design

Continuing the tradition of Target’s design philosophy—that great design should be affordable and accessible to all—Target Canada teams up with its first design partner, beloved Canadian sportswear brand Roots Outfitters. This limited-time-only collection, available just in Canada, allows us the opportunity to introduce ourselves—and our celebrated design collaborations—to our new guests.

2013

More Target in the City

We open three new CityTarget locations—in Los Angeles, Portland and San Francisco—continuing to bring a big box shopping experience to the urban core, and making it easier for city dwellers to get the everyday essentials they need quickly and conveniently.

2013

Target Offers More Cooking and Beauty Choices Through New Acquisitions

Target expands its presence in the growing cooking and beauty markets with the acquisition of CHEFS Catalog, Cooking.com and Dermstore.com. These companies give our guests more of what they want—additional product, content and choices—in categories that are most important to them. We plan on integrating CHEFS Catalog and Cooking.com with our registry experience, as well as use stores as a pickup destination for online orders.

2013

Head Over Heels for Cartwheel

Target introduces Cartwheel, a first-of-its-kind digital coupon app developed in partnership with Facebook. Cartwheel allows guests to save on hundreds of items throughout our stores. Cartwheel quickly becomes one of the most downloaded retail apps, and by the end of 2014, has attracted 13 million users who saved more than $160 million on their Target purchases combined.

2013

New Target Innovation Center in Heart of Silicon Valley

We have a new team at the Target Technology Innovation Center: San Francisco, and they are helping us stay ahead of the curve and be better connected to existing Silicon Valley partners and new technology startups. Target’s San Francisco team is exploring and testing areas such as wearable computing, the Internet of Things, advanced analytics and augmented reality in order to help bring new ideas and technologies to life for Target.

2013

Simply Balanced Unveiled

To continue offering guests more healthy grocery options, we formulate a new owned brand food collection, Simply Balanced, free of artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and 105 common food additive ingredients. A number of the products are organic, and the vast majority is made without GMO ingredients. For Simply Balanced products that are not certified organic, we are in the process of removing GMO ingredients.

2013

Leading Change For Worker Safety

In July, we join the Bipartisan Policy Center and other North American retailers in announcing the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety and the launch of the Bangladesh Worker Safety Initiative, a binding agreement focused on elevating safety conditions for garment workers across Bangladesh through measurable, sustainable actions. The alliance has already achieved major milestones in the areas of safety standards, training curriculum and empowering worker voices.

2013

The Passing of a Pioneer

Douglas J. Dayton, the first president of Target Stores, passes away on July 5. Along with his brothers and cousin, Doug was instrumental in helping to guide the strategic direction of Dayton Hudson Corporation for many years and institutionalize the values that are at the heart of Target Corporation today. As the chain’s first president, Doug drew upon his company’s vast wealth of department store experience to create a vision for this new kind of store. Throughout his life, Doug was also known for his passion for volunteerism. He and his brothers established one of the first corporate—giving programs in Minnesota—our company’s legacy of giving 5 percent of our profits.

2013

Target.com Subscriptions

Shopping for baby-care products becomes easier for guests with the launch of Target Subscriptions, a program that lets guests order nearly 150 baby-related products like diapers and formula on a recurring schedule. The program is so well received that Target Subscriptions expands to include nearly 4,000 convenience items like paper towels, coffee K Cups, health, pet, and home office products.

2013

Target Sustainable Product Standard

We introduce the Target Sustainable Product Standard, developed over the last two years in partnership with industry experts, vendors and NGOs, to help establish a common language, definition and process for qualifying what makes a product more sustainable. Beginning with our personal care, beauty, household cleaning, and baby care product categories, we’ll use GoodGuide’s UL Transparency Platform to collect information from vendors and evaluate the products’ qualities against set criteria.

2013

New Ways to Shop

Target launches a Store Pickup program, where guests can choose from more than 40,000 items across a range of merchandise categories, order them online and pick them up at a nearby Target store in as little as a few hours. We also test a Ship from Store option, allowing guests to order online for same day or next day rush delivery, or faster standard delivery.

2013

One Million Volunteer Hours

Back in 2011, we set a goal for our team: to track 700,000 collective service hours annually by the end of 2015. In 2013, our dedicated volunteers not only reach the milestone, they exceed it two years ahead of schedule, tracking more than 1 million total hours in their communities. We’re now working toward a new goal: keep up the momentum and continue tracking 1 million hours every year.

2013

Target Announces Data Breach

In mid-December 2013, Target learns that criminals forced their way into our system, gaining access to guest credit and debit card information. As the investigation continues, it is determined that certain guest information was also taken. Target partners with a leading third-party forensics firm to thoroughly investigate the breach. Target takes significant action to further strengthen security across the network, including an accelerated $100 million plan to move our REDcard portfolio to chip-and-PIN-enabled technology and to install supporting software and next-generation payment devices in stores. In 2015, Target will enable all REDcards with chip-and-PIN technology and begin accepting payments from all chip-enabled cards in its stores.

2014

Batter Up For Education

Target and Major League Baseball (MLB) work together this baseball season to engage guests and fans in celebrating our nation’s teachers and inspiring kids. Efforts include Target joining MLB and PEOPLE’s longstanding tradition of recognizing community heroes through the Target Presents “PEOPLE All-Star Teachers” program, hosting a series of events in schools across the country and honoring teachers at the 2014 All-Star Game. Target announces that the company is now an official MLB sponsor, and will offer guests an expanded selection of MLB and All-Star Game merchandise in its stores and on Target.com.

