Target, Inc.

By Warren Storey, [email protected]

It seemed like everything was going Target’s way after the company reported a 5.5% same-store sales increase during November, but then the revelation came last week of a 0.9% December comp increase and the wind came out of the company’s sales.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- A 2.3% same-store sales gain at Kmart was not enough to offset a 6% decline at Sears resulting in an overall 1.7% decline for the combined companies domestic operations during the five week December reporting period ended Jan. 1.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is opening 21 stores across 12 states, the retailer announced Tuesday.

Among the openings include five stores in California, a third store in Hawaii and a SuperTarget in Minnesota.

“Target takes great pride in designing stores that meet the needs of our guests and the communities we serve,” said John Griffith, Target EVP. “With the addition of an expanded fresh food assortment, our new stores will offer guests everything they need in one convenient location.”

New York City -- A retail industry expert presented research Monday at the National Retail Federation convention in New York City that showed shoppers will continue to spend more this year, spurred by a slowly improving job market and an uptick in income.

However, Ira Kalish, director of global economics for Deloitte, added that enough shoppers are still struggling with their finances that any increase will be modest.

Minneapolis -- Two leaders of Target have been appointed to the retailer's executive committee.

Tina Schiel, senior VP enterprise strategy and new business development, was promoted to executive VP stores and will join the executive committee, while Laysha Ward, who will retain her position as Target's community relations president and Target Foundation president, also will join the executive committee.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Target -- or at least what the company was willing to share with CNBC camera crews -- will be available for viewing in a few days. The financial network is set to air the one hour show, “Target: Inside the Bullseye,” on Jan. 13 at 9 p.m. EST and again at 10 p.m., 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. The program will also re-air on Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Can’t wait until Thursday to watch the show? Here’s a few clips:

Target remains aggressive in its marketing efforts to educate shoppers about the 5% REDcard, and this week ran a spread ad in its weekly circular. The ad is compelling with  distinctive red dots in offset type calling out “5% off” and educating consumers about the program’s design in a way that can’t be matched by extensive in store signage dedicated to the program.