BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Target Set to Test Smaller, Urban Stores]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/25/target-set-to-test-smaller-urban-stores/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/25/target-set-to-test-smaller-urban-stores/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/25/target-set-to-test-smaller-urban-stores/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target (TGT) will downsize its ambitions a bit in the near future. Not in growth, but store size. Instead of littering the American landscape with even more big-box stores, the second-largest discount retailer in the U.S. wants to open smaller, more urban locations.

Outlining its store strategy last week, Target execs indicated that the retailer won't be forging ahead and a slew of larger SuperTarget locations. Instead, it will remodel existing stores and test the urban store concept to try and connect with the mass populations inside city centers instead of the folks in suburbs. Prediction: the effort won't go far. The point of people living in urban centers is familiarity and community -- the suburban feel and larger stores that compete with the mom-and-pop circuit won't cut it with city dwellers.

Continue reading Target Set to Test Smaller, Urban Stores

Target Set to Test Smaller, Urban Stores originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsTargetTarget locationstarget StoresTargetLocationsTargetStoresTGTMon, 25 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Community colleges missing the social media boat]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/community-colleges-missing-the-social-media-boat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/community-colleges-missing-the-social-media-boat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/16/community-colleges-missing-the-social-media-boat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Imagine taking the personal connections and interactions that occur every day on the likes of Facebook and Twitter... and bringing them to bear on an education. To a large extent, this hasn't been done yet, but the potential is profound. In a new report by the Center for Community Survey for Student Engagement, two-year programs aren't taking advantage of the tools at their disposal -- plenty of growth is still possible. Kay McClenney, director of the CCSSE, says, "Colleges are not taking advantage of that particular set of tools for making connections with students to the extent that they could."

Continue reading Community colleges missing the social media boat

Community colleges missing the social media boat originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBYbest buyBestBuyclassroomcollegeCommunity CollegeCommunity CollegesCommunityCollegeCommunityCollegeseducationfacebookfeaturedSBUXsocial mediaSocialMediaSocialNetworkingstarbucksTargetTarget Corp.TargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTTgtTargetCorp.twitterMon, 16 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumers' wallets peeking open]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/consumers-wallets-prying-open/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/consumers-wallets-prying-open/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/09/consumers-wallets-prying-open/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Consumers are finally spending more, with September posting the first gain in more than a year. The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) found that retail sales inched 0.1% higher last month. It doesn't seem like much, but a gain when you anticipate a fall is good news magnified. But, it came at the expense of great deals and other tools to entice somewhat hesitant customers into stores.

Kohl's (NYSE: KSS) and Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) reported sales increases in September for stores open more than a year. J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP), Macy's (NYSE: M) and Target (NYSE: TGT) posted declines, but they were better than expected. Delayed school openings thanks to a late Labor Day helped push to September sales that might have occurred in August otherwise.

Of course, all eyes are on the coming holiday season. The National Retail Federation forecasts U.S. consumer spending of $437.6 billion - up only slightly from $433.7 billion four years ago. So, we still have a lot of ground to make up before we can celebrate a recovery. As long as the situation is staying steady, though, we'll at least have a solid starting point.

Consumers' wallets peeking open originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer spendingConsumerSpendinggoldman sachsgoldman sachs group gsGoldmanSachsGoldmanSachsGroupGsgsinternational council of shopping centersInternationalCouncilOfShoppingCentersjc penneyjc penneysJcPenneyJcPenneyskohlslabor daylabor day weekendLaborDayLaborDayWeekendlimited brandsLimitedBrandsmacysnational retail federationNationalRetailFederationretailretail salesretail sectorretail stocksretail storeretail storesretailersRetailSalesRetailSectorRetailStocksRetailStoreRetailStorestargettarget corp.target storesTargetCorp.TargetStoresFri, 09 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury spending on the rise]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/luxury-spending-on-the-rise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/luxury-spending-on-the-rise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/07/luxury-spending-on-the-rise/#commentsFiled under: ,

MasterCard Advisors (NYSE: MA) service SpendingPulse says luxury and electronics sales headed upward last month, in a pleasant deviation from what became the norm all too long ago. A few other product categories posted gains as well - showing stability, if not a recovery. But, at this stage of the game, we'll take what we can get, right?