2014

25 Years of Target Racing

Sponsors in motorsports come and go, but Target and Chip Ganassi Racing (TCGR) have been together for 25 consecutive seasons, one of the longest current partnerships in racing history. Thanks to a team-centric philosophy and a drive for continuous innovation, TCGR has crossed many finish lines together over the years, resulting in more than 100 wins and making Target one of the most recognizable brands of victory lane. Oh, and don’t forget about the team’s 10 career IndyCar Series championships, four Indianapolis 500 victories and a trip to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

2014

Made to Matter Collection

In March, Target introduces Made to Matter — a first-of-its-kind partnership and collection from leading natural, organic and sustainable brands. The new Made to Matter collection features more than 120 new and exclusive products from a crew of trusted companies, taking the guesswork out of buying better-for-you products. Made to Matter products span baby, beauty and personal care, grocery, healthcare and household products, including Annie’s Homegrown, Burt’s Bees, Clif Bar & Company, Ella’s Kitchen, EVOL, Horizon Organic, Hyland’s, Kashi, method, Plum Organics, Seventh Generation, SheaMoisture, Target’s Simply Balanced, Vita Coco, Yes To and Zarbee’s Naturals.

2014

Chip-and-PIN Technology Meets REDcard

Target accelerates its $100 million plan to move its REDcard portfolio to chip-and-PIN-enabled technology and to install supporting software and next-generation payment devices in stores. In 2015, the entire REDcard portfolio, including all Target-branded credit and debit cards, will be enabled with MasterCard’s chip-and-PIN solution. Existing co-branded cards will be reissued as MasterCard co-branded chip-and-PIN cards. Ultimately, through this initiative, all of Target’s REDcard products will be chip-and-PIN secured. New payment terminals are now in all 1,801 U.S. stores, six months ahead of schedule, and will begin accepting payments from all chip-enabled cards in Target stores this year.

2014

Changing of the Guard

In May, Target’s board of directors and CEO Gregg Steinhafel decide that it is the right time for new leadership at Target. Steinhafel steps down from his positions as Chairman of the Target board of directors, president and CEO. John Mulligan, Target’s chief financial officer, is appointed as interim president and chief executive officer. Roxanne S. Austin, a current member of Target’s board of directors, is appointed as interim non-executive chair of the board. The board notes their gratitude to Steinhafel for his significant contributions and outstanding service throughout his notable 35-year career with the company. His passion for the team and relentless focus on the guest established Target as a leader in the retail industry.

2014

Debut of TargetExpress

The first TargetExpress, our newest small-format store, opens its doors to guests in July in the Dinkytown neighborhood of Minneapolis. It’s also announced that in 2015, TargetExpress will come to the San Francisco Bay Area with multiple locations, as well as the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Minn., to continue catering to urban guests looking to get in and out without the long lines and navigation challenges. These stores will offer everyday essentials and unexpected must-haves as part of an assortment tailored to each neighborhood.

2014

Target Supports Marriage Equality

In August, Target joins several other national companies to sign on to an amicus brief in support of marriage equality, currently pending in the Seventh Circuit. This brief evaluates the issues created by states that both prohibit same-sex marriage and also refuse to recognize marriages that were conducted legally in other states. This position is particularly challenging for a large organization that operates nationally, as we do. At Target, we have long offered comprehensive, competitive benefits to our LGBT team members and their families, often above what is legally required. We continue to do so today because we believe doing so is right for our team and for our business. But current laws—in places like Wisconsin and Indiana that are addressed in this brief—make it difficult to attract and retain talent. We believe that everyone—all of our team members and our guests—deserve to be treated equally. And at Target we are proud to support the LGBT community.

2014

Introducing Brian Cornell

In August, Target Board of Directors names seasoned retail and consumer products veteran Brian Cornell as the company’s new chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer. Cornell, 55, joins Target with more than 30 years of experience at some of the nation’s leading retail and consumer product companies. As Target’s new CEO, Cornell’s top priorities will be accelerating the company’s performance and advancing Target’s omnichannel evolution.

Cornell most recently served as the chief executive officer of PepsiCo Americas Foods. Before joining PepsiCo in 2012, Cornell served as president and CEO of Sam’s Club. He was also CEO at Michaels Stores, Inc., and prior to that, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Safeway.

2014

Target House at St. Jude Children’s Research Anniversary

We celebrate the 15th anniversary of Target House at St. Jude Children’s Research, with care provided over the years for 4,200 families nationwide. A few miles from the hospital’s campus, Target House’s 98 furnished two-bedroom apartments serve as a home away from home for families with children undergoing difficult and often lengthy treatments for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Through St. Jude’s partnerships, like the one with Target, patient families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

2014

Giving Back in Style: Target and TOMS

Target and TOMS team up on a limited-edition collection for the holidays. Every TOMS for Target apparel, accessory and home good purchase results in the donation of a blanket through the American Red Cross or Canadian Red Cross, or one week of meals through Feeding America or Food Banks Canada. And for every TOMS for Target pair of shoes sold, a pair will go to a child in need. The partnership with TOMS is the perfect marriage of both brands’ core values–great design that’s accessible to everyone and a commitment to giving back.

2014

200 School Library Makeovers

In December, Target completes its 200th School Library Makeover with The Heart of America since 2007. The number of books (1.5 million), team member volunteer hours (35,000), and students impacted (105,000) tell part of the story. But beyond the numbers, what stands out the most is the positive impact on communities rallying together to create change, support one another and transform outdated spaces into state-of-the-art learning centers with complete technology updates.

2015

Closing our Target Canada stores

In January, Target announces plans to discontinue operating our 133 retail stores in Canada, having ultimately determined that it’s in the best interest of our business and our shareholders to focus on driving growth and building momentum in our U.S. business. CEO Brian Cornell says, “Personally, this was a very difficult decision, but it was the right decision for our company.” By April 12, inventory liquidation efforts are complete and the stores close their doors to the public.

2015

Target Style on the Scene

The Target Style campaign launches in February, featuring a series of super-stylish TV spots that run throughout the year, including during big pop culture events like the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special. The spots showcase the season’s hottest styles in fun and reimagined ways. Some are set to an exclusive track of “Groove is in the Heart” produced by Questlove (The Roots) and vocals by Charli XCX and Black Thought (The Roots).

