Target is rearranging the furniture, rethinking the flow of merchandise, and giving many of its departments an overhaul. After years of smaller adjustments, the "bougie" big box store is making its biggest changes in a decade, with grocery aisles, home decor, and the beauty section all getting a makeover.
Many of the changes may help you stretch your Target budget, while others might have you staying in the store longer. Either way, your next Target trip may be a shake-up from your familiar routine. Here's what's changing and what it means for your tried-and-true Target shopping experience.
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How much is Target spending?
Target is putting some serious money behind its store makeover, with about $5 billion earmarked for upgrades this year. That's a lot more than a fresh coat of paint and fancier signs to spruce up the place.
The investment covers more than 130 store remodels, in addition to more than 30 brand-new locations, technology improvements, and supply chain updates.
New leadership is driving the changes
In February 2026, Michael Fiddelke, a longtime Target employee who's been with the company since 2003, became CEO after being appointed to the role in August 2025. He's been tasked with making the company competitive with juggernauts Amazon and Walmart.
Fiddelke's plans to speed up Target's improvement are already manifesting, with goals to smooth out the Target customer experience and utilize technology more fully.
Employee dress code adjustments
Target is already enforcing a stricter dress code for employees. They must wear sleeved red shirts (patterned or solid) or opt for a company-provided red vest. Logos from other brands can't stand out, though smaller ones are allowed.
For bottoms, the rules now specify blue denim or khaki. Previously, Corporate was more flexible about shirt shades and didn't mandate that denim had to be a specific hue.
The grocery revamp is paying off
Half of shoppers buy groceries on their Target trips, so Target decided to revamp the experience, bearing current health trends in mind. Some grocery sections are up to 50% bigger, with more fresh produce and fewer budget staples carried by competitors.
You'll also find nearly 5,000 new products, many of them exclusives, from 60 different brands. No wonder food sales jumped about 7% in the second quarter.
"Hip and cool" decor
Retail experts point out that in order to draw shoppers, they have to enjoy being in the store. This may be the philosophy driving Target to make its interiors more chic.
Updates include fresh fixtures, contemporary decor, and custom LED lighting. They want the vibe to be "hip and cool, warm and inviting." Target is also redoing signage to facilitate easier movement throughout the warehouse.
Target's focus on style
If you've ever been to the Target store in SoHo in New York City, you've seen how far the brand will go to look fashionable. While it is a unique location, it serves as inspiration for the rest.
Bearing that in mind, Target has remerchandised its home, clothing, beauty, and accessories to shine a light on its sense of style.
Improved merch flow
Shopping hasn't gone back to its old routine since COVID, and Target stores are trying to keep up. They're now neighborhood shopping spots and mini distribution hubs, juggling in-person customers alongside a steady stream of online orders, pickups, and returns.
To keep all that traffic moving, Target expanded space for Order Pickup while reworking checkout lanes. The idea is to make stores work better for shoppers and the steadily growing amount of merchandise being moved.
Modernized amenities and climate-friendly improvements
Target's makeover goes beyond the aisles, with upgraded restrooms and nursing spaces designed to make the store more family-friendly.
Some locations are also getting a greener upgrade behind the curtain. "Natural refrigeration systems, more efficient lighting," and improved heating and cooling equipment are part of the plan. Target says it's hoping to cut emissions as well as the energy bill.
Is my Target getting renovated?
Wondering if your Target is getting all the fancy new stuff? Start with Target's corporate news page, where they post press releases and informative statements.
Since remodeling schedules can vary by market, keep an eye on local news, too, or ask an employee at your usual store for the latest.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Bottom line
Will Target's big refresh translate into sustained better sales that permanently pull the store out of its previous slump? Time will tell, but from the outset, it's arguably looking positive for the company.
Of course, a refreshed store won't automatically mean lower prices, so it still pays to shop savvy. If you're trying to save on groceries, knowing what to expect can help you peruse with more purpose and less guesswork.
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FAQs
Will every Target carry the same new groceries?
Don't assume every location will stock everything mentioned in the rollout. Store size, available space, and local demand can affect selection. Check your preferred location's inventory before making a special trip.
Are Target's exclusive grocery products necessarily a better deal?
Exclusivity doesn't automatically mean better value. Compare the price per ounce or serving with similar products at other stores, and consider whether your household will finish the item before it spoils.
How can I keep a quick Target trip from taking longer during a remodel?
Group your shopping list by department and ask an employee where relocated essentials are before you start browsing. If construction or changing layouts make shopping difficult, consider ordering ahead for pickup, checking item availability and pickup options at your location first.
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