TARGET
Businesses react to ruling against Biden vaccine mandate
For companies that were waiting to hear from the U.S. Supreme Court before deciding whether to require vaccinations or regular coronavirus testing for workers, the next move is up to them. Many large corporations were silent on Thursday's ruling by the high court to block a requirement that workers at businesses with at least 100 employees be fully vaccinated or else test regularly for COVID-19 and wear a mask on the job. The Biden administration argues that nothing in federal law prevents private businesses from imposing their own vaccine requirements.
news.yahoo.comKPRC 2 Investigates: Holiday return headaches, third-party shipping issues
If you are returning something you got over the holidays - it might not be as easy as in the past specially if it's a larger item. A record number of people shopped online this holiday season. That combined with the pandemic and shipping supply issues means the holiday returns season is shaping up to be a challenge. KPRC 2 Investigates is looking into third party shipping issues.
Here are 3 ways to save in the Summer Sale Wars
The popular Amazon Prime day has led to stores like Target and Walmart creating their own days of deals and specials, leading to an all-out sales war. There are a few things to know before the sales kick off later this week. We are going to help you prepare so you can save the most money and how to earn an extra $10 Amazon Prime credit.
Jump in hiring fuels optimism for US economic recovery
That is down dramatically from 14.8% last April, just after the virus erupted in the United States. AdAlso hiring last month were retailers, which added 41,000 jobs, health care companies, with 46,000, and manufacturers, with 21,000. But state and local governments have slashed 1.4 million jobs since the pandemic erupted, including 86,000 last month, and most have instituted hiring freezes. The Congressional Budget Office projects the nation will add a substantial 6.2 million jobs this year. Sounding an optimistic note, he said: “There’s good reason to expect job creation to pick up in the coming months."
Target powers through a pandemic; 2020 sales growth explodes
FILE - In this April 6, 2020 file photo, a customer wearing a mask carries his purchases as he leaves a Target store during the coronavirus pandemic, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The moves come as Target extended its sales streak through the holiday quarter and sales grew by more than $15 billion. Online sales soared 118%. In the previous quarter, same-store sales rose 10%, while online sales spiked 155%. Late last year, it signed a deal with beauty chain Ulta Beauty that will place Ulta shops in more than 100 Target stores by mid-2021.
US jobless claims at 730K, still high but fewest in 3 months
The Federal Reserve says theres evidence that hiring has picked up in recent weeks, though the job market remains badly damaged by the pandemic. Jobless claims declined by 111,000 from the previous week to a seasonally adjusted 730,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. Still, before the virus erupted in the United States last March, weekly applications for unemployment benefits had never topped 700,000. The latest figures coincide with a weakened job market that has made scant progress in the past three months. AdAll told, 19 million people were receiving unemployment aid as of Feb. 6, up from 18.3 million the previous week.
Federal Reserve sees modest pickup in hiring this month
The Federal Reserve says theres evidence that hiring has picked up in recent weeks, though the job market remains badly damaged by the pandemic. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)WASHINGTON – The Federal Reserve says there's evidence that hiring has picked up in recent weeks, though the job market remains badly damaged by the pandemic. In its semi-annual monetary policy report released Friday, the Fed said it has been watching job data compiled by payroll processor ADP. AdThe report will form the basis for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's testimony next week before committees in the House and Senate. Hiring has stalled in the past three months, with job gains averaging just 90,000 a month from November through January.
Texans running out of food as weather crisis cripples supply chain
From farm to table, freezing temperatures and power outages are crippling the supply chain that people rely on for food every day. Some are storing their remaining rations in coolers outside, and trips to the grocery store often do little to replenish pantries. Several food banks affiliated with Feeding Texas have also started providing food supplies to emergency warming shelters in the state’s major cities. AdFor Texas residents, disruptions to the food supply chain, often combined with continued power outages, mean eating non-perishable canned goods or leftover items like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Residents around the state have also taken to social media to share their stories about struggling to find food or an open grocery store.