2015

New Leaders Take the Reins

This year, we welcome new leaders to the team and congratulate others on new roles. In June, global technology and innovation leader Mike McNamara takes over the role of chief information officer. In September, seasoned retail business leader Cathy Smith joins Target as our new chief financial officer. Her predecessor, John Mulligan, is named to the newly created role of chief operating officer, and assumes oversight of stores, supply chain and properties. In December, Casey Carl steps into the newly created role of chief strategy and innovation officer.

2015

Giving Guests #MoreMusic

Target continues to be the place where guests can find more of the year’s hottest music. Some examples: In February, we make history during a GRAMMY® Awards commercial break with our live TV spot featuring a performance by Imagine Dragons, in support of the Target exclusive edition of their album “Smoke + Mirrors” with four bonus tracks. In August, Luke Bryan surprises fans with the #LukeBox project, turning their requests in to quick songs on YouTube as his Target-exclusive edition of “Kill the Lights” debuts. In November, we bring fans a special edition of Adele’s highly anticipated album, “25,” featuring three bonus tracks, and a series of TV spots with a unique look at seven of the new songs. It quickly surpasses Adele’s previous album, “21,” becoming Target’s top-selling album to date.

2015

Exploring Future Retail Experiences

Our teams explore new ways to give guests a peek at what the future of retail and the shopping experience could be, as imagined by Target. In March, we unveil Target Too, an exhibit featuring playful, interactive and shoppable installations made of Target products. After four weeks on display in New York, the exhibit heads to Florida for Miami Art Week. In July, Target Open House, our connected home lab and retail space, opens its doors in San Francisco. Here, Target showcases cutting-edge home technology and visitors can see how more than 30 connected home products work together within the Internet of Things. In December, Target Wonderland opens in New York. Part toy store and part larger-than-life holiday playground, Target Wonderland merges the physical and digital retail experience to reimagine holiday shopping for its guests. Visitors can play among Target’s top holiday products and use RFID technology to shop along the way.

2015

A Way with Words

In March, we debut #SinTraducción, a first-of-its kind Hispanic marketing campaign that features a sweeping celebration of treasured cultural moments, traditions and emotions—all centered around words like “arrullo,” “sobremesa” and “estrenar” that have no English equivalent. Using a number of these untranslatable terms as inspiration, the campaign invites Target’s guests to experience the brand in a more personal way.

2015

Target Collective Tells a Story

Our guests love products with a great backstory, so in March, we introduce Target Collective, a collection of brands with impeccably crafted, locally produced goods. The launch includes products for men from Billykirk, Owen & Fred, Taylor Stitch, Duluth Pack, Locally Grown and Terrapin Stationers. In June, three new brands join the mix—Stone and Cloth, Parks Project and Shwood—with more clothing, bags and eyewear for men and women.

2015

Gearing Up for Major Movie Events

As the year’s most highly anticipated movies hit theaters, Target has the hot merchandise guests want. Our action-packed, stop-motion Avengers: Age of Ultron TV spots send toy heroes on an adventure through the Target store and parking lot. We team up with the Charles M. Schulz Museum on an exclusive cross-category collection to celebrate The Peanuts Movie. And our Star Wars: Share the Force campaign celebrates the release of The Force Awakens with exclusive products like Hasbro’s remote control BB-8, and interactive digital experiences that let guests share their favorite Star Wars memories.

2015

Lilly Pulitzer for Target is a Runaway Hit

With summer approaching and poolside style on everyone’s minds, our limited-edition Lilly Pulitzer for Target collaboration has guests counting down the minutes until the April 19 launch. The 250-piece collection features style and home products from apparel to patio furniture. When the big day arrives, guests go wild for the colorful prints. It’s so hot, the collection virtually sells out online and in stores in just a matter of hours.

2015

Cyber Fusion Center Opens

In May, Target’s state-of-the-art Cyber Fusion Center officially opens its doors. The new space is designed to bring Target’s information security teams together to work faster and with more agility than ever before. Here, cyber security analysts work round the clock using human intelligence, analytics and cutting-edge technology to protect our business and keep Target’s and our guests’ data secure.

2015

Testing 1, 2, 3 ...

Our teams continue to test new ideas and technology that will help us take the shopping experience to a new level. In the spring, we begin testing interactive experiences using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Beacon technology in stores. Later, we introduce a project called LA25, with plans to test some of our top enhancements in 25 of our Los Angeles-area stores to study the power they have on guest experience and sales. We also pilot on-demand grocery delivery through a partnership with Instacart, and improve on other flexible fulfillment options like ship-from-store and order pickup. In the fall, we launch an international version of our website, allowing guests overseas to shop online, and those in the U.S. to ship to countries and territories around the world.

2015

Top Styles for Every Body

Guests get excited for new Target collections featuring styles that look great on all body shapes and sizes. We launch AVA & VIV, a new plus-size clothing line designed for women who love fashion and appreciate great value. It’s the first new fashion line Target’s introduced in more than a decade. Top fashion bloggers Nicolette Mason, Chastity Garner and Gabi Gregg preview the Spring 2015 collection and give our design team input for the Fall 2015 collection. Meanwhile, our “Target Loves Every Body” campaign makes a big splash. It features swimwear and accessories specially designed to flatter all body types.

2015

Taking Pride and Standing Together

Inclusivity is a core belief at Target, and we proudly stand with the LGBT community through our volunteerism, partnerships and products. In June, we share our #TakePride manifesto and celebrate Pride Month with sponsored events and a new merchandise collection. In September, we sign on to the Equality Act, taking a stand with other businesses against workplace discrimination. We unveil a special Snapchat filter to celebrate GLAAD’s Spirit Day on Oct. 15, and sponsor the GLSEN Respect Awards on Oct. 23. And we’re honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality, earning a score of 100 on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index.

