Target, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores and Target Corp. stand at very different junctures, according to new report from Moody's Investors Service.    Walmart is starting to reap more discernible rewards as it adapts more quickly to a rapidly-changing consumer landscape -- and with fewer missteps -- than Target has managed, according to the report, "Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corporation: Walmart Is Gaining Momentum, While Target Is Still Clawing Back Lost Ground."  

Rue 21 announced a series of leadership changes as it looks to reinvigorate its brand.    In a surprise announcement on Saturday, the retailer said it had appointed CFO Keith McDonough as interim CEO, succeeding Bob Fisch, who has served as president and chief executive of Rue 21 since 2001.     

Creating an innovative customer experience is top of mind for Target. Now it needs the right solutions.   As a result, Target launched a new website that invites start-up companies to pitch ideas for new technology platforms that will help the big-box retailer enhance the customer experience in its stores and through its digital channels, according to an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

With the holidays right around the corner, retailers are already setting up for the biggest shopping season of the year. This year, retail revenue for the holidays is expected to surpass $1 trillion, compared to last year’s total of $626.1 billion.   One of the many holiday preparations brands are making to deal with this influx is bulking up in-store resources. At least 700,000 short-term retail jobs are assumed to be added across the U.S. this holiday season, helping brands fill gaps in-stores and on the back-end.  

Pacific Commons, located in the famed Gold Rush town of Fremont, California, will be getting a refresh, said owner Vestar.   The 1.2 million-sq.-ft. lifestyle and power center will be refurbished with new indoor-outdoor dining areas, trellis-enhanced landscaping, stone and wood seat walls, a fountain, and a gathering area with fire pits.   

A Chicago startup has landed partnerships with four major online retailers, including Target, to launch a product meant to rival Amazon’s Alexa, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Mark your calendars. Free Shipping Day, the one-day online event featuring free shipping with no minimum order requirement and delivery by Christmas Eve, is scheduled this year for Friday, Dec. 16.

"While we try to schedule the event one week before Christmas Eve, the calendar doesn't always accomodate," said Luke Knowles, founder of Free Shipping Day.  "What sets Free Shipping Day apart from other shopping holidays is small business participation.”

That was fast.   Jason Goldberger, the recently promoted chief digital officer of Target Corp., has left the company, effective immediatedly. No reason was given for his departure.    Goldberger's responsibilities will be split, with Target CIO Mike McNamara overseeing the website and digital operations, and chief merchandising officer Mike Tritton taking on pricing and promotions.  

It’s sad, but true: companies are still taking a “don’t ask, don’t tell” stance when it comes to owning up to data breaches.   

Target Corp. is putting the kibosh on what probably sounded like a good idea, but turned into what some shoppers called a nightmare.   In a pilot program that started in August, the discounter rolled out mini-shopping carts for kids in approximately 70 stores. But some kids apparently went wild with the little red carts, The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported, crashing them into other shoppers, dumping merchandise into them and bruising their ankles and shins. Complaints about the kiddie carts went viral.