Target has long been at the front of the grocery pack in investing in its team at all levels, setting the tone for the industry. In its latest move, the retailer is helping redefine the standard for the starting wage.
Beginning July 5, 2020, Target will implement a sweeping $15 start policy.
“In the best of times, our team brings incredible energy and empathy to our work, and in harder times they bring those qualities plus extraordinary resilience and agility to keep Target on the forefront of meeting the changing needs of our guests and our business year after year,” said Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO.
Target added that, in addition to the wage increase, it is continuing to acknowledge its front-line team members by giving them a one-time recognition bonus of $200.
The two changes mean a nearly $1 billion boost in Target’s investment this year in the well-being, health, and safety of its workforce, according to a press release.
“The most important investments we make are in our team. I have tremendous gratitude for the way our team members show up with such purpose and pride for our guests, communities, and one another,” said Melissa Kremer, Chief Human Resources Officer. “These investments help ensure that team members can build meaningful careers, take care of themselves and their families, and contribute to building our communities through their work inside and outside of Target.”
Cornell echoed the importance of investing in employees in his statement as well.
“Everything we aspire to do and be as a company builds on the central role our team members play in our strategy, their dedication to our purpose, and the connection they create with our guests and communities,” he said.
This realizes a three-year-long goal for Target, which committed to a $15 minimum wage by 2020 back in 2017.
As other big-name grocery operators like Amazon and Walmart implement similar moves, how will other competitors respond to Target's latest hike? Deli Market News will continue to bring you the latest.