2015

CVS Health Comes to Target

In June, Target and CVS Health announce an agreement that CVS Health will acquire Target’s pharmacy and clinic businesses, rebranding them as CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic, and operating them within our new and existing Target stores. The transaction is completed in December, and CVS Health’s best-in-class pharmacy care programs and medical clinic services begin rolling out to our stores and guests in phases—a process that continues into 2016.

2015

A Nod to Local Pride

To help guests celebrate the love they have for their own backyard, Target teams up with designer Todd Snyder on a series of exclusive, city-specific product collections (including t-shirts, baseball caps, pint glasses and phone cases) all about hometown pride. Local Pride by Todd Snyder debuts in our Boston stores in July, with collections for Chicago and the Twin Cities launching later in the year.

2015

Many Stores, All Target

Target continues to open new flexible format stores across the country. The stores vary in size and assortment, allowing us to create a more locally-relevant experience for guests in urban areas. But big or small, they all deliver the full Target experience guests love. So to keep things simple, we announce plans in August to rebrand all new and existing CityTarget and TargetExpress stores as “Target,” with the Bullseye logo. The rebranding begins in October.

2015

Weaving a Strong Partnership

Target continues its long history of making sure our global manufacturers meet our high standards for responsible sourcing and labor practices. In September, we join forces with GoodWeave in support of their mission to end child labor in the rug industry. GoodWeave works closely with our teams and vendors to provide independent, third-party certification that Target’s owned-brand rugs made in India are being produced with the utmost integrity.

2015

Bring on the Chip Cards

Target is honored to be among retailers leading the industry in bringing secure chip card payment technology to the U.S. In August, ahead of the national deadline, we finish equipping all of our Target stores to accept third-party chip cards at checkout. We also begin rolling out our own chip-enabled Target REDcards to guests. The reissuance process continues in phases over the next year.

2015

A Real Page-Turner

Target partners with Vogue to reimagine 15 iconic images from the magazine’s past—each with a Target twist—for its highly anticipated September issue. The first-of-its-kind 20-page insert uses Shazam image-recognition technology, allowing readers to compare the archival images with the reimagined ones, interact with behind-the-scenes content, and shop the Target products.

2015

A Plaid, Plaid World

This fall, plaid takes over Target. The fan-favorite patterns appear on products in nearly every category—throw pillows, Diet Coke, apparel, Chapstick, Listerine and more. Among the highlights? A limited-edition collection of apparel and home products from designer Adam Lippes.

2015

Thanks a Billion!

As kids across the country head back to school, Target celebrates a major milestone, thanking guests for helping us reach our goal to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015. Target’s support over the years has provided books, school supplies, food, field trips and lots more to students and schools across the U.S. and around the world.

2015

Wellness for All

In September, Target announces a new CSR strategy centered on wellness—an area that’s become increasingly important to guests, and one where we know we can make an impact from across our business. Our goal is to help improve the health of the nation by making wellness the way of life—by making healthy eating, active living and clean-label product solutions (like simple, recognizable, easy to read ingredients and materials) more affordable, accessible and inspiring. Plans kick off to identify a full range of partnerships and programs dedicated to wellness that build on our legacy of work in education, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and addressing local community needs.

2015

Sonia Kashuk Beauty is Here to Stay

Award-winning makeup artist Sonia Kashuk continues to create coveted Target beauty collections, including her Spring 2015 Art of Beauty line with artist Linda Mason. In the fall, Target announces that we’ve purchased Sonia’s brand, with plans to build up our own beauty design and development capabilities—making Sonia Kashuk beauty collections a permanent fixture at Target.

2015

8 New Sustainability Commitments

In October, Target unveils eight new sustainability commitments as part of the White House’s Climate Pledge. From upping our total ENERGY STAR certifications to adding solar panels to more of our stores, the commitments are part of our ongoing work to improve our energy efficiency, invest in renewable energy, and lower our overall HFC impact. So far, we’ve successfully reduced our GHG emissions by 9 percent and eliminated 550,000 metric tons of CO2e across all of our buildings.

2015

Remembering a Community Champion

Target co-founder Bruce Dayton passes away on Nov. 13. An innovator, Bruce and his brothers and cousin helped to build the first indoor shopping mall, pioneered the concept of discount retail, and founded a company that would become one of the world’s largest private-sector employers. Bruce was known for making corporate social responsibility a top priority, understanding that a company’s business is fundamentally linked to the health and vitality of the community. He ensured that Target gave 5 percent of its profits back to the community—a commitment we’re proud to uphold today.

2015

Bullseye’s Playground Debuts

In November, The One Spot—the grab-and-go section at the front of our stores known for dollar deals—gets a makeover. Rebranded as “Bullseye’s Playground,” the area is upgraded with a larger-than-life display featuring a family-friendly selection of curated seasonal products. The new products are still very affordable, with most items in the $1 to $5 range.

2015

A Magical Holiday Adventure

As the holiday season approaches, we bring guests captivating new TV spots, in-store displays and digital experiences designed to excite the kid in all of us. Our 2015 marketing campaign, The Holiday Odyssey, tells a season-long story featuring three kids on a journey to light up a Christmas tree, with the spotlight on many of our top holiday toys and products. In December, Target Wonderland opens in New York City. We also team up with ABC to bring Mary Poppins back to network television for the first time in more than 13 years as part of a special Wonderful World of Disney event.

2016

Taking the Lead

We usher in the new year with new leaders, as two long-time Target leaders join our executive leadership team. In January, Janna Potts is named Target’s chief stores officer. In February, Stephanie Lundquist becomes chief human resources officer. And in July, Don Liu joins the team as executive vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel.