Luxury sales, not including jewelry, gained 3.4% year-over-year - that's an increase of $891 million. Last September, luxury goods suffered a 9.4% decline. Yet, this category is still below its September 2005 level of $94 million. Jewelry sales gained 1.2% relative to last year, compared to a year-over-year decline of 5.8% a year ago. Compared to apparel sales, this is a profound turn. In September 2008, the clothing category was off 5.7%, and this September, it was down only 2.9%.

Continue reading Luxury spending on the rise

Luxury spending on the rise originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsjewelryluxuryluxury retailluxury retailersluxury retailingLuxuryRetailLuxuryRetailersLuxuryRetailingmacysmastercardmastercardadvisorsretailretail salesretailersRetailSalesspendingpulsetargettarget corp.target storesTargetCorp.TargetStorestgttgttargetcorp.Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Target to increase marketing spending for the remainder of 2009]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/target-to-increase-marketing-spending-for-the-remainder-of-2009/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/target-to-increase-marketing-spending-for-the-remainder-of-2009/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/target-to-increase-marketing-spending-for-the-remainder-of-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) wants to up the game a bit in the second half of 2009 as it seeks to increase its marketing and hopefully prop up sales. One area of focus for its marketing efforts for the remainder of 2009 will be on Target's in-store pharmacies.

Target will increase marketing as a percentage of sales for the last four months of 2009, sating that "For the year, our marketing plan is right on, but we've saved some money here in the front half for the express purpose of being able to invest it in the back half."

Continue reading Target to increase marketing spending for the remainder of 2009

Target to increase marketing spending for the remainder of 2009 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewspharmacyTarget Corp.Target marketingTarget StoresTargetCorp.TargetMarketingTargetStoresTGTTue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Target: a retailer and a REIT]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/target-a-retailer-and-a-reit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/target-a-retailer-and-a-reit/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/target-a-retailer-and-a-reit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) has raised the ire of activist investor Bill Ackman a few times over the years, to little effect. Target, which owns roughly 85% of the real estate under its stores, owns more than just discount locations. It's estimated that Target's real estate holdings alone are worth $30 billion. That's on top of the $50+ billion it makes every fiscal year in revenue. Does Target's share price reflect that fact?

Continue reading Target: a retailer and a REIT

Target: a retailer and a REIT originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill AckmanBillAckmanPershing SquarePershingSquareTarget Corp.Target storesTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTTue, 28 Jul 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Target to start stocking fresh food in its stores to revive sales]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/13/target-to-start-stocking-fresh-food-in-its-stores-to-revive-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/13/target-to-start-stocking-fresh-food-in-its-stores-to-revive-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/13/target-to-start-stocking-fresh-food-in-its-stores-to-revive-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is looking at every possible way to increase sales and discount store market share this year. Part of that plan will soon be to sell fresh food and products in up to 100 of its normal merchandise stores to supplant sales at its merchandise/grocery SuperTarget locations that already exist.

Continue reading Target to start stocking fresh food in its stores to revive sales

Target to start stocking fresh food in its stores to revive sales originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 13 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Food storesFoodStoresgrocery storesGroceryStoresSuperTargetTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTWed, 13 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Target layoffs at headquarters; it's not just store employees getting axed]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/target-sees-layoffs-at-headquarters-its-not-just-store-employe/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/target-sees-layoffs-at-headquarters-its-not-just-store-employe/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/target-sees-layoffs-at-headquarters-its-not-just-store-employe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) has indicated that it will slice 9% of its headquarters staff as the retailer continues to weather the economic downturn and uncertainty in 2009's performance. This week has seen companies from every industry cuts tens of thousands of jobs. In what is starting to infiltrate the headquarters of many companies, it's not just for store workers or front-line folks any longer.

Target also said it would cut back on new store openings this year in addition to closing down a distribution center for an unspecified time. At its headquarters in Minnesota, 600 positions will be let go and the company will cancel plans to hire for an additional 40 positions. In Arkansas -- just down the street from the headquarters of rival Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), Target will close a distribution center and put another 500 people out of work.

Continue reading Target layoffs at headquarters; it's not just store employees getting axed

Target layoffs at headquarters; it's not just store employees getting axed originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewslayofsretail layoffsRetailLayoffsTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTThu, 29 Jan 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Target's same-store sales in December down 4.1%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/09/targets-same-store-sales-in-december-down-4-1/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/09/targets-same-store-sales-in-december-down-4-1/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/09/targets-same-store-sales-in-december-down-4-1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) reported what many retail industry analysts were expecting regarding December sales (hint: they went down from the prior year).