Target to offer Houston-area employees these incentives for receiving COVID-19 vaccine
FILE - In this Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020 file photo, people walk through the parking lot at a Target store in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)HOUSTON – Target is joining several Houston-area companies in compensating employees who receive the coronavirus vaccine. In addition to pay, employees can take advantage of free Lyft rides to their vaccine site of their choice, such as a pharmacy, clinic, health care provider or a state/city-run super site. As coronavirus vaccines become more widely available for essential workers, Target’s committed to making the process easier for our team. The company is also working with its benefits team to make sure all vaccine costs to employees are covered, no matter where they get it.
US consumer prices up 0.3% in January, led by energy spike
U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in October, the lowest reading in five months and an indication that the price spike seen this summer is beginning to fade as coronavirus cases start to increase. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer prices rose 0.3% in January, led by a surge in energy. But even though the gain was the biggest monthly increase since July, inflation gains over the past year have remained modest. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, is also up 1.4% with core prices unchanged in January. “Consumer price inflation remains very tame,” said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics, predicting that the upcoming rise in year-over-year inflation figures should be transitory.
Biden boosting vaccine allotments, financing for virus costs
Starting next week, 1 million doses will be distributed to some 6,500 pharmacies across the country, the White House said. The administration is also boosting by 500,000 the weekly allocation of vaccines sent directly to states and territories for the coming weeks, up to 10.5 million. It is allowing state and local governments to receive additional federal dollars to cover previously incurred expenses relating to the pandemic. The number of participating pharmacies and the allocation of vaccines are expected to accelerate as drug makers increase production. The Biden administration has sought to increase certainty to state governments on their upcoming allocations to streamline deliveries and prevent stockpiling of second doses for the two-dose regimens.
Target giving $500 bonuses to its employees for working during COVID-19 pandemic
Logo is visible on facade at Target retail store under dramatic sky in San Ramon, California, May 30, 2020. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)HOUSTON – Frontline workers at Target will soon see a bit of a pay bump during the early months of 2021. As a thank-you to its employees, Target plans to give out $500 bonuses to all employees in retail stores, distribution centers, field offices and headquarters, the company said in a news release. Store managers, directors, distribution center leaders and executive team leaders will receive a bonus between $1,000 to $2,000. Target also announced more coronavirus benefits for those working during the pandemic will be extended throughout 2021.
Retail group: holiday sales up 8.3% amid big spending shift
The nations largest retail trade group says Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, that holiday sales soared 8.3%, far exceeding its forecast even as the coronavirus kept shoppers away from physical stores. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)NEW YORK – The nation’s largest retail trade group said Friday that holiday sales soared 8.3%, far exceeding its forecast even as the coronavirus kept shoppers away from physical stores. The retail sales figures exclude sales from autos, restaurants and gas. The non-seasonably adjusted holiday figures, contrast with a downbeat report Friday from the Commerce Department that retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in December from the month before. However, the government reported a 3.7% retail sales gain in November and a 2.9% gain in December compared to the year-ago periods.
U.S. retail sales fell in December for 3rd straight month
(AP Photo/John Raoux)NEW YORK – Retail sales fell for a third straight month as a surge in virus cases kept people away from stores during the critical holiday shopping season. The U.S. Commerce Department said retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in December from the month before. Department store chain Nordstrom, lingerie seller Victoria’s Secret and clothing retailer Urban Outfitters all said sales fell during the holidays. The Commerce Department said shoppers cut back on spending at electronic and department stores. At clothing stores, sales rose 2.4% after dropping 16% for the year.
VIDEO: Hilarious James Harden prank video re-emerges online
How would you react if you thought you were approached by James Harden at Target? In a viral video re-emerging online, Target shoppers and employees were less-than-pleased when approached by an imposter imitating the Houston Rockets player’s famous stepback. The video by comedian Gerald Huston comes from a series of clips in which he pranks shoppers by acting as a professional athlete while wearing their jersey. To date, the hilarious video of Huston pretending to be Harden has garnered nearly 150,000 views on his YouTube and more than one million views on Twitter. Editor’s Note: Use of profanity without censorship is heard throughout the following video.
