What Are the Top 15 Target Competitors? (Get the Scoop)

Target Corporation is a well-known American retail company that offers a wide range of products and services, including apparel, beauty and personal care, electronics, groceries, home goods, and more. Founded in 1902, Target has grown to become one of the largest retailers in the world, with over 1,900 stores across the United States.

Target stands out from its competitors in several ways. One of the ways that Target differentiates itself is by offering a unique shopping experience. The company has created a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing store layout with bright colors, stylish displays, and easy-to-navigate aisles. Target’s stores also feature in-store Starbucks locations, and many locations offer additional services like photo printing, optical care, and pharmacy services.

Another way that Target sets itself apart is through its commitment to sustainability. The company has set a goal to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and is working to reduce its carbon footprint through energy-efficient stores and transportation initiatives.

Target has a large and diverse range of competitors, ranging from other big-box retailers to online marketplaces. Here are 15 of Target’s top competitors:

• Walmart
• Amazon
• Costco
• Kroger
• Macy’s
• Kmart
• Kohl’s
• Best Buy
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• TJ Maxx
• Whole Foods
• Aldi
• Sam’s Club
• Walgreens

Each of these competitors offers a different mix of products and services, but they all compete with Target for customers and market share. Despite the competition, Target has managed to maintain its position as a leading retailer by continuing to innovate, invest in its stores and employees, and provide customers with a compelling shopping experience. Let’s take a closer look at each of the above companies!

Walmart

Walmart is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. It was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton and has since grown to become one of the largest retailers in the world, with over 11,000 stores in 27 countries. The company is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and employs over 2.3 million associates worldwide.

Walmart is known for its “Everyday Low Prices” business model, which aims to provide customers with the best value for their money. The company offers a wide range of products, including groceries, apparel, electronics, home goods, and more, at prices that are often lower than its competitors. Walmart also offers a variety of services, such as pharmacy, optical, and financial services.

One of Walmart’s key strengths is its supply chain management. The company has developed a highly efficient system for sourcing, storing, and distributing products, which allows it to keep costs low and offer competitive prices to customers. Walmart is also known for its use of technology, such as its sophisticated inventory management system and its use of data analytics to improve store operations and customer service.

Amazon

Amazon is a multinational technology company that is widely recognized as one of the most successful and influential companies in the world. The company was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos in Seattle, Washington, as an online marketplace for books and has since grown into a global empire with a vast range of products and services.

Today, Amazon is primarily known for its e-commerce platform, which offers millions of products from a wide range of categories, including books, electronics, clothing, and household goods. Amazon’s e-commerce platform is renowned for its user-friendly interface, fast and reliable delivery options, and extensive customer reviews, which help buyers make informed purchasing decisions.

In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has also expanded into a wide range of other businesses, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and entertainment. Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company’s cloud computing platform, has become one of the largest and most profitable cloud providers in the world, offering a range of services such as storage, computing, and database solutions to businesses of all sizes.

Amazon also produces a range of popular consumer products, such as the Kindle e-reader, Echo smart speaker, and Fire TV streaming devices. The company’s entertainment division, Amazon Studios, produces original movies and TV shows, including hits like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Man in the High Castle.”

Costco

Costco is a membership-based warehouse club that operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington, and has since grown to become one of the largest retailers in the world.

Costco offers a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, appliances, clothing, furniture, and more. Many of these items are sold in bulk quantities, making Costco a popular choice for families and businesses looking to save money on their purchases. In addition to its retail operations, Costco also offers a number of services, such as travel planning, insurance, and financial services.

One of the unique aspects of Costco is its membership model. Customers must purchase an annual membership to shop at Costco stores, which helps the company maintain its low prices by ensuring a steady stream of revenue. Costco offers two levels of membership: Gold Star and Executive. The Executive membership offers additional perks, such as cash back on purchases and access to exclusive travel deals.

Costco is also known for its high-quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction. The company has a liberal return policy, allowing customers to return items for a full refund at any time. Costco also offers a number of private-label brands, such as Kirkland Signature, which are often praised for their quality and value.