The second-largest discount retailer in the U.S. indicated that its December same-store sales dipped down 4.1% in December, even though that level was better than expected. The previous expectation was for Target to see a 9.1% drop in same-store sales. In other words, the retailer did twice as good as expected.

Does this mean the languishing retail landscape is recovering? Not so fast -- a surge in the last two weeks of December was the reason Target gave for doing better than predicted in December. Most likely, gift-buying procrastinators saved Target from seeing a nearly double-digit same-store sales drop.

Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel indicated that the retailer dropped prices in December to gain market share. It still was not enough to stop the customer buying defections to competitor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) which continued to see growth in December when just about all other retailers saw shrinkage.

Target's same-store sales in December down 4.1% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewstargettarget corp.target storesTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTFri, 09 Jan 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ackman to Target Stores (TGT): Let's roll with another IPO]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/24/ackman-to-target-stores-tgt-lets-roll-with-another-ipo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/24/ackman-to-target-stores-tgt-lets-roll-with-another-ipo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/24/ackman-to-target-stores-tgt-lets-roll-with-another-ipo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Activist investor William Ackman wants Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) to have an IPO to raise roughly $5.1 billion to assist the retailer as it works to pay down debt and obtain cash for new store openings. This proposed IPO would be for Target's real estate holdings, which would be spun off into a separate entity. It would then lease the land back to the retailer for up to 75 years.

When Ackman originally suggested the REIT spinoff a month ago, Target indicated it had serious concerns about his plan and how it would create any value for shareholders. I'm not sure what Ackman is thinking, but there is one truism here: we can't create more land for anything. There is a finite supply of it. Spinning off Target's vast holdings into an inflation-protected trust that would lease land back, would create, well, something. Let's call it value.

As Target pledged to reduce capital spending by $1 billion in 2009 to help it cope with the economic nightmare that's underway, this spinoff would definitely be in the interest of shareholders. It's hard to think how this would not benefit them. Some folks think diverting attention away from recruiting every last shopper into Target stores to spend money would be foolish. At least Target execs are listening, though.

Ackman to Target Stores (TGT): Let's roll with another IPO originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsREITTarget REITTarget StoresTargetReitTargetStoresTGTWilliam AckmanWilliamAckmanMon, 24 Nov 2008 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Target (TGT) opens 45 new stores, bucking negative retail trend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/15/target-opens-45-new-stores-over-the-weekend-with-two-in-alaska/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/15/target-opens-45-new-stores-over-the-weekend-with-two-in-alaska/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/15/target-opens-45-new-stores-over-the-weekend-with-two-in-alaska/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) bucked the "retailers in the dump" news this past weekend by opening up 45 new stores across the U.S., including its first two stores in the state of Alaska. The openings also included two newer prototype stores in Minnesota. As luck would have it, one of these store openings was located where I live. And it opened less than one-half mile away from an existing Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) Supercenter.

From conversations I've heard all summer, almost everyone looked forward to the new Target opening in my area. The feeling was that most of these folks wanted a competitor to Wal-Mart, even if it didn't mean lower prices. Perhaps they looked forward to the Target shopping experience instead of the Wal-Mart shopping experience?

The two Minnesota store openings included a new general merchandise prototype location as well as a new SuperTarget prototype location. Both include more space for food and electronics (two staple merchandising segments) and both were certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Whether Target's newer stores will market this fact to the eco-conscious American shopper is unknown. The new store designs will be unveiled at more than 100 new locations in 2009, according to the company.

Target (TGT) opens 45 new stores, bucking negative retail trend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsTarget Corp.Target grand openingTarget StoresTargetCorp.TargetGrandOpeningTargetStoresTGTWed, 15 Oct 2008 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Target (TGT) starts selling $229 Blu-ray disc player]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/10/target-tgt-starts-selling-229-blu-ray-disc-player/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/10/target-tgt-starts-selling-229-blu-ray-disc-player/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/10/target-tgt-starts-selling-229-blu-ray-disc-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) has started selling a Blu-ray disc player for what is probably the lowest retail price you can find one at: $229. I've said many times in the past that this new format will not catch on with consumers until retail prices routinely get to less than $200, so this new price from Target is nearing that mark. Of course, panicked U.S. consumers probably won't be buying any Blu-ray players the remainder of this year as they watch what wealth they did have evaporate in the markets.

