NEW YORK — Target has revamped its grocery aisles since the COVID-19 pandemic with items ranging from Korean foods and mocktails to barbecue-flavored trail mix as the discount retailer caters to shoppers who want to experiment while sticking to a budget.
Like many retailers, Target noticed that some habits its customers acquired during the height of the public health crisis, such as snacking and an interest in new flavors, have outlasted the pandemic. But the inflation that drove up food prices last year, though abating, still has shoppers looking for ways to stretch their dollars.
Under Rick Gomez, Target’s chief food, essentials and beauty officer, the Minneapolis-based retailer plans to introduce up to 2,000 new food and beverage items this year. The number includes products in its store label brands – Good & Gather, Market Pantry and Favorite Day – and from national and emerging brands.
The need to innovate coexists with a focus on affordability. In January, Target launched a line called Dealworthy that features nearly 400 tech accessories, toiletries and other basic items, most costing under $10. The company announced last week that it was cutting prices on 5,000 food, drink and essential household products.
A lot is at stake: 23% of Target’s total sales come from food and beverages, the second-biggest category after beauty and households essentials, according to the company’s most recent annual report.
The Associated Press recently interviewed Gomez about food trends, the effect of inflation and social media on shopper behavior, and other topics. The conversation was edited for length and clarity.
A. We’re going from not just selling food to actually celebrating food. What that means for us is we need to lean into our assortment of what we’re selling. We think of ourselves as curators, with a magical mix of big national brands, our own brands that are exclusive, but then also small emerging brands that are on track. We’re leaning into freshness, with floral and produce that when you walk into this section, it feels alive and seasonal and fresh. And we’re leaning into affordability to make sure that our guests can get what they want.
A. Snacking and indulgence. During the pandemic, people were looking for a little bit of happiness as we were all quarantined at home. And so we developed Favorite Day. And it’s really about savory, indulgent delicious treats. Well, we’re out of that pandemic, and we see that trend continuing.
A. We are seeing…
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