Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsMar 10, 2015
Target cuts 3,100 jobs
Target Corp. is laying off 1,700 employees and letting 1,400 positions go unfilled as it restructures to focus on digital, smaller-format stores and personalization.
After a company review and as part of a two-year transformation process to position the company for growth, Target is laying off 1,700 employees, cutting mostly at its headquarters in Minneapolis. The Target store pictured here is in Martin
Minneapolis--Target Corp. is letting go of 1,700 employees primarily from its corporate headquarters in Minnesota, as it restructures to focus on digital, smaller-format stores and personalization.
In addition to laying off employees, Target also said that 1,400 open positions won’t be filled.
Target employs about 13,000 people at its Minneapolis-area headquarters facilities, meaning the cuts represent nearly a quarter of the workforce there, and more than 350,000 people total.
“While this news is difficult, it’s important to know that we will continue to make investments in our business and team--particularly in areas such as digital, personalization, data and analytics, and engineering--to position Target for future success,” the company said in a statement issued Tuesday.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, layoffs began at the senior management level last week, starting with a number of vice presidents who were let go. Though Target would not confirm details on the individuals involved, a company spokesperson did tell National Jeweler that the news "did include officers."
Last week, the retailer announced that it would begin a two-year, $2 million restructuring process that would “put Target on a clear path to growth,” according to the company. Included in this strategic shift is the goal of creating a headquarters team that is “more agile, efficient and guest-focused.”
Target also will focus on driving its omnichannel strategy, continuing with enhancements in technology, supply chain and inventory to make shopping across all channels easier for consumers. It will prioritize the style, baby, kids and wellness merchandise categories, investing in these areas to create newness and build differentiation.
Macy’s Inc. made a similar announcement earlier this year, cutting 2,500 jobs as it focuses on it omnichannel strategy, trims central office staff and closes stores.
Target said to create a more “guest-centric” experience, it will tailor inventory to more local products, with factors like demographics, climate and location driving merchandising decisions. In addition, store openings from here on out will focus on TargetExpress and CityTarget stores, which are designed for consumers in growing urban areas. The retailer will open eight of these across the country in 2015.
Since Target will provide everyone who is being laid off with a comprehensive severance package that includes more than 15 weeks of pay plus additional severance based on years of service, the cuts are expected to cost the retailer $100 million, according to an SEC filing.
Earlier this year, Target opted to
close its Canadian division after less than two years in the market, saying that it was “unable to find a realistic scenario that would get Target Canada to profitability until at least 2021.”
The closure affected 133 stores across Canada and approximately 17,600 people.
The closure affected 133 stores across Canada and approximately 17,600 people.
More on Majors
The Latest
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