Target continues to thrive in whirlwind retail environment
Targets strong sales streak extended through the holiday season, as shoppers snapped up everything from clothing to home goods during the pandemic. The Minneapolis company reported Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, that its online sales surged 102% for the November and December period. The retailer reported Wednesday that online sales surged 102% between November and December. Even with the push online, Target's 1,900 locations have become an even greater strength as infections surged and people tried to stay home. Tiffany & Co. last week reported a 2% gain in preliminary holiday sales, helped by strong sales in China and online.
Sephora to take over cosmetics in Kohl's stores
NEW YORK – Sephora will be replacing all cosmetics areas at Kohl's with 2,500 square foot shops, starting with 200 locations in the fall of year. Earlier this month, Target said it would be opening Ulta Beauty shops in more than 100 stores next year. J.C. Penney said its developing its own cosmetics area to replace Sephora when that agreement ends. Rougeot said Sephora was attracted to Kohl's because of its network of 1,100 stores, mostly outside of malls. The Sephora shops, which will feature about 100 brands, will be at the front of Kohl's stores.
These stores will price match Black Friday deals
Houston – Some hot items this holiday season will go fast. To encourage you not to wait, some retailers will match Black Friday sale prices so you don’t have to worry that you’ll miss a great deal. At Target, for example, if you buy any product labeled a “Black Friday deal” either in-store or online, and then the price drops lower on Dec. 24 or anytime before, you can get a refund of the difference. Our friends at the blog Rather Be Shopping say Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lowe’s, Macy’s, JC Penney and Bass Pro Shops all have the same or similar price matching policies. They all vary somewhat, so make sure you read the fine print from the retailers about their policies.
DIY: Is peel and stick tile worth the money?
Houston – You can buy peel and stick tile just about anywhere these days: Amazon, Target, Hobby Lobby and Home Depot. It is made to look just like real tile, without the cost or the labor of installing it. What we purchased: In Home Peel & Stick Backsplash Tile from AmazonCost: $14.41 for four 10-inch tiles. “And your seam lines won’t be as good or clean as if you used real tile or glass. Up close, you can tell it’s not real tile; but it looks great from a couple of feet away.
Target gains steam heading into crucial holiday season
The Minneapolis company reported Wednesday that its online sales surged 155% in the three months that ended Oct. 31. It joined Walmart and Home Depot in reporting strong third quarter sales. Last week, Target announced a deal with nation’s largest beauty store chain, Ulta Beauty, that will place Ulta shops in more than 100 Target stores by mid-2021. During the latest quarter, drive-up sales increased more than fivefold, while order pickup continues to increase with more than a 50% increase. Target is pushing shoppers to start early this holiday season to avoid a crush of customers online and in stores during the pandemic.
New Target location opens on Westheimer
HOUSTON – Target recently opened a new Houston store at 2075 Westheimer Road in the Shepherd Square Shopping Center. The new store is Target’s fourth Inner Loop location. The store is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The store is some 63,000 square feet and occupies a former Randalls grocery store. The grocery store was one of three locations that Randalls announced it would close in late 2018.
Here are the Black Friday deals you can score today
HOUSTON – Thanks to the pandemic, Black Friday no longer refers to the Friday after Thanksgiving. In fact, this year some retailers started rolling out Black Friday deals on Nov. 4. For the first time ever, Target is offering a price match guarantee on all deals purchased between Nov. 1 and 29. If you buy something during that time and the price goes down anytime through Dec. 24, Target will refund the difference. Check out Rather Be Shopping for more retailers deals and sale dates.
Ulta to open beauty shops at 100 Target stores in 2021
FILE - In this Nov. 5, 2020 file photo, women walk to an Ulta Beauty store in Schaumburg, Ill. The nations largest beauty chain has a deal to place shops in more than 100 Target stores by mid-2021. Ulta Beauty and Target said Tuesday, Nov. 10 that the shops will be located next to Targets existing beauty sections. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)NEW YORK – The nation’s largest beauty store chain, Ulta Beauty, has a deal to place shops in more than 100 Target stores by mid-2021. “More than ever before, now is the time for innovation in retail,” said Mary Dillon, CEO of Ulta Beauty.
