Target Invests in Store Staffing, Cuts 500 Other Roles

Retailer aims to improve customer experience with more in-store employees and training

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Target is stepping up its investment in store staffing, adding more hours for frontline employees, while cutting around 500 jobs in distribution centers and regional offices. The changes are part of the retailer's efforts to improve the customer experience, which has suffered from issues like sloppy shelves, out-of-stock items, and longer checkout lines. The moves come under new CEO Michael Fiddelke, who is focused on restoring Target's reputation for style and design, providing a more consistent customer experience, and using technology to streamline operations.

Why it matters

Target has faced challenges in recent years, including flat sales growth, backlash over political and social stances, and stiffer competition from rivals like Walmart. The company is trying to win back shoppers by addressing issues that have hurt the in-store experience, like understaffing and operational complexity. Improving the customer experience is seen as crucial for Target to regain its 'Tarzhay' reputation and drive growth.

The details

As part of the changes, Target is reducing the number of store districts and putting more payroll toward additional labor and training for frontline employees. The company is laying off around 500 people, including about 100 at the store district level and 400 across its supply chain sites. However, the changes will not affect starting wages for store workers, which range from $15 to $24 per hour.

  • Target announced the changes on February 9, 2026.
  • Michael Fiddelke became Target's new CEO on February 1, 2026.

The players

Michael Fiddelke

The new CEO of Target, who previously served as the company's chief financial officer and chief operating officer.

Adrienne Costanzo

Target's chief stores officer, who co-authored the internal memo about the changes.

Gretchen McCarthy

Target's chief supply chain and logistics officer, who co-authored the internal memo about the changes.

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What they’re saying

“This change also fuels our ability to put significantly more payroll in our stores – primarily in additional labor and hours where needed most, but also in new guest experience training for every team member at every store.”

— Adrienne Costanzo and Gretchen McCarthy, Chief Stores Officer and Chief Supply Chain and Logistics Officer (Internal Target memo)

What’s next

Target is expected to share more details about its turnaround strategy, along with its holiday-quarter results and full-year forecast, on March 3. The company will also host an event for investors at its Minneapolis headquarters.

The takeaway

Target's investment in store staffing and training is a critical step in its efforts to improve the customer experience and regain its reputation for style, design, and attentive service. By addressing operational issues that have hurt the in-store experience, the retailer aims to win back shoppers and drive growth in a competitive market.