Target 2006 Annual Report Download - page 15

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Supporting Our Growth
To support Target’s ongoing store growth, we also continue to
make significant investments in our supply chain and technology
infrastructure. In 2006, we added three distribution centers to
our network, resulting in a total of 29 facilities at year end. In
2007, we will further strengthen our distribution network with
the opening of two additional distribution centers.
As Target’s food business continues to grow and evolve, we
also plan to expand our internal food distribution capabilities,
in addition to maintaining partnerships with key vendors and
wholesalers. Target already distributes virtually all dry grocery
products through our own distribution network, and in the
summer of 2008, we expect to complete construction of a Target-
owned, and third-party operated, perishable-food distribution
center that will serve Target stores in southeastern states.
Continued investment in technology is one way we achieve
both elements of our “Expect More. Pay Less.” brand promise,
delivering greater speed, consistency, in-stock reliability and
value throughout our company. Among many other benefits,
these investments enable us to improve the flow and accuracy
of information, reduce expense and leverage the resources of
our global work force—including Target Sourcing Services, our
global sourcing organization and Target India, our overseas
technology support and business services operation.
We believe that these investments reinforce our brand
strength and position us for continued growth and profitability
in the future.
Corporate Responsibility
Target has a longstanding tradition of giving back to the
communities we serve. Since 1946, we have given back 5 percent
of our income to support education, the arts and social services.
Today, our charitable giving totals more than $3 million each
week. Nationwide, Target team members volunteer millions of
hours annually to more than 7,000 programs that strengthen
families and build healthier communities.
Signature programs include:
• Take Charge of Education, a school fund-raising initiative that
has contributed more than $200 million to more than 108,000
schools across the country since its inception in 1997.
• Target Field Trips, which fosters learning beyond the classroom
by granting 800 educators $1,000 each to cover costs for
a field trip related to their curriculum.
• Ready.Sit.Read!, a national initiative that focuses on reading
as a foundation for lifelong learning, and includes book festivals,
grants for reading programs, and celebrity authors to help
raise awareness of the importance of early childhood reading.
• Sponsorship of more than 1,500 free days annually at major
cultural institutions across the country, such as the Brooklyn
Museum of Art, the California African American Museum
and The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in
Washington, D.C.
EXPECT MORE. PAY LESS.
Seasonal
Merchandising
We continue to delight our guests by offering fresh
ideas and innovative merchandise for entertaining and
decorating in celebration of major holidays. Target is also
a preferred destination for strong seasonal assortments
such as Valentine’s Day and back-to-school, giving our
guests great products at compelling values.