2016

Who What Wear … and How

We kick off our partnership with the celebrity style and fashion aficionados Who What Wear on a month-by-month collection of apparel and accessories. The first collection of spring looks, including feminine prints, dramatic silhouettes and bold accessories, debuts in stores and on Target.com in February, with new pieces rotating in at the beginning of each month.

2016

All Dolled Up

Barbie has a major style moment at Target, modeling our 2016 swimwear—and spreading a #NOFOMO (No Fear of Missing Out) message of confidence and style for every body type.

2016

A Market Pantry Makeover

Target’s signature Market Pantry food brand packaging gets a new look. Our in-house designers, merchants, engineers and marketers incorporate ideas and feedback from guests into a versatile new creative toolkit for the brand with updated colors, fonts and other visuals. They use it to redesign 1,900+ product packages across 100 categories, making each one stand out visually while tying in with the look of the overarching brand. The playful new packaging begins hitting shelves in February.

2016

Building Pillowfort

We launch Pillowfort, a brand new kids’ home collection featuring everything from bedding and furniture to wall décor — all exclusive to Target. To create the line’s more than 1,200 stylish pieces, our design team spends time with moms, dads, and most importantly, kids, to find out what makes them tick. Turns out one of their biggest challenges is creating a room that feels like an extension of their home, but still reflects the kid’s unique personality. So we create twelve print and pattern themes to give parents and kids the freedom to mix, match and make updates as the youngsters grow over time.

2016

Making #MoreMusic History

Taking “live” to an entirely new level, we create Gwen Stefani’s official music video for “Make Me Like You” on live TV. Guests tuning into the 58th Annual GRAMMY® Awards catch the groundbreaking campaign during a four-minute commercial break, live from Los Angeles. We also share behind-the-scenes views of the video-in-the-making on Periscope, Facebook Live and Snapchat.

2016

Finnish, Target Style

We travel far and wide to find designers and brands our guests will love. For our spring collaboration, we go all the way to Finland to bring design house Marimekko’s playful patterns and vibrant prints to Target. The much-anticipated, limited-edition collection kicks off a fan frenzy — and has us all dreaming of endless summer.

2016

Caroline’s Cart Rolls into Stores

In March, we roll Caroline’s Cart (a shopping cart with an easy-to-access, large seat in front) out to our stores across the nation, literally changing the shopping experience for guests with special needs and their families. The idea to bring Caroline’s Cart to the Bullseye comes from one of our own — a team member with a child who has special needs suggests it to our Store Operations team.

2016

The Art of Transforming a Company

No one knows transformation like Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. In the midst of transforming our own business and culture, we invite Howard to share his company’s incredible come-back story with our entire headquarters team. His message of resilience and humility in the face of change inspires and energizes the team.

2016

Finding the Right Fit

May marks another big leadership milestone. After an extensive search, Target names veteran Mark Tritton (pictured at left) as our chief merchandising officer. In addition, Jason Goldberger assumes the newly created role of chief digital officer and president, Target.com.

2016

Agency Refresh

After a decades-long partnership with Target, Haworth Marketing + Media moves in another direction and we broaden our relationship with GroupM. The change of guard unites all of our media buying and business planning under one agency, and marks the creation of a special team of top digital media, global measurement, innovation and strategy talent to create best-in-class solutions for Target.

2016

A Smarter Way

In June, we begin testing Connected Living, an in-store experience showing guests how internet-connected products like thermostats and door locks can make life easier, more convenient and more efficient than ever. Housed in our Ridgedale location in Minnetonka, Minn., the experimental area displays everyday situations to show how connected devices can help our guests.

2016

Starting Line

From an impressive list of more than 500 applications from around the world, Target picks 10 tech-based start-ups to join our first-ever accelerator. In a rigorous, 14-week program in Minneapolis, Target leaders, including CEO Brian Cornell and members of his leadership team, mentor the start-up founders, and, in turn, learn about the startups’ pace and work style.

2016

Meet our Wellness Partners

We’re creating a new set of aspirational goals and milestones to guide our new CSR strategy, centered on making wellness a way of life for our team members, guests and communities. As the exclusive retailer of the UNICEF Kid Power Band, we help expand its Kid Power school program to reach up to 100,000 kids in high-need communities across the country. In June, we announce plans to invest up to $40 million in 2016 to organizations serving communities across the country helping kids and families increase their physical activity and eat healthy, and unveil the first of our new CSR partners.

2016

Introducing Cat & Jack

In July, we launch Cat & Jack, our largest-ever clothing line for kids and baby. Our merchants and marketers tap real kids from across the country to help design the collection, model the clothes and share the news during back-to-school shopping season by appearing in the look book and on signing in our kids’ department. The initial collection includes nearly 2,000+ products, which begin appearing on Target.com July 7 and continue in waves through August. The brand is expected to bring in more than $1 billion in sales within its first fiscal year.

2016

Something’s Brewing

In August, we introduce an expanded assortment of Archer Farms coffee with a number of bold new farm-to-cup improvements. The collection stands for a stronger focus on fair and direct trade, a deeper commitment to the environment, and better taste. The packaging also gets a new look, featuring 50+ unique pieces of art representing the different types of coffee and the regions where it’s grown.

2016

Fresh-Faced

We introduce Target guests to two amazing brands. In August, we shake things up in our shave department, introducing popular men’s grooming brand Harry’s. And in September, Beautycounter (a beauty industry disruptor known for high-quality products made with safer, cleaner ingredients) makes its mass-retail exclusive debut at Target, with a limited-edition line of make-up and skincare products.

2016

Sing-A-Long

As Fall rolls in, New York Fashion Week is the place to be seen—and heard! We partner with IMG (the parent company behind Fashion Week) to introduce RED’s, a piano sing-a-long lounge that gives fashion enthusiasts a space to relax, recharge and enjoy NYFW.

