Target Swot

Since the first official Target discount store opened in 1962, the company has been growing stronger every year. The company has evolved into the second largest retailer in the United States today. Target Corporation consists of:

1. Target Financial Services

2. Target Sourcing Services/Associated Merchandising Corporation

3. Target Commercial Interiors

4. Target Brands

5. Target.direct

6. Target Stores

7. Target Greatland

8. SuperTarget(Target, 2006)

Unlike tradition department store, Target Corporation has been able to adapt to meet the needs of its customers and the company at the same time. Recently the company released plans to expand the company stores to include a Bath and Body department (Newswire, 2004). With the addition of the Bed and Bath department, the company increases revenue and strengthens the companies ability to meet customer wants and needs. Target Corporation has been able to capitalize on new opportunities in urban areas by not conforming to the traditional department store building and purchasing multi level building in malls and shopping centers. One of the nontraditional locations in New York City is one of the busiest and most profitable of all of the Target Stores (Target, 2006). The capitalization of the urban store locations is one of the major strengths of Target Corporation. The Urban store locations are possibly the biggest competitive advantage the corporation has over many of the companies' competitors. Urban area stores will allow Target Corporation to reach more customers and increase revenue from areas other department stores are not capitalizing on.

Another one of Target Corporations strengths is the Target Commercial Interiors Division. The division provides design-services and furniture for office space (Target, 2006). Target Commercial Interiors has a high market share of Fortune 500 and Fortune1000 business customers (Target, 2006). Target Corporation is planning to expand the division to attract small to medium sized businesses, as well as home offices. Capitalizing on small to medium sized businesses will maximize profits and meet the needs of more customers.

The major weakness of the