• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster

2

'Skills nobody can take': Meet a 20-year-old with a 4.5 GPA who skipped college for technical school to land an 'AI-proof' career

3

Meet a 71-year-old who retired as a radiologist and professor, and now runs a banana-skewer business: ‘I never want to retire. Why would you do that?’

1

Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster

2

'Skills nobody can take': Meet a 20-year-old with a 4.5 GPA who skipped college for technical school to land an 'AI-proof' career

3

Meet a 71-year-old who retired as a radiologist and professor, and now runs a banana-skewer business: ‘I never want to retire. Why would you do that?’
RetailOn Leading

Target Isn’t Worried About Amazon’s Whole Foods Purchase

By
Susie Gharib
Susie Gharib
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Susie Gharib
Susie Gharib
Down Arrow Button Icon
July 26, 2017, 5:48 PM ET
Google source logo
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

When Amazon announced that it was buying Whole Foods for $14 billion, retailers everywhere were stunned and wondered how they could possibly compete against an even more powerful online giant. Everyone, that is, except Brian Cornell, the CEO of Target.

Speaking with Susie Gharib at Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech conference, Cornell says he’s sticking with the plan he designed in February to revitalize the company: a three-year $7 billion turnaround plan to refurbish 600 stores, build out a network of smaller stores, and drive up digital innovation. He’s counting on that huge investment to reverse Target’s declining sales and sluggish grocery business.

“We decided to play the long game,” says Cornell. “We’re really planning the Target of tomorrow.”

In fact, he adds, the Amazon news validated Target’s strategy. “It validated the fact that stores still matter,” explains Cornell. “And even for Amazon, I think that their recognition that a physical presence is important and proximity to the consumer is important.”

Investors don’t see it that way. Target shares tumbled 5% on the Amazon news and the stock has fallen 25% this year. But Cornell says things are looking up and predicts that revenues will increase in the second quarter and earnings will come in better than expected.

Cornell acknowledges that Target has to move with “a greater sense of urgency.” But he is confident that his master plan will pay off big in three years. “Target’s going to be one of the future winners of retail,” he predicts. “And while others are closing their doors and cutting back and trying to save their way to the next quarter, we’re investing for the future.”

About the Author
By Susie Gharib
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Retail


Most Popular

Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • TikTok icon
  • YouTube icon

    Latest in Retail


    Most Popular

    © 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
    FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.