SNEAK PEEK: Target to redesign stores

Target Corp. has released the company’s “most ambitious” store redesign, with plans to invest billions of dollars in the next three years at existing stores.

The retailer said it would open its first “reimagined” store in the Houston, Tex. suburb of Richmond. The redesign could hit 600 stores by 2019, according to Brian Cornell, Target’s chairman and CEO.

“With our next generation of store design, we’re investing to take the Target shopping experience to the next level by offering more elevated product presentations and a number of time-saving features,” Cornell said.

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In addition to the Houston location, 40 additional stores will receive elements of Target’s next generation re-design when they are updated in October 2017. The redesign will include:

• Dedicated parking where workers will bring out online orders

• A second entrance will allow “time-starved” customers to easily navigate the grocery area, a wine and beer shop, self-checkout lanes and an order pick-up station.

• Stores will feature more circular center aisles that will have displays that engage customers with “compelling products in unexpected places.”

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• Workers will have new technology that will allow them to search inventory and take payment from a mobile point-of-sale system from the sales floor.

The announcement comes as part of the company’s strategy to “create a smart network, with stores, digital channels and supply chain,” according to a company statement.