Target’s Success with Technology

Target’s Success with Technology

April Lowery

March 15, 2005

CIS500

Table of Contents

Abstract 3

Introduction to the paper: 4

History of the Target Corporation: 4

Present Day Target: 5

Target and Early us of technology 6

Use of inventory technology 7

Customer Relationship Management and technology 10

Target.com 11

Creation of smart Visa Card 12

Current issues in the news regarding technology and Target 15

Conclusion 19

Bibliography 20

ABSTRACT:

By implementing technology throughout Target stores, managers have enabled Target to develop into one of the nations leading discount-chains. Technology has played a major role in the success of retails stores, such as Target. Targets management team obtained many of its organizational goals with the use of technology. In recent years, under the leadership of Robert Ulrich, Target has become known as the leader in retail technology. Target executed the use of technology to track inventory more closely with the use of hand-held scanners and computer programs. They also used online programs to be connected with suppliers for easier inventory tracking. With the application of customer relationship management computer programs, Target was able to monitor its customer’s transactions more closely which enables better customer service. Target.com and the partnership with Amazon.com facilitated an increase in sales for the company. Most recently smart Visa Card was implemented, and now makes up 15% of Targets profits. Through research, people will be able to find examples from the news of recent situations where technology helped Target to become an outstanding discount retail store.

When thinking of a well known discount retail chain, usually Target is the first name that most often comes to a person’s mind. Target Corporation has become one of today’s hottest retailers. With its impeccable atmosphere, customer service, accessibility, and merchandise, Target stores have begun to build a smart combination of components to create a successful discount retail chain. In today’s society technology is becoming increasingly important for a companies success in the retail market. In realizing this need, Target stores have taken action to continue to grow with the changing times. By implementing technology throughout Target stores, managers have enabled Target to develop into one of the nations leading discount-chains.

Most everyone knows that the Target Corporation is one of the worlds leading discount retail chains. “Target Corporation operates large-store general merchandise formats, including discount stores, moderate-priced promotional and traditional department stores, as well as direct mail and on-line business called target direct” (Visa 1). Years before Target was ever known or thought of, retail sales were a new idea in the consumer market. The retail store empire began with the innovation and persistence of George Draper Dayton. On June 24, 1902, a store by the name of Goodfellow Store, which later became known as Dayton’s Dry Goods Company, opened the eyes of the nation to the retail market. “Dayton’s gained a reputation