TARGET

MINNEAPOLIS — Same-store sales surged 5.5% at Target during November, exceeding the company’s guidance and analysts’ expectations for a low-single digit gain. The company said the number of people shopping its stores as measured by transactions increased nearly 4% and average transaction sizes also were up slightly with broad-based growth throughout the store.

The company is looking for December comps to increase in the low- to mid-single digit range.

GARDINER, N.Y. — Kiss My Face, a maker of natural personal care products, has partnered with industry vets Lisa Yarnell and Ron Gordon, and financial partner Caltius Equity Partners, in an effort to fuel the growth of the brand throughout various market channels, including mass merchants, specialty shops and natural retailers across the United States and internationally.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it is launching a month-long anti-smoking campaign in connection with the American Cancer Society's 2010 Great American Smokeout to support guests and team members in their efforts to quit smoking.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Shutterfly customers looking for more in-store pickup options can look no further than CVS/pharmacy and Walgreens.

Same-day, in-store pickup is available at any Walgreens or CVS/pharmacy store location with a photo center. Customers can order 4x6 prints at Shutterfly.com and designate in-store pickup at any Walgreens or CVS/pharmacy stores — as well as Target stores — by selecting their preferred retail location using the store locator map at checkout.

SECAUCUS, N.J. Hartz is looking to keep tails wagging with a new addition to its Crunch ‘n Clean line of dog biscuits.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Target-funded study, conducted by the University of Minnesota Food Industry Center, found that hunger costs Minnesota residents more than $1.62 billion annually in direct and indirect health and education costs.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target reportedly is scaling back with a new small urban format.

Announced on Friday at Target Field in Minneapolis, the big-box retailer said it will develop stores that will be 60,000 sq. ft. to 100,000 sq. ft., compared with its typical 125,000-sq.-ft. to 180,000-sq.-ft. size.

The first smaller-scale store is slated to open in Seattle in 2012, followed by several other cities.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it has revamped a number of stores in its hometown. The company reported that more than 25 Target stores in the Twin Cities metro area have been redesigned to further deliver one-stop shopping convenience for guests.

Among the changes is an increased food selection that offers 90% of the categories found in a SuperTarget. Interactive displays and wider aisles were implemented to make the shopping experience more enjoyable, Target said.