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Target Founder Dayton
In 1881, native New Yorker George D. Dayton decides to explore the growing Midwest markets. After several years in banking and real estate, Dayton decides Minneapolis offers the strongest opportunities for growth. He purchases land on Nicollet Avenue and forms the Dayton Dry Goods Company–today, known as Target Corporation. -
Dayton's Department Store
After a decade of rapid growth, Dayton Dry Goods Company is renamed The Dayton Company to better reflect its wide assortment of goods and services. It becomes commonly known as Dayton's department store. -
Founder Dies
Ownership of the company passes to George's son. -
Giving 5 Percent to Communities
Giving 5% to communities starts, and it still continues today. -
Dayton's First Branch Location
Opens in Minneapolis, MN -
Expansion to the Suburbs
Dayton Co. opens in a neighboring mall. -
Target is Born
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Distribution Center Opens
The first distribution center for Target opens in Fridley, Minn.,a warehouse responsible for storing and shipping trailer loads of products to Target stores. -
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Milestones Hit
In 1975 Target has it's first Sunday paper advertisement, and in 1979 Target Stores celebrates an organizational milestone after achieving $1 billion in annual sales by holding our first Billion Dollar Sale for guests. -
Evolution of Our Brand Promise
Target Stores unveils its brand promise, Expect More. Pay Less.® to reflect the unique retail experience offered at Target. The brand promise is a natural evolution of Target's commitment to community giving and offering guests value, quality and service, all in a fun and inviting store environment. -
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From Gift Cards to Registry to dot com
In 1995 Registry from Coast-to-Coast
Target becomes one of the first mass-market retailers to offer a comprehensive gift-registry service. The introduction of Club Wedd® at Target brought together the latest registration technology, a convenient self-service environment and exclusive merchandise available at low discount prices. In 1999 Target launches Target.com and their Gift Card program. -
Corporate Name Change
Dayton-Hudson Corporation is renamed Target Corporation to better reflect its core business. -
CartWheel App
Target introduces Cartwheel, a first-of-its-kind digital coupon app developed in partnership with Facebook. Cartwheel allows guests to save on hundreds of items throughout our stores. Cartwheel quickly becomes one of the most downloaded retail apps, and by the end of 2014, has attracted 13 million users who saved more than $160 million on their Target purchases combined. -
Data Breach
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Changing of the Guard
arget’s board of directors and CEO Gregg Steinhafel decide that it is the right time for new leadership at Target. Steinhafel steps down from his positions as Chairman of the Target board of directors, president and CEO. John Mulligan, Target’s chief financial officer, is appointed as interim president and chief executive officer. Roxanne S. Austin, a current member of Target’s board of directors, is appointed as interim non-executive chair of the board.