Target CEO Brian Cornell has made it clear that he sees the chain's grocery business as a "critically important area of opportunity." No pressure if you're Anne Dament and you've been hired to lead "the strategic repositioning of Target's food business."
Earlier this week, Target announced it had hired Ms. Dament, an executive with more than 19 years experience at companies including Supervalu, Safeway and most recently PetSmart, to remake the company's grocery business over the next 12 to 18 months.
"Our guests tell us they expect Target to inspire them with differentiated food offerings like we do in other areas. We have an opportunity to make food more reflective of our brand, elevate the shopping experience and make Target a food destination for our guests," said Mr. Cornell in a statement. "Having previously worked alongside Anne, I know her industry expertise and proven ability to reinvigorate existing businesses make her the right leader to drive our reinvention."
Grocery represents about a fifth of Target's overall sales. Mr. Cornell has cited six categories that he believes can be used to differentiate the chain and drive its numbers higher: better-for-you snacks; coffee and tea; premium sauces and oils; specialty candy; wine and craft beer; and yogurt and granola.. The chain also plans to expand its selection of organic, locally grown and gluten-free items.