Whether it's top-notch advertising, eye-popping visuals or a smarter, tailor-made shopping experience, it takes the focus, talent and hard work of a team to make Target stand out as a company that weaves great design into everything we do. And in an industry where only the most innovative design work catches the attention of guests and experts alike, our team continues to receive honors across the industry and in multiple categories. We were proud to be recognized recently in Fast Company and GD USA.
Thinking small in the big city
When it comes to making big waves in store design, sometimes it pays to think small. Fast Company business magazine just ranked Target No. 10 on its 50 Most Innovative Companies list for our efforts to launch CityTarget. The list is an annual guide to the businesses that matter most, those whose innovations are having an impact across their industries and culture, and will appear in its Feb. 19 print edition. Other companies that topped the list include Nike, Amazon and Pinterest.
In the article, Fast Company highlights in particular how our CityTarget prototype translates a suburban shopping experience to the city, making it easier for urban guests to get what they need quickly. Cited are the shorter checklanes (allowing for more checklanes in a smaller amount of square footage), mobile checkouts (smaller and moveable during peak seasons and peak times of day) and navigational signing to direct guests. Also mentioned was our approach to replenishment due to reduced backroom space; CityTarget's unique location-specific merchandise, and free Wi-Fi and QR code offerings to help build an even better shopping experience.
With CityTargets expected in five cities – Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Portland – by the end of 2013, we're using savvy design to change the way downtown guests shop.
"Our innovative approach to store design and development allows us to customize the Target model for each location without sacrificing the key tenants that set a Target store apart," says John Griffith, executive vice president, Property Development. "We were thrilled to debut CityTarget in 2012 allowing us to bring the Target in-store experience to the urban guest."
Graphic design guests have grown to love
Our knack for creating eye-catching and memorable design was recently recognized by graphic design publication GD USA, who named Target's creative team the Most Influential Corporate Design Department of the Past 50 Years, based on a poll of their readers about the brands they admire most. Other companies on the list included Apple, CBS, IBM and Starbucks.
When it comes to the collective talent and the body of work that led to the recognition, it was definitely a team effort, according to Senior Creative Manager Greg Nations, Marketing. "When I think of Target and creative, it's about both the legacy of the entire team's great work so far, and the work that has yet to be done," he says. "We have an amazing design heritage and it's inspiring to be part of something so culturally relevant and meaningful to our guests."
"Great design is certainly happening here at Target, and it will continue to happen," says Greg. "We just can't do it any other way."
Hear what more Target leaders have to say about what innovation means to Target at A Bullseye View, Target's online magazine, and see more recent accolades from our industry partners at Target.com/awards.
Target jobs focused on design also offer the opportunity to use advanced technology on the job, grow within a talented team and make the shopping experience even better for guests. Want to learn more? Explore career opportunities at Target.
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