Target’s holiday sales exceeded expectations, with a 2.8% increase in total sales and a 2% rise in comparable sales during November and December. The company’s digital sales grew by nearly 9% compared to the previous year’s holiday period. Despite these gains, Target did not adjust its profit outlook, suggesting that holiday deals might have impacted profit margins. The retailer now anticipates fourth-quarter earnings per share to be between $1.85 and $2.45, with full-year earnings expected between $8.30 and $8.90. Black Friday and Cyber Monday set record-high sales, with discretionary categories like apparel and toys showing significant growth. However, the company’s aggressive pricing strategy, including price cuts on over 10,000 items, indicates a focus on attracting budget-conscious consumers. Target also announced leadership changes, with new appointments in key roles starting in February.
Source: www.cnbc.com