Kroger

Kroger is an American retail company that operates a chain of supermarkets and grocery stores. The company was founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has since grown to become the largest supermarket chain by revenue and the second-largest general retailer in the United States.

Kroger operates over 2,700 supermarkets and multi-department stores under various banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Smith’s, and many others. The company also has a significant online presence through its e-commerce platform, Kroger.com, and mobile app, which allow customers to order groceries online for pickup or delivery.

Kroger is known for its commitment to quality, value, and customer service. The company offers a wide range of products, including groceries, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, home goods, and electronics. Kroger also provides various services, such as money services, fuel centers, and meal solutions.

The company has also been active in sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. Kroger has implemented several programs to reduce waste and promote recycling, such as its Zero Hunger Zero Waste initiative aimed at reducing food waste and hunger in the communities it serves. The company also supports various charitable organizations and causes, including local food banks and disaster relief efforts.

Macy’s

Macy’s is a well-known American department store chain that has been in operation for over 160 years. Founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy, the store initially started as a small dry goods store in Haverhill, Massachusetts. However, Macy’s quickly grew and expanded to become one of the largest retail chains in the United States.

Macy’s is known for its wide selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods, catering to a diverse customer base. The company operates over 500 stores across the country, with its flagship store located in Herald Square, New York City. This iconic location spans an entire city block and attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most famous retail destinations in the world.

Over the years, Macy’s has also become famous for its signature events, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a holiday tradition since 1924. The parade features massive floats, balloons, and performers and is watched by millions of people around the world. Additionally, Macy’s hosts other popular events, such as the Fourth of July fireworks display in New York City.

Kmart

Kmart is a retail chain that was founded in 1962 by the American entrepreneur S.S. Kresge. It began as a discount store selling a variety of goods, including clothing, household items, electronics, and toys. Over time, Kmart grew to become one of the largest retailers in the United States, with stores in all 50 states and several other countries.

One of the things that set Kmart apart from other retailers was its focus on offering products at low prices. This made it a popular destination for budget-conscious shoppers, who could find deals on a wide range of products. Kmart also introduced several innovations in retail, such as the first “blue light special” in-store promotion in 1965. This involved a blue police light that would flash in stores, indicating a special sale on a particular product.

Despite its initial success, Kmart began to struggle in the 1990s due to increased competition from other discount retailers such as Walmart and Target. The company faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 2002. In the years that followed, Kmart underwent several restructuring efforts in an attempt to regain its footing.

Today, Kmart is owned by Transformco, which purchased the company’s assets in 2019. The company operates a smaller number of stores than it did in its heyday but still offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. Kmart also has an online presence, which has helped it reach customers who prefer to shop online.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s is a popular American department store chain that offers a wide range of products, such as clothing, accessories, home decor, furniture, and electronics. Founded in 1962 by Maxwell Kohl, the first Kohl’s store was a small corner grocery store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since then, Kohl’s has grown into a nationwide chain with over 1,100 stores in 49 states.

Kohl’s is known for its affordable prices and frequent sales, making it a popular destination for shoppers looking to save money. The store also offers a variety of exclusive brands, including Simply Vera by Vera Wang, Apt. 9, and LC Lauren Conrad. In addition, Kohl’s has partnerships with several well-known brands, such as Nike, Levi’s, and KitchenAid, allowing customers to purchase high-quality products at reasonable prices.

One of the unique features of Kohl’s is its Kohl’s Cash program, which rewards customers with cash back for every dollar they spend. Customers can then use this cashback on future purchases at Kohl’s. Kohl’s also offers a rewards program called Yes2You Rewards, which allows customers to earn points on every purchase and receive additional discounts and offers.

Best Buy

Best Buy is a well-known American multinational electronics retailer specializing in consumer electronics, home appliances, and other technological products. The company was founded in 1966 in Minnesota and has since become one of the largest retailers of its kind in the United States.

Best Buy operates over 1,000 stores throughout the United States, as well as several locations in Canada and Mexico. The company is known for its vast selection of electronics and appliances, as well as its knowledgeable staff who can help customers find the products they need.

