Masters of Scale

Rapid Response: Target’s Brian Cornell: “I want to see retail survive this”

Apr 20, 2020

Brian Cornell, CEO of Target, shares how he’s steering the retail giant through the complexities of the pandemic. He discusses the necessity of adaptability, emphasizing that daily decisions are driven by safety and community needs. Cornell reveals Target's $300 million investment in employee support like back-up childcare and enhanced cleanings. He believes prioritizing his team translates to prioritizing customers. The conversation also reflects on transforming consumer behaviors and maintaining resilience in a shifting retail landscape.

25:07

Episode guests

Brian Cornell

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Retail Resilience in Crisis

10min

Navigating Retail's New Reality

6min

Embracing Flexibility and Agility in Uncertainty

1min

Retail Resilience Amidst Crisis

8min

From Passion to Plant-Based Success: The Journey of New York's Roz

3min

Every day in a pandemic is different, and that’s true for people and for corporations. CEO Brian Cornell has promised Target will keep its doors open. To do that, Target is becoming "a good student," says Brian, listening to experts, collaborating with CEOs, staying flexible, and meeting daily to make decisions on an ever changing list of priorities, the first of which is to keep both the team and the guests safe. To date, they’ve made a $300 million investment in pay and benefits, back up childcare, elder care, enhanced store cleanings, and more. No one knows what will happen, says Brian, but he believes that by putting his team first, he is putting the customer first – and serving the larger community. Interviewed by editor Bob Safian.

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