TARGET

MINNEAPOLIS — After announcing that its chief marketing officer would serve as the executive committee sponsor of Target’s entrance into the Canadian market, the retailer named a leader for its Target Canada operations.

As president of Target Canada, Tony Fisher will be responsible for building the retailer's team, establishing the headquarters and leading the day-to-day operations. Target said it expects to open 100 to 150 Target stores throughout Canada in 2013 and 2014. Prior to this position, Tony Fisher was promoted to VP merchandise operations.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that its chief marketing officer, Michael Francis, will serve as the executive committee sponsor of Target’s entrance into the Canadian market. In this role, Francis will oversee the extension of Target’s brand as part of the corporation’s first-ever expansion of its stores beyond the United States, the company reported.

MINNEAPOLIS — Just days after announcing 2011 U.S. expansion plans, Target announced an acquisition in Canada that will enable it to open between 100 and 150 stores during the next four years.

The company announced that it has agreed to pay C$1.83 billion to purchase from Zellers, a subsidiary of the Hudson's Bay Co., the leasehold interests in up to 220 sites currently operated by Zellers. This transaction will allow Target to open its first Target stores in Canada beginning in 2013.

SHELTON, Conn. — Organic product purchases among consumers have been fairly consistent over the past three years, but more shoppers are looking to mass retailers to purchase such items.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is opening 21 stores across 12 states, the retailer announced Tuesday.

Among the openings are five stores in California, a third store in Hawaii and a SuperTarget in Minnesota.

“Target takes great pride in designing stores that meet the needs of our guests and the communities we serve,” said John Griffith, Target EVP. “With the addition of an expanded fresh food assortment, our new stores will offer guests everything they need in one convenient location.”

MINNEAPOLIS — Two leaders of Target have been appointed to the retailer's executive committee.

Tina Schiel, SVP enterprise strategy and new business development, was promoted to EVP stores and will join the executive committee, while Laysha Ward, who will retain her position as Target's community relations president and Target Foundation president, also will join the executive committee.

MINNEAPOLIS — Despite an easy prior-year comparison, Target fell short of its December same-store sales guidance with a disappointing 0.9% gain.

The company forecasted December comps in the low to mid-single-digit range after it released November results, which saw comps advance 5.5%. Analysts were expecting the company to report a 4% December gain.

Supplier News — EcoTools once again is joining forces with actress Alicia Silverstone to introduce for the spring the revamped eco-conscious cosmetic bag and brush collection set dubbed EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone. The collection, which will launch April 2011, will feature three additions and three revised sets, and will be available at Walmart, Target and Walgreens.