2016

Opening Doors

Target is a founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. On Sept. 24, several members of our team, including CEO Brian Cornell (who serves on the museum’s advisory board) join in the celebration on the mall in Washington, D.C., as the museum opens its doors to the public. As a grand opening sponsor, Target hosts a social media tent where visitors share their personal stories and photos using the hashtag #MakingHistory.

2016

Gone Country

Just in time for the holidays, we team up with country super-star Garth Brooks to release “Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection” only at Target. The 10-disc collection, including an advance copy of Garth’s latest studio album, sets a new pre-order record. To celebrate the partnership, Garth surprises the Target team with a live performance at our Fall National Meeting.

2016

Playtime

As part of our commitment to wellness, Target teams up with nonprofit KaBOOM! to build unique play spaces across the U.S. for nearly 150,000 kids. Target volunteers in several cities take part in day-long build projects, bringing the new playgrounds and surrounding elements to life. We also sponsor KaBOOM!’s Play Everywhere Challenge, encouraging locals to submit ideas for turning everyday spaces in their neighborhoods into play areas.

2016

Betting Big in Tribeca

In October, Target’s first Manhattan flexible format store opens in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood. The centrally located store features several of our latest fixtures and enhancements, a broad assortment with extensive apparel and beauty offerings, home goods, grocery items and even a Chobani Café—all designed to create a quick, easy and fun shopping experience for city dwellers.

2016

Lifting the Curtain

Prepping for the holidays can feel like staging a production, so we make some marketing magic to help guests steal the show. Throughout the season we follow a colorful cast of characters, including John Legend, Chrissy Teigen and top toys as they prep for the Toycracker—our modern, Broadway-style take on the Nutcracker. Then, on Dec. 11, during the network broadcast premiere of Frozen, we lift the curtain on our big show—a spectacular eight-minute mini musical.

2016

20 Years Together

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Target’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helping to fuel its groundbreaking research and save the lives of children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We celebrate the milestone with patients, families, staff and partners all year long through sponsored activities, special events at Target House, the hospital’s long-term housing facility, volunteer projects and two festive Bullseye’s Bash celebrations.

2017

Game On

In January we get in on the soccer game, becoming the official partner of Major League Soccer (MLS), putting the Target bullseye front and center on Minnesota United FC’s jerseys and partnering with youth soccer organizations to give more kids a chance to play. In August, we announce a $14 million commitment to local youth soccer through two new national initiatives—a Target soccer grant program, and a partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 100 new soccer play spaces by 2020.

2017

New Leaders Step Up

As the team continues to push Target’s strategy forward, some new leaders take the reins. In January, Rick Gomez takes over as chief marketing officer. In August, Minsok Pak joins Target as our new chief strategy and innovation officer and in September, Tammy Redpath is named president of Target India.

2017

Victoria Beckham for Target

In the spring, we team up with internationally known fashion designer Victoria Beckham on a limited-time apparel and accessories collection for women and kids. Designs for the 200+ pieces are inspired by an English garden, and feature florals, peplum, scallops, lace, gingham, poplin and more. It debuts in April and quickly becomes one of the biggest collaborations in our history.

2017

Sourcing Smarts

Our teams make progress on our responsible sourcing aspirations, a set of commitments we made in three important areas: improving worker well-being, achieving net-positive manufacturing and deriving key raw materials from ethical and sustainable sources. Throughout the year, we build out plans and share new goals, including a new chemical policy and forest products policy, five new sustainable packaging goals, and two new partnerships to help improve worker well-being across our global supply chain.

2017

Big Things in Store

As part of a three-year, $7-billion+ capital investment, we kick off plans to fully remodel 110 stores in 2017, and 500 more by 2019. At the ShopTalk conference in March, CEO Brian Cornell unveils our next generation store design elements, with the first fully reimagined store opening near Houston in October 2017. The plans to reimagine the store experience also include opening 30 new small-format stores across the country in 2017 to expand our footprint into dense urban neighborhoods and on college campuses.

2017

In Good Supply

Our teams continue to test and roll out new technology and services that make our supply chain faster and more efficient. In June, we open a new distribution facility in Perth Amboy, N.J., to test how we move product faster and more efficiently in the Northeast market. We begin testing a same-day delivery service in our Tribeca small-format store that lets guests have their purchases delivered anywhere in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn and Queens. And we begin piloting Target Restock in Minneapolis, a service that lets guests use Target.com to fill a box with essentials and have it delivered to their home by the next day.

2017

Marketing Magic

We remind guests that we’ve got their backs, and their baskets at the ready for everyday moments, whether it’s running out of milk or hosting a last-minute BBQ—Target Run and Done. To get guests moving, we partner with a breakout fitness star to create The C9 Champion Limited Edition by Anna Kaiser. And we celebrate a New Kind of Strong, featuring inspiring athletes in C9 Champion. Plus, we make waves (and continue to hold No. 1 marketshare) with our body-positive, unretouched #TargetSwim campaign.

2017

The Big Reveal

After six months under construction, we unveil our newly remodeled Nicollet Mall store in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. It’s the first Twin Cities Target to get our next generation design elements, including more modern décor and merch displayed in “shops” with curated vignettes. The store also features many of our top enhancements, digital and service upgrades, as well as a custom mural by a local artist featuring historic moments and icons from Minneapolis—including a nod to the Dayton family, who founded Target’s predecessor, The Dayton Company.

2017

Virtual Remodel

Taking a cue from Hollywood, we use computer-generated imagery to create an incredible—and shoppable—360-degree virtual reality-like living room experience on Target.com. And, we do some major app overhauls as well. By rolling Cartwheel into the Target App, we make shopping—and saving—at Target even easier.

2017

Brand New

To give guests even more to love about Target, we announce plans to create more than a dozen new brands. In May, we introduce Cloud Island, a Target-exclusive baby brand featuring everything from nursery décor and bedding to bath and layette products. In July, we reveal A New Day, Goodfellow & Co., JoyLab, Project 62 and Ingrid and Isabel Maternity—fresh, modern brands featuring women’s and men’s apparel, women’s activewear, home products and maternity wear that guests will only find at Target.

