Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Target Faces Employee Frustration, CEO Change and Sales Challenges
Target, the big store, is facing some challenges.
Many employees aren't happy with how things are going.
The company is looking for a new boss because the current one is retiring soon.
Target is having trouble because shoppers think prices are too high, and they've made some changes that haven't been popular.
Some people are even boycotting the store.
Investors want a new leader with fresh ideas.
The company is trying to fix things by focusing on good products, but it's a tough time for Target right now.
Roughly half of Target employees don't think the company is making the necessary changes to compete effectively.
CEO Brian Cornell is preparing to step down after over a decade, and a CEO succession process is underway.
Internal data indicates that Target has lost its footing as shoppers seek lower prices and better experiences elsewhere.
Target's retreat from some DEI policies and Pride merchandise has led to boycotts and affected sales.
Investors show a preference for an external candidate for the next CEO, according to a recent survey.
- Who
- Target, its employees, CEO Brian Cornell, potential successor Michael Fiddelke, and investors are involved.
- What
- Target is facing employee dissatisfaction, declining sales, and a CEO transition.
- When
- The issues have been ongoing, with the employee survey conducted in early June and the latest quarterly results reported August 20.
- Where
- The issues affect Target stores nationwide, with headquarters in Minneapolis.
- Why
- Challenges include perceived high prices, changing consumer preferences, and reactions to policy changes.
Employee Perspective
Executive and Investor Views
Company Performance and Direction
Employee Perspective
Some employees express dissatisfaction with the company's direction.
Executive and Investor Views
Target executives say they're focused on moving forward, with some positive developments in partnerships and digital sales.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Employee Perspective
Some have been unhappy with the company's stances on DEI and Pride merchandise.
Executive and Investor Views
Other groups believe that these actions are harmful to business and have been negatively impacted by them.
- Employee Dissatisfaction
- Around half of employees think changes aren't effective.
- CEO Retirement
- Brian Cornell is preparing to step down.
- Potential Successor
- Michael Fiddelke is a possible candidate.
- Investor Preference
- 96% of investors prefer an external CEO.
- Digital Sales Growth
- Digital sales have tripled since 2019.