Target, often referred to as “Tar-zhay” by enthusiastic shoppers, is a household name in the retail industry, with a rich history and a strong presence in various countries.
This comprehensive article delves into the journey of this retail giant, examining its history, founder, operational countries, number of stores, estimated revenue, and what it’s known as by consumers.

Table of Contents
History
The story of Target began in 1902 when George Dayton, a banker and real estate developer, purchased a department store in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This store, initially named Goodfellow Dry Goods, served as the foundation for the retail empire we know today. It was renamed Dayton Company in 1918 and expanded rapidly in the decades that followed.
In 1962, the company made a significant move by opening the first store under the name “Target.” This store introduced a new concept to the retail world by combining high-quality products with discounted prices. Target’s success can be attributed to its commitment to offering quality goods at affordable prices, coupled with a strong emphasis on customer service.
Here is a summary of Target Superstore’s journey:
- 1902: George Dayton opens a small dry goods store in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- 1911: Dayton expands his business and opens a second store in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- 1926: Dayton rebrands his stores as “Target”.
- 1946: Target opens its first discount department store in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- 1962: Target goes public on the New York Stock Exchange.
- 1978: Target expands its operations to the West Coast with the opening of its first store in California.
- 1985: Target introduces its private label brands, including Archer Farms, Simply Target, and Threshold.
- 1990: Target acquires Mervyn’s, a department store chain.
- 2007: Target sells Mervyn’s to an investment group.
- 2010: Target launches its e-commerce website.
- 2015: Target opens its first store in Canada.
- 2017: Target closes all of its Canadian stores.
- 2019: Target launches its same-day delivery service.
- 2023: Target has over 1,900 stores in 48 states and an estimated revenue of $109 billion.
Founder
George Dayton, the visionary behind the Dayton Company and the establishment of the first Target store, was the founder of this iconic retail brand. His innovative approach to retailing, which combined the convenience of a department store with the affordability of a discount store, laid the foundation for Target’s success. His legacy is carried forward today, with Target maintaining a reputation for offering a wide range of high-quality products at competitive prices.
Operational Countries
Target primarily operates in the United States, but its presence extends to other countries as well. Target had no stores outside the United States. However, it did reach customers worldwide through its online shopping platform, which offered international shipping to numerous countries. It’s possible that the company’s international presence has expanded since then, but the core of its operations remains in the United States.

Number of Stores
Target’s vast retail footprint is one of its defining features. The company operated over 1,900 stores across the United States. These stores vary in size and format, including traditional Target stores, smaller-format stores, and SuperTarget locations that offer a wider range of groceries and fresh produce. Target’s physical stores serve as the backbone of its retail presence and are strategically located in urban and suburban areas to cater to a broad customer base.
Estimated Revenue
Target’s estimated revenue for 2023 is $105.7 billion. This is based on a consensus estimate of analysts polled by FactSet. Target’s revenue has been growing steadily in recent years, and is expected to continue to do so in 2023. The company is benefiting from a number of factors, including strong consumer spending, its focus on omnichannel retail, and its success with its own brands.
In the first half of 2023, Target’s revenue was $50.1 billion, up 39% from the same period in 2019. The company’s digital sales grew 16.2% in the first half of the year, and now account for about 20% of total revenue.
Target is well-positioned to continue its growth in the second half of 2023 and beyond. The company has a strong brand, a loyal customer base, and a diversified business model. Target is also investing heavily in its digital business, which is expected to be a key driver of growth in the coming years.
Overall, Target is expected to generate strong revenue in 2023, driven by continued consumer spending growth, its focus on omnichannel retail, and its success with its own brands.
Known as by Consumers
Target has earned a special place in the hearts of consumers, often being affectionately called “Tar-zhay.” This term is a play on the French word “tarjet,” which means “target.” The nickname “Tar-zhay” playfully suggests a touch of elegance and style that one might not expect from a typical discount store. This moniker reflects the unique position Target holds in the retail landscape – it’s a place where affordability meets style and quality, appealing to a broad spectrum of shoppers.

Target’s journey from a local department store to a global retail giant is a testament to the vision of its founder, George Dayton, and its commitment to providing quality products at affordable prices.
With its extensive network of stores, strong financial performance, and the endearing nickname “Tar-zhay,” Target has solidified its place as a retail powerhouse in the United States and beyond. As of 2021, it continued to evolve and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs and preferences of consumers, and its future promises to be just as exciting as its storied past.
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