2017

Talking Taxes

Throughout the year, Target’s senior leaders meet with members of Congress and the Administration about the proposed Border Adjustment Tax (BAT) and its impact on our guests, team and business. We join Americans for Affordable Products, a coalition of 600+ businesses and trade associations opposed to the BAT proposal. CEO Brian Cornell visits Capitol Hill and makes media appearances, sharing our commitment to comprehensive tax reform, but our concerns about the BAT’s potential to raise prices for American families.

2017

Sweet Dreams

We team up with Casper to bring the mattress of guests’ dreams (not to mention sheets, pillows and exclusive mattress layer and loungers) right to their doors—or their carts. The partnership gives Casper fans the chance to experience the beloved brand in person in Target stores across the country, and earns Target some serious sleep cred.

2017

Special Delivery

In August, we announce plans to acquire Grand Junction, a technology company that helps retailers make deliveries faster and more efficiently. The aim? Even faster delivery for our guests, plus new services like same-day delivery and even assembly and installation.

2017

Home Sweet Home

In September, HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines surprise team members at the Fall National Meeting with some big news: They teamed up with Target to design Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, an exclusive home and lifestyle brand with modern, classic, industrial and vintage touches, rolling out late fall. The multi-year partnership will support local communities and families in need, including a redesigned dining room for Target House at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

2017

Investing in the Team

In September, we announce a commitment to increasing the minimum hourly wage to $15 by the end of 2020, starting with an increase to $11 an hour in 2017. We raise it again to $12 in 2018, and to $13 in 2019. The significant investment in our team allows Target to continue to recruit and retain strong team members and provide the best for our guests and the communities we serve..

2017

In Shipt Shape

On Dec. 13, Target announces its acquisition of Shipt, with plans to bring same-day delivery service to our stores across the country. In January 2018, we begin rolling it out to the first markets in Alabama and Florida, and by June, it’s available in more than 135 markets nationwide. We continue our work to make Shipt available at the majority of our stores in more than 40 states, and it’s available coast to coast by the holiday season.

2017

Joy of the Season

As the holidays roll around, we focus on making the season inspiring and easy for guests with a unique assortment, great value all season long and a growing suite of convenient, connected fulfillment options. Our marketing campaign, “Together’s the Joy,”—featuring two kids, a host of toy characters and Bullseye the dog decorating a house for a family celebration—is all about celebrating joyful moments with those who matter most.

As holiday shopping kicks off, our stores take center stage, fulfilling more than 70 percent of our digital volume in November and December through Order Pickup and by shipping items directly to guests—and enabling approximately 80 percent of our sales growth in that period.

2018

Leading the Way

With the new year comes new leaders to help us make progress toward Target’s strategy. In May, William J. Foudy, Jr., a 25-year veteran of the sourcing industry, becomes the new president of Target Sourcing Services. 

We also welcome two new members to our board of directors: Dmitri Stockton, a former senior vice president at General Electric; and George S. Barrett, former chairman and chief executive officer of Cardinal Health, Inc.

2018

Winter Warmup

Target welcomes visitors to our hometown as Minneapolis hosts Super Bowl LII in February. We team up with local brand Askov Finlayson on a limited-edition product collection, and our in-house design team creates the official volunteer uniforms.

Leading up to the big game, we transform Target Plaza Commons into the Bullseye Lodge for the city’s Super Bowl LIVE celebration, decked out with a Minnesota-inspired north woods theme, activities, snacks, fan gear and more.

And as a partner of the Super Bowl Legacy Fund’s 52 Weeks of Giving Program, we provide a $300,000 capital grant to create a Wellness Hub at the People’s Center & Clinic in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.

2018

The Brands Play On

We continue our efforts to introduce more than a dozen new only-at-Target brands to our owned-brand portfolio. In February, guests get their first look at Universal Thread, an exclusive women’s lifestyle brand grounded in denim and featuring tops, dresses, accessories and shoes, and Opalhouse, an eclectic Home brand with 1,300+ pieces spanning bedding, bath, décor, tabletop and furniture. 

In June, we launch Made By Design, another Home brand with more than 750 beautiful, purposeful pieces that guests can count on for superior quality, style and value season after season. And over the summer, we add Heyday (electronics), Wild Fable (women’s apparel and accessories) and Original Use (men’s apparel and accessories) to the mix, all created especially with our next generation of guests in mind.

Come fall, we debut Prologue—modern, sophisticated apparel for women. And Smartly hits the scene with more than 70 ultra-affordable everyday essentials from paper plates to razor blades (with most items under $2).

2018

Get Your Kicks

One year after announcing Target’s entrance into the world of soccer, we continue our commitment to the sport with more fun and surprises for fans of all ages. In February, we serve up an exclusive Umbro collection for kids, featuring 90+ pieces of soccer apparel, footwear and equipment.

In the spring, we cut the ribbons on the first of our 100 new soccer play spaces built for communities across the country through our $6 million partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

And we continue our partnerships with Major League Soccer (MLS) as official jersey sponsor of MN United FC and presenting sponsor of the 2018 MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta.

2018

Planet-friendly Ads

In February, Target begins printing our Weekly Ad on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as coming from responsibly-managed forests—becoming the first major U.S. retailer to make the switch with a printed circular.

2018

Hunter for Target Arrives

In March, we announce a design collaboration with British heritage brand Hunter to create limited-edition, exclusive versions of their iconic rain boots, protective outerwear, backpacks and more. Leading up to its release, we debut the look book and celebrate the partnership with a family festival and concert in Pasadena, California. On April 14, the collection launches in stores and online.

