Key Activities
Production
While Target does not own a manufacturing plant, they are involved in every step of the design process for their exclusive products. Their researchers either work with in-house teams for their private brands or outside contractors for the exclusive brands.
Problem Solving
*Creative Commons Photo
Upper-level staff must earn additional budget funds by coming up with new and innovative ideas. Additionally, they test out every product to see what could be improved. Customer and employee feedback allow them to keep abreast of all and any issues that occur in the day-to-day running the stores.
Customer Relations
Target enjoys a pristine image amongst consumers. 94% of consumers recognize the Bulls-eye logo and the stores regularly rate high in customer service;
Target Pharmacies ranked the HIGHEST IN OVERALL CUSTOMER SERVICE for a mass merchandiser for the fourth year
- according to J.D. Power and Associates' 2010 Study.
Additionally, most recognized Target as more community-friendly than its counterparts. Through their REDcard program and other donations, Target donates a total of 5% of their income to local communities – approx. $3 million a week.
Target Pharmacies ranked the HIGHEST IN OVERALL CUSTOMER SERVICE for a mass merchandiser for the fourth year
- according to J.D. Power and Associates' 2010 Study.
Additionally, most recognized Target as more community-friendly than its counterparts. Through their REDcard program and other donations, Target donates a total of 5% of their income to local communities – approx. $3 million a week.
However, they do wish to change some parts of their reputation and have made strides through media and print advertising. Research shows that, despite offering prices that are competitive with Wal*Mart, consumers believe Target to be more expensive than most supermarkets. This is in part to that "pristine" image; consumers see the cleanliness of their stores as an added expense that they pay for. Recent commercials, additional coupons and their "price adjustment" policy have begun to change people's minds.
adverts
*Creative Commons Photo
Consumers already sold on Target's abilities are able to keep in touch with the store through the usual promotions (weekly ads and regular TV commercials) as well as their mobile APP, which allows customers to find a local store, check for product availability, view gift registries and even access that weekly ad.
Platform for Credit Card
Unlike most stores, Target offers more than the typical credit card that utilizes the VISA or MASTERCARD platforms. While they do have a VISA platform card, they also offer the REDcard, which is Target exclusive. As such, they do not use an outside platform or service.