One of the things that set Best Buy apart from other electronics retailers is its focus on customer service. The company offers a number of services, including in-home consultations, installation and repair services, and technical support. Best Buy also has a price match guarantee, which means that if a customer finds a lower price on an identical product at a competitor’s store, Best Buy will match the price.

Best Buy has also made efforts to be more environmentally friendly in recent years. The company has implemented a recycling program for electronics and has made a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the energy efficiency of its stores.

In addition to its physical stores, Best Buy also has a strong online presence. The company’s website offers a wide range of products and services, and customers can choose to have their orders shipped directly to their homes or pick them up at a local store.

Overall, Best Buy has established itself as a leading electronics retailer in the United States and continues to innovate and improve its offerings to meet the needs of its customers.

Home Depot

Home Depot is a leading home improvement retailer in the United States, specializing in a wide range of products and services for home renovation and construction projects. Founded in 1978, the company has grown to become the largest home improvement retailer in the world, with over 2,200 stores across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Home Depot offers a diverse range of products, including lumber, tools, hardware, appliances, and building materials. Additionally, they offer services such as tool and truck rentals, installation services, and home maintenance and repair services. The company is committed to providing customers with high-quality products, expert advice, and exceptional customer service.

Home Depot has also made significant investments in technology to enhance the customer experience. For example, they offer an innovative online ordering and delivery system that enables customers to order products online and have them delivered to their homes or picked up in-store. The company has also developed mobile apps that allow customers to shop and compare products, access how-to guides and videos, and track orders.

In addition to its focus on customer service, Home Depot is committed to environmental sustainability. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote responsible sourcing of materials. They also offer a wide range of eco-friendly products, such as low-flow toilets, energy-efficient appliances, and LED lighting.

Overall, Home Depot has established itself as a leader in the home improvement industry through its commitment to providing customers with high-quality products, exceptional service, and innovative solutions.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s is a home improvement retail chain that operates over 2,200 stores throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company was founded in 1946 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and has since grown to become one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world.

Lowe’s offers a wide range of products for home improvement and construction, including appliances, building materials, electrical, hardware, lawn and garden, paint, plumbing, and tools. The company also offers installation services, such as flooring installation, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, and window and door installation.

Lowe’s is known for its commitment to customer service, with a team of knowledgeable employees ready to assist customers with their home improvement needs. The company also offers a range of online resources, including how-to guides and instructional videos, to help customers with their DIY projects.

In addition to its retail operations, Lowe’s is also involved in community outreach initiatives, including the Lowe’s Heroes program, which provides grants and volunteer support for community improvement projects. The company is also committed to sustainability, with initiatives focused on reducing waste, conserving water, and promoting energy efficiency.

TJ Maxx

TJ Maxx is an American department store chain that offers a wide variety of clothing, accessories, home goods, and other merchandise at discounted prices. The company was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts.

TJ Maxx operates more than 1,200 stores across the United States, as well as stores in Canada, Europe, and Australia. The company is known for its “off-price” business model, which involves purchasing excess inventory and overstock from other retailers and selling it at a discount.

One of the key aspects of TJ Maxx’s business model is its constantly changing merchandise. The company receives new shipments of products multiple times per week, which allows them to offer a wide variety of items for shoppers to choose from. This also means that shoppers need to visit TJ Maxx frequently to see the latest deals and products.

TJ Maxx carries a wide range of products, including clothing for men, women, and children, as well as shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. In addition, the store offers home goods such as bedding, bath towels, kitchenware, and home decor items.

Customers often appreciate the opportunity to find high-quality, brand-name merchandise at discounted prices. TJ Maxx carries a variety of well-known brands, such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. In addition, the store offers a range of lesser-known boutique brands, which can be a great way to discover new products and styles.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market is a chain of supermarkets specializing in natural and organic food products. Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1980, the company has since expanded to over 500 stores in North America, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Whole Foods Market is widely known for its commitment to high-quality, ethically sourced, and sustainable products, as well as its dedication to supporting local farmers and producers.