2018

Going Big(ger) with Remodels

We accelerate our plans to reimagine more than 1,000 stores across the country by the end of 2020 with elements from our next generation of store design to make shopping easier and more inspiring for guests. In 2018, our teams work to complete remodels across the country, including the Twin Cities, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

2018

Water Works

We continue our corporate responsibility commitments with the introduction of a freshwater stewardship approach that builds on our existing water management aspirations. Created in partnership with World Wildlife Fund and designed to help us deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it addresses how Target can help improve water quality, optimize water efficiency and increase access to clean water in our communities around the world.

2018

Shades for Every Skin Tone

This spring, we introduce eight new cosmetic brands to our growing beauty assortment, expanding our range of shade options to make sure we meet the unique beauty needs of our guests. Created by a diverse group of women, the brands—Coloured Raine, EveryHue, HALEYS Beauty, HUE NOIR, The Lip Bar, Makeup Geek, Reina Rebelde and Violet Voss—include 150+ products designed for medium to dark skin tones. Previously, most of the brands were only available online, so this also marks the first time guests can buy them in stores across the U.S.

2018

Re-defining the Target Run

We double down on our efforts to make Target America’s easiest place to shop, as we expand our portfolio of fulfillment options—including Shipt, Drive Up, Target Restock and delivery from store in select markets—that let guests shop on their terms. By summer, we’re more than halfway to our industry-leading goal of making our Shipt and Drive Up services available coast to coast in time for the holidays. 

2018

Introducing Target Red

In April, guests in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are among the first to test out Target Red, a new pilot loyalty program with exclusive benefits, such as savings on future shopping trips and the chance to vote for local organizations to receive Target community giving donations.

2018

Hitting the Books

As fall approaches, we help every student—whether they’re starting kindergarten or heading off to college—achieve the easiest back-to-school prep yet. In addition to an awesome, affordable assortment, we highlight tools like School List Assist and 360-degree shoppable dorm rooms, plus special 15% savings for teachers.

2018

Ice Cream Social

Our exclusive kids’ clothing brand, Art Class, gets the sweet treatment thanks to a partnership with Museum of Ice Cream. The limited-time collection brims with gummy bear graphic tees, banana-patterned separates, pastel roller skates and beyond. And the cherry on top? Over in our freezer section, guests can also nab seven premium, Target-exclusive ice cream flavors, from Churro Churro to Vanillionaire.

2018

Time for a Fun Run

In September, we introduce the Target Fun Run sale—a special week-long event that serves up amazing deals while showcasing some of the services that make shopping—and saving—super easy at Target. Guests snap up some of our very best Cartwheel deals, save big on Shipt memberships, get special REDcard promos and more.

2018

Chrissy's Cravings

The model, cookbook author and mom of two gives guests a taste of her cooking and entertaining must-haves when she debuts Cravings by Chrissy Teigen, a collection of 40+ kitchen and tabletop finds, exclusively at Target.

2018

Next Gen Guests

To better connect with young guests, we launch three new Target owned brands, all designed with Gen Z in mind: Wild Fable and Original Use (trend-forward apparel and accessories for young women and men) and Heyday (stylish and affordable electronics and tech accessories. We also  introduce Target Incubator, a program helping entrepreneurs-in-the-making nurture and grow their better-for-people or better-for-the-planet businesses.

2018

Hello, Vermont!

In October, we open our first store in the state of Vermont—a small-format located in a former retail space in South Burlington near the University of Vermont. Its debut marks a big milestone in our company’s history: Target now has stores serving our guests and communities in all 50 states.

2018

A Lot at Play

The year marks big changes for toy retailers, and as the holidays approach, we focus our resources to pick up market share. By adding more than 2,500 new and exclusive toys to our assortment; offering new, reimagined experiences in our toy aisles and online; and dedicating more space in our catalogs, ads and promotions, we show guests Target is the place to go for all things toys.

2018

Road to Recovery

All year long, teams across Target work together to help our teams and communities prepare for natural disasters, and recover after they happen. We donate more than $3 million in total to local nonprofits to aid recovery efforts after events including Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Michael, wildfires in California, Super Typhoon Mangkhut in Hong Kong and an earthquake in Indonesia.

In June, we launch our Team Member Giving Fund, a resource built on donations from Target and our team members, which provides assistance to team members facing hardships immediately after natural disasters. By the end of the year, nearly $500,000 is deployed to help members of our Target family get back on their feet.

2018

Target + Techstars goes global

In December, we announce the fourth year of our Target +Techstars retail accelerator program with news that it’s going global, in partnership with Germany-based METRO AG, one of the world’s largest wholesalers and food specialists. In early 2019, a roundup of new retail startup founders from the U.S. and abroad kick off their program at our Minneapolis headquarters, working with mentors toward a Demo Day in August.

2018

Fashion Sense

We continue our efforts to design for sustainability across our business. In December, we take our next step forward, joining dozens of leading brands and industry organizations in signing onto the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action. As a member, we make commitments to help mobilize the fashion industry to create solutions to combat climate change, which also closely align with our own climate strategy and goals.

2018

Making Holiday Magic

Throughout the 2018 Holiday season, Target teams go above-and-beyond to make shopping easier for our guests so they can focus on what matters most—their family and friends. From offering the broadest range of fulfillment options in retail to serving up incredible, curated gifting options, owned-brand gems and game-changing toy experiences, we have every guest feeling like a holiday VIP.

2019

Taking the Lead

As we continue into the next phase of our company’s evolution, several leaders step into new roles to continue guiding our way. 

Stephanie Lundquist is named President of Food and Beverage, and Melissa Kremer takes over the role of Chief Human Resources Officer. Rick Gomez is named Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, and Katie Boylan becomes Chief Communications Officer. Mike McNamara, Target’s Chief Information Officer, takes on leadership of the Enterprise Data Analytics and Business Intelligence team, in addition to Target’s Technology Services. 

In March, Kelly Caruso takes over as CEO of Shipt, a wholly owned subsidiary of Target.