Have you ever walked around a Target and thought to yourself, how did Target start? Is there something in the water in here? Why am I always here? No? Just me? I love to know the story behind iconic brands and these days, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Target.
11 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Target:
- Target actually started out as the Dayton Dry Goods Company in 1903 and shortened its name to the Dayton Company in 1910. It wasn’t until 1962 that under the Dayton company the first Target store opened its doors as an upscale discount retail store in Roseville, Minnesota. (The company didn’t become the Target Corporation until 2000.)
- Much like Chick-Fil-A today, the Dayton Company didn’t allow any business on Sundays until the 1950s.
- The first Target store outside of Minnesota opened in Glendale, Colorado in 1966.
- The first Target logo was basically a bullseye.
- Target made its first $1 billion in sales in 1979.
- Target once opened 11 stores in one day in Chicago.
- Target redesigned its shopping carts in 2006. The carts are easier for customers to use and look a little sleeker than other metal carts.
- The Target dog, Bullseye was introduced in 1999.
- The first Super Target opened in 1995.
- California has the most Target stores with 287; Florida has 123; and Illinois has the third most stores with 94.
- According to AllThingsTarget.com, Target stores follow a strict markdown schedule.
Monday: electronics, accessories, kids clothing, baby
Tuesday: women’s clothing, pets, food items
Wednesday: men’s clothing, health, beauty, diapers
Thursday: housewares, shoes, toys, sporting goods
Friday: auto, hardware, jewelry,