Job hunting? See who’s hiring in Houston for the holiday season
HOUSTON – The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching, and some companies will need some extra help to fulfill orders this year. Companies such as Target, Amazon, and FedEx are hiring seasonal workers for the holiday shopping season. FedExFexEx is hiring seasonal delivery drivers to quickly and efficiently deliver packages to customers during the holiday shopping season. Click here to applyUPSUPS is hiring seasonal delivery drivers to deliver holiday packages to customers during the shopping season. Macy’sMacy’s is hiring seasonal workers in all Macy’s locations in the Houston area, including the Galleria.
Pandemic pushes start of holiday shopping earlier than ever
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)NEW YORK – Add last-minute holiday shopping to the list of time-honored traditions being upended by the coronavirus pandemic. Black Friday has long been the unofficial start to the U.S. holiday season, though retailers have been pushing holiday shopping earlier for the last decade or so. The first big holiday push will come from Amazon, which is positioning its mid-October Prime Day as a kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Even with the early start to the season, holiday sales are expected to deliver smaller gains than in recent years. Joel Bines, who runs the retail practice at AlixPartners, thinks the earlier shopping will stick even when the pandemic is over.
US layoffs remain elevated as incomes and spending weaken
Overall jobless aid has shrunk in recent weeks even as roughly 25 million people rely upon it. Total paid unemployment benefits plunged by more than half in August, according to the Commerce Department. Most of them are transitioning to an extended jobless aid program that provides benefits for an additional three months. Weekly applications for unemployment benefits are typically watched as a proxy for layoffs, although the data has become muddied in recent months. On Friday, the government will issue the jobs report for September, the final such report before Election Day, Nov. 3.
Twisted Sister singer to anti-maskers: Don't use our song
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider took to social media to condemn anti-maskers who went into a Florida Target store blaring the group's hit “We're Not Gonna Take It" while ripping off their masks. Snider said the group doesn't have his “permission or blessing to use my song for their moronic cause." Target was fined for not enforcing the county's mask law and citations were mailed to the protesters, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. Danielle Schumann, a Target corporate spokeswoman, said Target requires shoppers to wear masks inside stores. Nelson told the Sun Sentinel he will continue to use the Twisted Sister song, despite Snider's criticism.
COVID-19 danger continues to drive joblessness in US
Until the pandemic upended the operations of American companies, from factories to family diners, weekly jobless aid applications had never exceeded 700,000 in the U.S. They’ve topped 700,000 for 26 consecutive weeks. An extra $600 in weekly unemployment benefits ran out July 31, squeezing households that had depended on the beefed-up payments. President Donald Trump issued an executive order Aug. 8 providing a scaled-back version of the expanded jobless aid. Most states signed up for federal grants that let them increase weekly benefits by $300 or $400. The extra $600 in weekly jobless benefits didn’t replace all her lost income but helped.
August jobs report likely to point to a still-slow recovery
The government issues the jobs report Friday, Sept. 4, for August at a time of continuing layoffs and high unemployment. Economists have forecast that employers added 1.4 million jobs in August and that the unemployment rate fell from 10.2% to 9.8%, according to a survey by data provider FactSet. The Labor Department will issue the August jobs report at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time Friday. The economy still has roughly 13 million fewer jobs than it did when the coronavirus struck in March. The jobs report coincides with growing signs that more companies are making permanent job cuts rather than temporary furloughs.
Target sales surge as Americans lean on big box stores
NEW YORK Comparable store sales at Target soared 24.3% in the second quarter, more evidence that big box retailers have turned them into essential points of supply during the pandemic. Comparable sales which include sales at stores opened at least a year and online sales - set a record for the three-month period that ended Aug. 1. Online sales surged 195%, while sales at established stores rose 10.9%. Americans have relied on big box retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, as well as Amazon, since the start of the pandemic. That trend accelerated to 97% in the second quarter.
Target joins Walmart in ending Thanksgiving store shopping
NEW YORK Target is joining Walmart in closing its stores on Thanksgiving Day, ending a decadelong tradition of jump-starting Black Friday door buster sales. Now, the virus has turned the holiday shopping model upside down. Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isnt a year for crowds, Minneapolis-based Target said in a corporate blog posted. Despite competition from Thanksgiving shopping, Black Friday ranks as either the top or No. Like Target, other retailers will also likely start holiday sales even earlier to stretch out crowds.