Target Tries To Pump New Life Into Its Sagging Grocery Operations

In an effort to jump start sluggish food sales, retailer Target is focusing on strengthening the grocery staff. The chain is building dedicated 10- to 60-person grocery teams – they will no longer work in other store departments – who are being trained in handling backroom inventory and interacting with customers. The changes have already been implemented in 450 stores and will be expanded to another 150 next month. The company is also hiring regional grocery directors who will each oversee 60 stores and report directly to headquarters. The new setup is a step in the right direction, according to analysts, but is unlikely to convince consumers that Target is the place to go grocery shopping.