Get Free Report, a staple of the Twin Cities much like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Twins, has established a significant presence. The company’s logo proudly graces the stadiums of these NBA and MLB franchises, showcasing its local commitment.
With a history of over 60 years, Target’s philanthropic arm, the Target Foundation charity, has actively invested in the community, reflecting its Minnesota heritage and responsible corporate citizenship.
Nevertheless, some of the company’s neighbors are urging Target to enhance its efforts to rejuvenate the city it proudly calls its home.
Declining Target Headquarters Presence In 2021, Target’s corporate headquarters in downtown Minneapolis boasted a workforce of 8,500 employees. However, by 2022, this number had decreased to 7,100. Yet, these figures might be skewed due to the reduced foot traffic experienced by local businesses since the onset of the pandemic.
Critics attribute this phenomenon to Target’s work-from-home policy, which they believe has contributed to a subdued atmosphere in the area. Commercial real estate broker Tom Tracy expressed concerns about the impact, noting the absence of “lunches, cups of coffee, rides on the light rail and the bus,” which has taken a toll on local businesses.
Target’s current policy, named the “flex your day approach,” blends remote and in-office work for its corporate employees. This hybrid strategy provides flexibility for teams to determine their in-office days.
Chief Human Resources Officer Melissa Kramer described the policy change as an opportunity to rethink the headquarters experience, aiming to propel the company forward beyond the pandemic. While downtown foot traffic is recovering due to events drawing visitors, the lack of consistent in-office workers continues to affect the local economy.
Target Stands Strong Amid Changes The evolving situation comes at a crucial juncture for Minneapolis, as the city’s unemployment rate rose from 2.7% in June 2022 to 3.3% in June 2023, albeit still below the national average of 3.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While downtown foot traffic sees improvement during events, businesses emphasize the need for regular, dedicated workers who support the downtown economy. Some suggest that the return of Target’s workforce to their offices would bolster the city’s retail scene and daytime activities.
Target responded to queries, stating that “thousands” of employees are still working consistently in their downtown headquarters. The company remains committed to Minneapolis, its home for over six decades.
Relocation of Headquarters Employees In March 2021, Target made headlines by closing its City Center location in downtown Minneapolis and relocating 3,500 employees to other city locations or to the nearby suburb of Brooklyn Park.
Beyond the local business owners’ call for a return to in-office work, high-profile figures like Martha Stewart and Elon Musk, along with major companies such as Apple, Google, and Goldman Sachs, are advocating for a shift back to office work.
Employment expert Jason Greer emphasized that a return to the traditional five-day workweek is underway, reflecting a shift back to pre-pandemic norms.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Chronicle Hub journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.