Target Corp. employees who work in merchandising and sourcing were notified Thursday that they will be expected back in the downtown Minneapolis headquarters office three days a week beginning Sept. 2. Other departments have received similar notices in recent weeks as leadership pushes for more face time without issuing a companywide mandate.
Today’s email came from Target’s chief commercial officer Rick Gomez, who oversees the retailer’s entire product assortment from home and apparel to food and beverage, including owned brands, insights, and merchandising. “More time together, in the office, will help us grow our business faster, solve problems quickly, and build stronger relationships,” Gomez wrote in an email that a Target spokesperson confirmed was sent on Thursday. Employees will be allowed to set their own schedules and choose which three days work best for them and their immediate work teams, Gomez wrote.
Target did not share specifics on how many employees received the return-to-office orders today, or how many have gone out to other work groups. “Team members tell us they see the benefit from the in-person connection and collaboration that’s a part of being in the office,” the spokesperson said. “At this point, individual leaders are empowered to make decisions for their teams based on company guidance as well as what’s best for the role they play in our business.”…