Retail Giants Spend Billions to Make Stores Look Nicer

The Target store in Paramus, N.J., in a shopping mall next to a wax hair removal center and a Wetzel’s Pretzels, has been transformed into one of the most pristine in the company’s chain.In recent months, workers installed new track lighting and built sleek displays for baby products and apparel at the store, which is almost 20 miles from Manhattan.They rearranged the grocery section to be more expansive and remade beauty aisles to be more welcoming.

Even the backrooms have been renovated to make it easier for employees to cart items like paper towels and cereal boxes to customers’ cars for pickup.It’s a scenario playing out across the United States: The nation’s biggest retailers are pouring billions of dollars back into their stores, even as more sales move online, in an effort to lure more shoppers and raise employee efficiency at brick-and-mortar locations.“Target’s new chapter is all about growth, and stores are central to our strategy,” Michael Fiddelke, the company’s chief executive, said in an email.“By investing in new stores and remodels, we’re elevating the Target experience.”Nearby, Target’s rivals have begun similar updates as each tries to gain a competitive advantage.

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has committed to remodeling 12 stores this year in New Jersey, with upgraded layouts and services.Dollar General plans to renovate some of its shops in the Northeast with an open format and more fresh food.In total, America’s largest retailers are expected to spend at least $20 billion to remodel more than 12,000 stores this decade.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

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