Executive leader of commercial sector unveils workplace reentry strategy
In a bid to enhance collaboration and productivity, Target, the popular retail giant, has announced a change in its office work policy. Starting September 2, 2025, some members of the commercial team will be required to work in the office for three days a week. This decision, made by Rick Gomez, Target's Chief Commercial Officer, reflects a broader trend in some companies, where return-to-office (RTO) policies are implemented to foster a more cohesive work environment and improve organisational performance.
Gomez, who oversees the multicategory merchandise assortment, owned brands, enterprise insights, and merchandising planning at Target, believes that more time spent together in the office will help the commercial team grow the business faster, solve problems more quickly, and build stronger relationships. This policy shift is happening during a multiyear merchandise revamp that focuses on newness and private labels, a key part of Target's five-year goal to achieve $15 billion in sales growth by 2030.
The policy change is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as individual leaders are now empowered to make decisions for their teams based on company guidance and what is best for the role they play in the business. The aim is to create consistency within the commercial team and help solve problems quickly and build stronger relationships.
Target has been facing challenges this year, with slumping sales and foot traffic. The retailer has also been dealing with shifting tariff policies in the U.S. and consumer backlash over corporate DEI policy changes and LGBTQ+ pride month merchandising in the recent past. However, a Target spokesperson stated that team members have seen benefits from the in-person connection and collaboration that comes from being in the office.
The email announcing the policy change was sent to corporate commercial employees last week. Hybrid employees in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota have been asked to come into headquarters on days of their choosing, while considering business needs. This decision, while challenging, is part of Target's ongoing efforts to adapt and thrive in the current market, where analysts have noted the lack of differentiation as a challenge for the retailer, similar to others in the industry.
As Target navigates these changes, it remains committed to its mission of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. The company continues to focus on providing a wide range of high-quality, affordable products, and creating a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience for all its customers.
- Rick Gomez, overseeing multicategory merchandise assortment, owned brands, enterprise insights, and merchandising planning at Target, hopes that the new office policy will allow the commercial team to grow the business faster, resolve problems more swiftly, and forge stronger relationships.
- This policy shift happens during Target's multiyear merchandise revamp, focusing on newness and private labels, a crucial part of its five-year goal to achieve $15 billion in sales growth by 2030.
- The new policy is not a blanket decision; individual leaders are now empowered to make decisions for their teams based on company guidance and what is best for their roles in the business.
- Target's aim is to create consistency within the commercial team and expedite problem-solving and relationship-building, despite facing challenges such as slumping sales, shifting tariff policies, and consumer backlash, amid renewed efforts to adapt and thrive in the current market.
