Target's Value Chain

When looking at Target’s value chain, it is evident that they apply aspects of both design and corporate responsibility while thinking through every decision they make to ensure it lives up to their values and helps the world. Starting at the top, they look at design. Design is what they call the heart of the business. Looking at every detail from the big picture to the small things that make a Target shopping experience, the goal is to do it with greater efficiency, style and smarts. (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2014).

The second part of Target's value chain is produce. It is important that all products carried by Target are created with integrity by companies that obey the law. One way positive relationships with these vendors is formed

This also includes educating all vendors on what conflict materials means and why they should not use them (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2014).

The third step on the value chain is shipping. This means that Targets goal is to make for the most efficient shipping process by moving more cartons in fewer miles. This also means that they are opening up more food distribution centers in order to reduce the miles driven in deliveries. Target is also working consistently to find alternative methods for fuel such as natural gas (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2014).

The fourth part is selling and staying in line with their famous tagline, "Expect More. Pay Less." This means that target is constantly looking for ways to lower costs and meet guest standards when they hear that tagline (Corporate Responsibility Report,

The main one is the established and loved brand name that is well liked by customers. Along with this, Target has the perception of being a fun place to shop that comes with an experience. Unlike Wal-Mart, Target has the ability to position themselves as a middle class, hip and more fashionable store to shoppers of this generation (Target Corporation SWOT Analysis, n.d.).

Target’s weaknesses include tis business model based on supercenters and other big box stores which make it more difficult for them to reach shoppers who appreciate the smaller convenient stores. Along with this, they have been unable to change their business model to adapting times (Target Corporation SWOT Analysis, n.d.).

Target’s ecommerce, though, they have tried to push it, still fall behind in comparison to stores like Wal-Mart. While store like Wal-Mart and Kroger expand into areas like fuel and financial services, Target remains the same. And despite Target’s well-known brand name, they have yet to tap into international markets (Target Corporation SWOT Analysis,