One of the defining features of Whole Foods Market is its expansive selection of natural and organic products. From fresh produce to dairy, meat, and pantry staples, the store offers a wide range of healthy and wholesome options. The company is also known for its commitment to transparency, with detailed labeling and ingredient information available for all products.

In addition to its emphasis on natural and organic products, Whole Foods Market is also dedicated to sustainable and ethical business practices. The company has a number of initiatives focused on reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities. For example, Whole Foods Market has a program called “Whole Planet Foundation,” which works to alleviate poverty in developing countries by providing microloans to entrepreneurs.

Aldi

Aldi is a global discount supermarket chain that was founded in 1913 in Essen, Germany, by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht. Today, the company operates more than 11,000 stores across 20 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.

Aldi is known for its low prices and no-frills approach to retail, making it a popular destination for budget-conscious shoppers. The company achieves its low prices by focusing on efficiency and cost-cutting measures, such as stocking only a limited selection of products, charging customers for shopping bags, and encouraging shoppers to bring their own bags.

One of the unique features of Aldi is its private-label products. The company offers a wide range of products under its own brand name, including food, household items, and even clothing. These private-label products are often priced lower than their name-brand counterparts while still maintaining a high level of quality.

Aldi has also made a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce waste, including reducing the use of plastic packaging, increasing the use of renewable energy, and donating unsold food to local charities.

In recent years, Aldi has expanded its product offerings to include more organic and healthier options, as well as specialty products from around the world. The company has also introduced a range of premium products under its Specially Selected brand, which caters to customers looking for more upscale options.

Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club is a chain of membership-only retail warehouses that operates under the Walmart umbrella. The first Sam’s Club was opened in 1983 in Midwest City, Oklahoma, and the company has since expanded to over 600 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Sam’s Club offers a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, furniture, clothing, and household goods. The company prides itself on offering high-quality products at competitive prices, often selling items in bulk to help customers save money.

One of the key features of Sam’s Club is its membership program. Customers can purchase either a basic or a plus membership, which grants access to Sam’s Club stores and online shopping. The plus membership also includes additional benefits, such as cash rewards and free shipping on most items.

Sam’s Club also offers a number of additional services, including pharmacy services, optical services, battery and tire installation, and photo printing. Additionally, Sam’s Club has its own private label brand, Member’s Mark, which offers a range of high-quality products at affordable prices.

Another notable feature of Sam’s Club is its commitment to sustainability. The company has made a number of efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy, reducing waste, and using more sustainable materials in its products.

Overall, Sam’s Club offers a convenient and affordable shopping experience for customers who are looking to save money on a wide range of products. Its membership program, private label brand, and commitment to sustainability all make it a popular choice among shoppers.

Walgreens

Walgreens is a well-known pharmacy chain that operates primarily in the United States. The company was founded in 1901 by Charles R. Walgreen Sr. in Chicago, Illinois, and has since grown to become one of the largest pharmacy retailers in the country.

Walgreens offers a wide range of health and wellness products, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, personal care items, and more. In addition to its pharmacy services, Walgreens also operates a number of healthcare clinics, offering services such as flu shots, physicals, and other medical treatments.

One of the unique features of Walgreens is its loyalty program, known as Balance Rewards. Through this program, customers can earn points on their purchases and redeem them for discounts on future purchases. Walgreens also offers a mobile app that allows customers to refill their prescriptions, track their rewards points, and access other helpful features.

In recent years, Walgreens has also expanded its services to include digital health initiatives. For example, the company offers telehealth services through a partnership with MDLIVE, allowing customers to connect with healthcare providers remotely. Walgreens has also partnered with several health technology companies to develop innovative solutions for managing chronic conditions and improving overall health outcomes.

Despite its success, Walgreens has faced some challenges in recent years, including increased competition from other pharmacy retailers and ongoing pressure to lower healthcare costs. However, the company has continued to adapt and innovate and remains a leading player in the pharmacy industry.

The Bottom Line

Target faces fierce competition in the retail industry from major players. These the above-mentioned retailers offer similar products at competitive prices and also have established brand recognition and customer loyalty. Target has responded to this competition by focusing on enhancing its e-commerce capabilities, expanding its private label brands, and improving its in-store experience.