The Target model is an Olevia brand player (yes, that's an off-brand), which marks a $70 reduction from a recent Sony Blu-ray player that is being sold alongside the Olevia player for $299. Still, unless there is some breakthrough difference that Blu-ray manufacturers and retailers can market correctly, most U.S. consumers will stay with their progressive-scan DVD players that sell for $75 or less and have a perfectly fine picture (although not true high-definition).

So, perhaps sometime in late 2009 -- roughly a year from now -- the market will see $99 Blu-ray players and regular consumers may finally feel the urge to buy one and start re-purchasing their movie libraries in yet another format. That is, until super-duper, high-fidelity Purple-ray players hit the market sometime in 2014 and the cycle repeats yet again. Perhaps by then, we'll all be out of this economic funk and won't be protecting our cash hoards, however little they may be by then.

Target (TGT) starts selling $229 Blu-ray disc player originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-raySony Blu-RaySonyBlu-rayTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTFri, 10 Oct 2008 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Target CEO sees pay drop on unmet expectations for 2007]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/target-ceo-sees-pay-drop-on-unmet-expectations-for-2007/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/target-ceo-sees-pay-drop-on-unmet-expectations-for-2007/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/10/target-ceo-sees-pay-drop-on-unmet-expectations-for-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,

When the going gets tough, the CEO gets dropped. At least, that's what happened at retailing giant Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) in 2007. Company CEO Bob Ulrich saw his salary and bonuses reduced by 42% last year as the discount retailer failed to meet sales expectations and saw its stock price decline.

Like many CEOs, Ulrich's compensation is tied to its stock price and to the company's financial performance. Although he received $1.66 million in pay and non-stock compensation of $2.89 million (down from $6.13 million), Ulrich's total compensation dropped 67% in 2007 to $12.2 million.

Sounds like quite a bit to many of us, yes? Target explained that some of Ulrich's stock awards for the year were actually made in previous years and expensed in 2007, which makes up for some of the amount. Target officials were pretty clear about saying, "Our financial results in 2007 fell well short of our goals . . . as a result, non-equity incentive payouts for executive officers were near the low end of the payout range, and long-term performance share award payouts were negatively impacted."

Still, more than $12 million is not a bad payday.

Target CEO sees pay drop on unmet expectations for 2007 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob UlrichBobUlrichtarget corp.target storesTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTThu, 10 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Target to start labeling carbon monoxide-treated meat]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/target-to-start-labeling-carbon-monoxide-treated-meat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/target-to-start-labeling-carbon-monoxide-treated-meat/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/03/25/target-to-start-labeling-carbon-monoxide-treated-meat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) will soon begin having its meat vendors label their products as having been treated with carbon monoxide. In general, treating fresh meat with carbon monoxide makes meat appear fresh to the shopper, much like treatment with sodium nitrite does. Both products, however, are really not something you want to ingest into your body. The only problem is that labeling laws don't really require this information to be highlighted on meat labels.

So, Target wants to be more truthful with its customers. Remember, it's Target's product you're buying -- not Hormel's or Cargill's. Even though those two companies are the main meat vendors, the last stop is Target's shelves. Target made a very good decision. Empowering customers with information is something that retailers better wake up to. Your competitor will if you won't.

The new labeling will read "Color is not an accurate indicator of freshness. Refer to use or freeze by date." Just like food coloring is used to spruce up pre-packaged and processed foods, the inclusion of carbon monoxide in fresh meats (well, not that fresh) is something many customers want to know about. Next up, we'll see if Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) responds to Target's initiative and requires the same labeling changes from its pre-packaged meat vendors.

Target to start labeling carbon monoxide-treated meat originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon monoxide meatCarbonMonoxideMeatinthenewsmeat treatmentMeatTreatmentTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTTue, 25 Mar 2008 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Target stores to be larger and greener as prototypes rolled out]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/19/target-stores-to-be-larger-and-greener-as-prototypes-rolled-out/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/19/target-stores-to-be-larger-and-greener-as-prototypes-rolled-out/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/02/19/target-stores-to-be-larger-and-greener-as-prototypes-rolled-out/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) is set to deploy two larger-store prototypes in 2008 that will apparently be bigger than current Target locations and green certified as the company promotes a more environmentally conscious shopping experience to its customers.

