Fact 1: How Target Got Its Name
Target Corporation was originally known as 'Dayton Dry Goods' in 1902. The first Target store was opened in 1962 in Roseville, Minnesota, and the name "Target" was chosen as a representation to illustrate that customers can "hit the bullseye" in terms of obtaining high quality items at reasonable prices.
Fact 2: Why the Color Red is Associated with Target
The corporation chose the color red for its logo because it signifies a strong sense of energy and enthusiasm. The intense color also acts as a strong call-to-action symbol, encouraging customers to make a purchase.
Fact 3: Target Had its Own Font
Target launched its very own proprietary font, "Helvetica" in 2009. This unique typography was used on almost everything, from advertising and marketing to instore displays, creating a distinct and instantly recognizable brand identity.
Fact 4: Item Placement is Key
Target has a strategic plan when it comes to positioning products. The company uses a technique called 'planogramming' to arrange items in an aesthetically pleasing manner throughout their stores, encouraging customers to purchase more items.
Fact 5: Origin of the Bullseye Logo
The famous Target logo was created in 1962. The logo, which is the outline of an apple pierced by an arrow, started as a single red ring. It was simplified to a single point, known as the bullseye, in 1989 and it has remained that way since.
Fact 6: Target's Pet Mascot
Target has a canine mascot - a Bull Terrier called 'Bullseye'. The real-life mascot made its debut in a 1999 commercial and is often seen at Target's corporate and media events, always stylishly donned in the Target logo as an eye patch.
Fact 7: Target Loves Art
Target is a great patron of the arts. The company donates a percentage of its pre-tax operating profit to assist in the upkeep and preservation of artistic and cultural resources. It has also funded a number of free admission days at museums across the country.
Fact 8: Promoting Physical Fitness
Target has a reputation for promoting physical fitness. The company has a partnership with the US Soccer Foundation and encourages youth programs that focus on soccer, aiming at developing health and fitness from a young age.
Fact 9: Target's Own Generic Brands
Target is renowned for its selection of private label brands, including Archer Farms, Market Pantry, and Up & Up. It continues to leverage the popularity of these brands to remain competitive against other major retailers.
Fact 10: Pioneers in the Industry
Target was the first-ever retailer to offer a gift registry. The idea was introduced for the first time in the late 90s for expected parents to create a 'wish list' of merchandise they needed for their upcoming baby - a concept that is now a standard practice across many major retailers.
Fact 11: LEED-Certified Stores
Target is committed to maintaining a sustainable environment. Many of its stores are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, meaning they use energy-saving measures like solar panels and recycling methods.
Fact 12: Agents of Fashion
Target has collaborated with high-end fashion designers since the 2000s, offering customers designer fashion at affordable prices. Some famous associations include Missoni, Jason Wu, Lilly Pulitzer, and Alexander McQueen, to name a few.
Fact 13: Target's Pharmacy Arm
Until 2015, Target owned and operated its own pharmacies inside stores. These were sold to CVS Health, which now runs pharmacies in Target stores under the CVS/Pharmacy brand.
Fact 14: Target is a Fortune 500 Company
Target is counted among the largest retailers in the United States and currently holds a spot in the Fortune 500 - a list of America's largest corporations by total revenue.
Fact 15: The Use of RFIDs
Target is one of the retailers that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on merchandise for inventory tracking, which helps with stocking and supply chain management.
Fact 16: An Inclusive Retilier
Target is proud of its reputation as an inclusive retailer. It offers adaptive costumes for children in wheelchairs and sensory-friendly and adaptive clothes for people with special needs under its private label 'Cat & Jack'.
Fact 17: Target and Make-a-Wish Foundation
Target has a deep-rooted relationship with the Make-a-Wish foundation, and together they have granted hundreds of wish requests from children. The support often includes shopping sprees for ill children to purchase their favorite items at the stores.
Fact 18: Target and Education
Target is deeply committed to advancing education. Since 2010, they have incorporated an initiative, 'Give With Target', through which they have donated millions of dollars to K-12 schools across the U.S.
Fact 19: Target's Green and Clean Initiatives
Target is part of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and has taken significant measures to minimize waste in its product packaging. This includes phasing out polystyrene from their production line.
Fact 20: A Love for Dogs, Horses, and Hamsters
Target loves pets. Beyond its famous canine mascot, Target has featured many other types of pet in its holiday catalogs. Dogs, hamsters, and even horses have made appearances in Target's commercials and other promotions.