2025 Target Virtual Event

 

Interface-Essential---Date-Calendar---calendar-37 & 8 October 2025

Maps-Navigation - Pins - pin-locationVirtual

 

2025 Agenda
Target-1280x720_2025

Overview

Target is at a turning point as it tries to meet the moment in a grocery-dominant, high-cost environment. As guest expectations evolve, Target is working to rebuild trust, deliver greater value, and create experiences that resonate, both functionally and emotionally.

This event explores how brands can partner with Target to grow in a world where innovation, connection, and adaptability matter more than ever.

Key data and facts:

  • Target is navigating tariffs, inflation, and more selective spending in 2025. With value under pressure, brands have a role to play in helping Target offer meaningful, affordable choices that resonate with today’s guest.
  • 62% of Target shoppers say they are willing to pay more for brands that reflect their values, according to Q4 2024 ShopperScape® With tariffs adding $500 million in costs, Target will lean on brand partners to help justify price and protect loyalty.
  • While Target’s digital sales rose 4.7% in Q1 2025, in-store comps dropped 5.7%, tightening margins and challenging store productivity. Brands that drive value across both stores and same-day delivery will be key to sustaining growth.

You’ll leave this event with:

  • Clarity on how Target’s evolving value, digital, and loyalty strategies will impact your business in 2025 — and where your brand can lead, not just follow
  • A sharper understanding of shifting shopper dynamics — from high-income returners to middle-income retreaters — and how to better position your portfolio to meet their needs
  • Actionable insights into Target’s competitive playbook across grocery, private label, and omnichannel, so you can optimize your presence across shelf, app, and seasonal moments

 

Conference Agenda

Reach out to events@kantarconsulting.com for questions. 

Noon-12:10 PM CT 
Welcome and introduction 
Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights

Doug

12:10-1:00 PM CT  
Meeting the moment: Target’s turning point
Doug Hermanson, Principal Economist
Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights

  • Get a breakdown of what is really impacting Target’s traffic and comps.
  • Uncover how macro disruptions (boycotts, tariffs, pricing perception) are reshaping shopper behavior.
  • Explore how brands need to rethink their roles in the Target ecosystem.
 
Mary Brett Whitfield

1:00-1:30 PM CT 
What happens if Target misses the bullseye?
Mary Brett Whitfield, Senior Vice President, Shopper Insights 

  • Learn how Target’s share of wallet and shopper preference is being challenged.
  • Understand where — and why — guests are shifting their shopping.
  • Review implications for loyalty, trip drivers, and basket building.
Anna Brennan no background

1:30-2:00 PM CT 
From fulfillment to loyalty: The Circle 360 opportunity
Anna Brennan, Principal Analyst, Retail Insights

  • Examine how Circle 360 stacks up against other membership ecosystems.
  • Gain insights into what makes Target’s loyalty model unique.
  • Discover opportunities for brands to activate across fulfillment touchpoints.

2:00-2:15 PM CT
BREAK

Karen Kelso no background

2:15-3:00 PM CT 
Target's private label: A path to building loyalty
Karen Kelso, Vice President, Retail Insights 

  • Review where Target’s owned brands win and where they fall short.
  • Evaluate what’s missing for core, value, and high-income shoppers.
  • Assess competing best-in-class private labels and why they are successful.
3:00-3:15 PM CT 
Day 1 wrap-up
Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights 
Taylre Stumpf no background

Noon-12:10 PM CT
Welcome and introduction
Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights

Harris_Charlotte_Kantar

12:10-12:50 PM CT
The power of fun commerce at Target
Charlotte Harris, Principal Analyst, Retail Insights

  • Learn what is drawing $100K+ households back to Target.
  • Understand the role of wellness, discovery, and design.
  • Find out how brands can win with upgraded formats and storytelling.
Ross.Cloyd.Kantar

12:50-1:30 PM CT
How Target can win in grocery
Ross Cloyd, Director, Retail Insights
Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights

  • Compare how Target stacks up against its top grocery competitors.
  • Understand who is leading in perimeter, pantry, and impulse.
  • Identify the white-space opportunities where brands can differentiate themselves and drive growth.

1:30-1:45 PM CT
BREAK

Taylre Stumpf no background

1:45-2:10 PM CT
How Target is driving excitement in the new economy
Taylre Stumpf, Lead Analyst, Retail Insights

  • Review how perma-angst is reshaping Target guests’ behavior.
  • See how Target will create FOMO and message “I have to have it” to guests.
  • Find out what to expect from Target’s seasonal resets in 2025 and beyond.

 

Mary.Brett.Whitfield.Kantar

2:10-2:40 PM CT
Can Target win with today's value shoppers?
Mary Brett Whitfield, Senior Vice President, Shopper Insights

  • Learn what today’s budget-conscious shoppers prioritize at the shelf.
  • Identify the factors driving store choices, brand loyalty, and perceived affordability.
  • Explore how Target can meet value expectations without compromising the guest experience.
Karen Kelso no background

2:40-3:00 PM CT
Target's path to 2026
Karen Kelso, Vice President 

  • Review key assumptions and potential risks influencing Target’s 2025 holiday and 2026 planning.
  • Evaluate how Target must adapt its merchandising, pricing, and media strategies in response to guests’ shifting behavior.
  • Discover ways to stay agile as Target redefines value, volume, and emotional loyalty.

3:00-3:15 PM CT
Day 2 wrap-up

 
How to attend

Available tickets

 

SEATBLOCK HOLDER?

Talk to our event team ›


Coming SOON! Meet the experts

Event Speakers

Check back for our speaker updates.

We’re here to amplify your potential. Bringing exceptional experience across industries and organizations. Delivering a deep understanding of retailers and shoppers. We’ll help you meet and exceed your goals.

Taylre Stumpf
Taylre Stumpf
Senior Analyst, Retail Insights
Mary Brett Whitfield
Mary Brett Whitfield
Senior Vice President, Head of Shopper Insights
Karen Kelso
Karen Kelso
Vice President, Retail Insights
Doug Hermanson
Doug Hermanson
Principal Economist
Harris_Charlotte_Kantar
Charlotte Harris
Principal Analyst, Retail Insights
Anna Brennan no background
Anna Brennan
Principal Analyst, Retail Insights
Ross.Cloyd.Kantar
Ross Cloyd
Director, Retail Insights
Want to learn more?

Experience
Kantar’s Expertise

Best-in-class events. Industry experts. Insights turned experience. Join the curious and thought leaders alike at our next event, webinar, or ShareGroup.
Uncover more to open the door to greater possibilities.

GettyImages-619231212

Events

Don’t just dream of winning in retail. Experience it. Access our industry’s best and brightest through thought-provoking presentations, inspiring conversations, and hands-on working sessions. It’s time to set yourself apart in the new era of retail.

Learn More >

pexels-photo-515166

Webinars

Open the door to what’s possible. With enterprise access, your team will join the curious and cutting edge through bite-size power sessions and interactive Q&A. Kantar’s experts illuminate market insights and provide actionable recommendations. 

Learn More >

GettyImages-1124783527

ShareGroups

Join like-minded peers and share ideas, tips, experiences, and insights. Kantar ShareGroups and ShareDays offer exclusive interactions for members through facilitated discussions and noncompetitive working groups.

Learn More >

Experience Kantar’s expertise. Connect with our retail and shopper experts around the globe. Learn More about 2025 Events