Target Explores Canadian Locations

Target is a huge nationally known company, and it shocked me at first to realize it hasn't moved beyond our country's borders yet. That might change within the next couple years as Target execs have met with Canadian real estate developers to discuss possible development locations. Target will be facing some familiar competition in Canada because Wal-Mart stores have been present in the Canadian market for over a dozen years already, however, it will also have to compete against Hudson's Bay Co. with its The Bay and Zellers chains.  The article explains a couple problem that present itself in the Canadian market which explains why it's taken so long for many companies to expand into our northern neighbor such as the large distance between most large Canadian cities and the need for bilingual labels because of the many French speaking areas.
However, crossing the border to the north is much easier and beneficial than going overseas because it will cost less and carry fewer logistical risks. Many other companies are taking part in this expansion idea as well. Marshalls, Kohl's, J. Crew, and Victoria's Secret might soon move into Canadian retail markets as well.
The convenience of Target- food, clothes, appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and more all in one store- makes it a very typical American store. It will be interesting to watch as Target in introduced to other countries and how these other countries react to the lifestyle of the American convenience.




Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704689804575536273265184134.html?mod=WSJ_Retailing_leftHeadlines

--Posted by Leah Stoltz