DDI - September 2010 - (Page 36)

36 AWARDS 2010 Retailer of the Year First Place Target Corp. Photo: Stephen Allen W ith 1,743 stores in 49 states, Minneapolis-based Target Corp. boasts one of the most recognizable brand images in the retail industry, and a legion of devoted followers who frequent its doors—equally in search of savings and great design. Target has pioneered the notion of “Design for All,” which keeps consumers coming back to its stores, eager to see the latest designer collaborations, across multiple channels from home décor to apparel to beauty and beyond. In 2010 alone, the big-box chain has already partnered with such powerhouses as Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Liberty of London and Rodarte, as well as FoodNetwork’s Giada De Laurentiis. Offering a twist on its “Expect More. Pay Less.” brand promise, Target launched The Great Save event in January. For seven weeks, Target offered a value-driven club experience—with a variety of affordable products and bulk-packaged items—and new designer brands, all showcased in one central location in its stores. This summer, Target also expanded the number of stores offering full-service mobile phone centers, a partnership with RadioShack. The in-store wireless shopping stations enable shoppers to purchase mobile phones and activate contracts from three carriers. By mid2011, the centers will be available in the majority of Target stores. Target’s other key moves in 2010 include the acquisition of the Smith & Hawken brand; the launch of a scannable mobile coupon program; opening additional Target Clinic locations; the opening of its 31st PFresh location; the introduction of permanent community recycling stations in-store; expanding video game departments by 30 pecent; and the opening of its first Manhattan store in East Harlem. Recently, Target has begun revamping some of its stores with an open-market grocery layout, wider aisles, softer lighting and curved fixtures in the beauty department, interactive screens for beauty product selection, lower product fixtures in the home department, September 2010 Photo: Stephen Allen additional seating and mirrors in the shoe section, and interactive video games displayed on a tether system in electronics. “Target developed these concepts in response to guest feedback,” said Tim Mantel, vice president of merchandising, Target. “This is one of the many ways we’re evolving our store design to deliver one-stop shopping and convenience for our guests.” Target plans to add roughly 350 new and remodeled locations nationwide. With such ambitious plans, Target is poised for continued success in 2010— and beyond—and is most deserving of the title, Retailer of the Year. www.ddionline.com | Photo: Dan Cunningham http://www.ddionline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDI - September 2010

DDI - September 2010
Table of Contents
From the Editor
Newsworthy
Shopper Insights
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Portfolio Awards 2010
Retail Design Luminaries
Retail Design Influencers
Design Firms of the Year
Best Visual Merchandising Programs
Retailer of the Year
Best-Designed Stores of the Year
Retail Standouts
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

DDI - September 2010