In terms of more greener stores, Target joins larger competitor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), which recently held a company-wide meeting where 'being green' was the central theme of the show. One of the prototype locations will be a general merchandise store and one will be a SuperTarget location -- and both are scheduled to open in October. Both will feature added space for consumer electronics as well as grocery items.

If all goes well with the new Target prototypes, the discount retailer plans to deploy the prototype designs at more than 100 locations in 2009. Target rolls out prototype designs every four to five years to keep the consumer shopping experience fresh. There's a competitive edge: there are not too many (if any) national retailers I know of that change store designs on a large scale on such a frequent basis.

Target stores to be larger and greener as prototypes rolled out originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environemtnally friendlyEnvironemtnallyFriendlygreen storesGreenStoresTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTwmtTue, 19 Feb 2008 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Diane von Furstenberg sues Target, claiming dress designs copied]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/28/furstenbueg-sues-target-over-dress-design-copying/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/28/furstenbueg-sues-target-over-dress-design-copying/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/28/furstenbueg-sues-target-over-dress-design-copying/#commentsFiled under: ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) is again being sued, but this time it is not for disservice to the disabled. The second largest discount chain in the U.S. is under the gun from fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg for "closely mimicking" the designer's signature style in some of its women's dress product lines.

In something intellectual property attorneys will have a field day with, the retailer apparently used a design on one of its dresses that closely resembles a 'spotted frog' design owned by Furstenberg. The lawsuit, launched in New York, accused Target of using a "nearly identically copy" of the scale, pattern and colorways of Furstenberg's design, even down to the materials that are made to look like silk.

Although Target removed the offending products from its website late last week, the company is still selling the dresses in question in its stores, according to Furstenberg's complaint. It's doubtful that this lawsuit will have an effect on Target's long-term stock outlook, but it may have an effect on Furstenberg's PR efforts and consumer awareness.

Diane von Furstenberg sues Target, claiming dress designs copied originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Diane von FurstenbergDianeVonFurstenbergTargetTarget StoresTargetStoresTGTMon, 28 Jan 2008 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Ackman details plan for Target Corp. changes]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/07/ackman-details-plan-for-target-corp-changes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/07/ackman-details-plan-for-target-corp-changes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/07/ackman-details-plan-for-target-corp-changes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When activist investor William Ackman comes to town and starts buying your shares, you can bet he'll be hounding the board for changes soon. That's the case with discount retailer Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT), as Ackman now owns right under 10% of the retailer's shares. What does he have in store? Quite a few changes that should boost the retailer's stock price in the next three years and give Ackman a handsome return on his investment.

First up was Ackman's suggestion that Target sell off its credit card operations -- something that management said would be considered. Just under three weeks ago, Target officials cited "market conditions" as the reason a decision to spin its credit card business had been delayed. In other words, Target probably had not found a buyer for the debt portfolio due to consumer credit having been tightened like a noose in the last calendar quarter of 2007.

What else did Ackman have in mind? He believes the company's shares could be worth $120 each within 36 months, based on an investor letter he wrote on December 27. On tap was Target's need to complete its $10 billion stock buyback and start ramping up cash flows based on all the real estate the company holds -- which Ackman pegs at $42 billion in worth. That's roughly Target's entire market capitalization, so the question becomes one of how Target is going to make money outside of selling diapers, pretzels and spring apparel. Expect those questions to be answered on Target's next quarterly results conference call on February 26.

Ackman details plan for Target Corp. changes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Target Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTWilliam AckmanWilliamAckmanMon, 07 Jan 2008 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Liveblogging Target's (TGT) Q2 earnings results]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/liveblogging-targets-tgt-q2-earnings-results/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/liveblogging-targets-tgt-q2-earnings-results/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/21/liveblogging-targets-tgt-q2-earnings-results/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) has just released Q2 figures, and the discounter's recent quarter was pretty bright all things considered. The company has done very well with recent monthly same-store sales numbers and continues to steal the spotlight from larger rival Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT). Six years ago, it looked like nothing could cast a cloud over Wal-Mart. Every month now that seems to happen, although Wal-Mart is still by far the largest retailer operating today.

Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) will lay it on the line here in a moment as its Q2 call gets underway. The second-largest discount retailer in the U.S. was expected to report an earnings per share figure of about $0.80 and it met that figure this morning when it reported results. Target's in-house credit card business is usually a highlight in its numbers, so we'll see if that continued in this last quarter as credit crunches happened in the housing market and gas prices were up (though not wildly fluctuating).

Also in the quarter just ended there should be some effect from the second-largest shopping season for many retailers -- back to school. Did Target see a lift from sales in late July due to this? I'm sure we'll have this question asked from in the Q&A portion of the call. Remember to use the "Refresh" key on your web browser to get all updates to this post every few minutes. All times below are in CST.

Continue reading Liveblogging Target's (TGT) Q2 earnings results

Liveblogging Target's (TGT) Q2 earnings results originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Target earningsTarget StoresTargetEarningsTargetStoresTGTTue, 21 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind Target's rally last week]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/07/16/behind-targets-rally-last-week/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/07/16/behind-targets-rally-last-week/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/07/16/behind-targets-rally-last-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems like we have an odd quandary in retail. On the one hand we have U.S. retail sales (all products, all sectors) that were down 0.9% in June. On the other, we have retail behemoth Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) sales that were up 2.4%. We also have Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT), the second-largest discount retailer in the U.S., that posted a spike of 3.3% in June same-store sales while its overall June sales were up 7.6%. Is this some kind of paradox? Not at all, it's just that the June sales for both retailers took wind of normal summer seasonality and beat the bad press at the same time, while other industries suffered.

Target and Wal-Mart can have similar months and different months. While the U.S. auto industry was reeling from a lower-than-expected June sales month, discount good retailers were raking in the sales. Again, the housing market is always cited as a reason people are not buying as many cars, yet are spending more at discount retailers. Oh yes, the "gas prices" million-headed monster is always brought in for good measure as yet another reason for the current retail environment. But with prices probably not ever seeing the $2.50 level again, "higher gas prices" is no longer a reason to use against any metric, right?

Target and Wal-Mart will be squaring off in July and August as the summer continues, and it will be interesting to see if both retailers rise above year ago levels and post modest or very nice gains in same-store sales. For now, both retailers are basking in the glow of June that may not last that long. Target's shares were up to a new all-time high last Thursday on June's news. Will the $80 mark be broken come end of July?

Behind Target's rally last week originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Target Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTGTWal-MartWMTMon, 16 Jul 2007 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Target's surprising quarter and April results speak loudly]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/24/targets-surprising-quarter-and-april-results-speak-loudly/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/24/targets-surprising-quarter-and-april-results-speak-loudly/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/24/targets-surprising-quarter-and-april-results-speak-loudly/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As Georges Yared pointed out yesterday, Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) blew away expectations for its first fiscal quarter, reporting $0.75 EPS, four cents above estimates. I very much like the fact that Target also held a live conference call discussing its results and taking questions from industry analysts. Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT) held a pre-recorded call to report its latest numbers, leaving those shareholders wanting to hear answers to tough (and live) questions empty-handed. I still maintain that Wal-Mart is doing a disservice by not inviting interaction when it reports its quarterly results.

Back to Target though. Target's same-store sales number for the quarter resulted in a 4.3% rise, with a 10% lift in April sales, the same month that caused Wal-Mart to see its worst same-store sales number since 1980. What is going on here, you may ask? First of all, Target's strategy to generate profits from its credit card business is showing excellent results, with a whopping $418 million in total profits for its latest quarter (an 18% rise from the year-ago period). In addition to this, Target's CEO Bob Ullrich stated yesterday that Target sees no downside coming in the current quarter. Wow.

It seems that -- as many of us have guessed for a while now -- the tide has changed a bit and has put more and more pressure on Wal-Mart (now on the defensive, as Georges stated). It's a position the world's largest retailer has rarely known in recent years (or longer), and although Wal-Mart's overall success is unrivaled, investors need to know "what have you done for me lately?" In Target's case, quite a bit, in Wal-Mart's case, not a whole lot. One thing is clear: don't count the Bentonville retailer out of anything. If it can stop floundering, the retail world might have to watch out -- again.

Target's surprising quarter and April results speak loudly originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 May 2007 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob UllrichBobUllrichtargetTarget Corp.Target StoresTargetCorp.TargetStoresTargetTGTTGTWal-MartWMTThu, 24 May 2007 10:56:00 EST