TARGET SUPERCENTERS GAINING BUT ARE STILL 'EXPERIMENTAL'

DON YAEGER

MINNEAPOLIS (FNS) -- While Dayton-Hudson's Target supercenters have shown "progress," the company is still hesitant to roll out the format nationwide, Robert J. Ulrich, chairman and chief executive officer, told SN following the company's annual meeting here.

"Although Super Targets continue to gain in sales and profits, they are still experimental," Ulrich said. "We are learning how to operate the grocery side -- and we are pleased with our overall progress."

The company is expected to expand to the Atlanta market, and is currently looking at two locations there, Ulrich said. At present, most of Target's 14 supercenters are located in the Midwest. When asked about food merchandising in conventional Target discount stores, Ulrich said there are no plans to broaden current offerings, which include mostly convenience items.