Top 20 Target Competitors & Alternatives in 2024

The top Target Competitors are Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, The Kroger Company, Costco, Kmart, Lowe’s and others. The eight largest department store retailers in the United States, Target was established during the year 1902 and is headquartered in Minnesota, United States. Target is an upscale discount retailer that provides high-quality and current trend merchandise for the feasible price.

 Target has 1,954 stores in the U.S., 56 supply chain facilities, and 30 office locations globally. Target has its business operations in the United States only and also has its online platform target.com. The company has partnered with many designers and dealers to provide different variety of merchandise assortments at a low price. It also has a Rewards loyalty program that helps regular customers with discounts on purchase from Target.

Since Target is a popular brand in the United States, it does see some competitors in this segment. Through this article, let us discuss some top Target competitors.

Target’s Top Competitors include:

1) Walmart

• Product Type: Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1962, by Sam Walton.
• Founder: Sam Walton.
• Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, United States.
• Current CEO: Doug McMillon.
• Revenue: $161.632B (July 31, 2023)
• Market cap: $424.15B (August 21, 2023)
• Number of employees: 2,100,000 (2023)

A top Target competitor, Walmart is an American multinational retail corporation that was formed during the year 1962 and is headquartered in Arkansas, United States. Walmart operates a chain of hypermarkets, grocery stores, and discount department stores.

Walmart started as a small discount retailer and over the years it has opened many stores and expanded internationally. Through innovations, Walmart creates a seamless experience to allow customers to shop at any time and anywhere online through their mobile devices and in stores. Walmart creates opportunities and brings out value to customers and communities across the globe.

Walmart has expanded internationally and currently operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 20 countries

Walmart net income for the quarter ending July 31, 2023 was $7.891B. Walmart gross profit for the quarter ending July 31, 2023 was $39.782B. Walmart total assets for the quarter ending July 31, 2023 were $245.053B.

The main strength of Walmart is its core competency that involves the use of information technology that supports its international logistics system. It can track the performance of individual products at a glance. Walmart has grown substantially over the years and due to which it is a top Target competitor.

2) Amazon

• Product Type: E-commerce.
• Industry: Technology.
• Founded: 1994,
• Founder: Jeff Bezos.
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States.
• Current CEO: Andy Jassy.
• Revenue: $134.383B (June 30, 2023)
• Market cap: $1374.53B (August 18, 2023)
• Number of employees: 1,541,000 (2022)

Amazon is an electronic commerce and cloud computing company that was formed during the year 1994 and is headquartered in Washington, United States. Amazon started off with an online bookstore and on seeing a huge success on it, Amazon expanded its online business to other products and currently sees a lot of competitors.

It has a strong loyal customer base who frequently purchase from them. The main strength of this company is that is has a strong background that it was built with an early success on the online bookstore. Amazon has a strong CRM that creates the customer-centric process that carefully captures and records the customer’s buying pattern.

Amazon gross profit for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 was $65.010B. Amazon net income for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 was $6.750B.

This helps Amazon to suggest products for the customers and provide them with offers. It has an effective distribution network in place to make the product available at remote locations. It uses the strategy ‘Go Global & act local’ to compete with domestic e-commerce competitors and due to which it is a top Target competitor.

3) Home Depot

• Product Type: Home improvement products.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1978,
• Founders: Bernard Marcus, Arthur Blank, Kenneth Langone, and Pat Farrah.
• Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
• Current CEO: Marvin Ellison.
• Revenue: $42.916B (July 31, 2023)
• Number of employees: 518,100 (2023)
• Market cap: $329.13B (August 18, 2023)

A popular American home improvement company, Home Depot, sells construction products, services, and tools. Home Depot was established during the year 1978 and is headquartered in Georgia, United States. Most of its business operations are seen in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Home Depot has a huge collection of home improvement products, building materials, and lawn and garden products. Along with the products it also provides many services for the same. The main strength of Home Depot is being the largest retailer in the world by having a massive power over its competitors. It has a huge bargaining power over their competitors and also can accommodate the rise of new competitors.

The total number of people employed by Home Depot exceeds 518,100. By 2023, it’s Market Cap and net income were $329.13B and $4.659B respectively. Home Depot gross profit for the quarter ending July 31, 2023 was $14.157B.

It has about 2,269 stores across the world. It provides a unique collection of products at one place and provides an attractive range of products. It also provides eco-friendly products for those who prefer them. Home Depot sees a strong financial position and due to which it is a top Target competitor.

4) The Kroger Company

• Product Type: Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1883, by Bernard Kroger.
• Founder: Bernard Kroger.
• Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States.
• Current CEO: Rodney McMullen.
• Revenue: $10.085B (April 30, 2023)
• Number of employees: 430,000 (2023)
• Market cap: $34.14B (August 21, 2023)

Also regarded a top Target competitor, The Kroger Company is a retail company that came into existence during the year 1883 and is headquartered in Ohio, United States. With nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states under two dozen banners and annual sales of more than $132.5 billion, Kroger today ranks as one of the world’s largest retailers.

Their stores are in the name of Kroger but they also have many other store names with many names like Dillion Stores, King Soopers, and Fry’s. Kroger sees a majority of its sales from the grocery operations while some from convenience stores. The products of the company are available in three categories like private selection, quality products, and value brand.

Kroger net income for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.962B. Kroger gross profit for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $10.085B.

Their products are of high-quality with feasible prices. Their fully integrated retail store owns various operations right from manufacturing of food products till the promotion and sales. Its multi-brand and multi-format retail operations provide a good experience to the customers.

5) Costco

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1983
• Founders: James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman.
• Headquarters: Issaquah, Washington, United States.
• Current CEO: Craig Jelinek.
• Revenue: $53.648B ( May 31, 2023)
• Number of employees: 304,000 (2022)
• Market cap: $241.46B (August 18, 2023)

Costco is an American multinational company that was formed during the year 1976 and is headquartered in Washington, United States. Costco operates a chain of membership-only stores. It is a multi-billion dollar global retailer having warehouse club operations in about eight countries. In 2023, its Market Cap was $241.46B and net income $1.302 billion.

Costco is a recognized leader in this field and is dedicated to every area of the business. It provides its members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. Costco provides a wider selection of merchandise, exclusive membership, well-designed shopping experience etc. Costco provides an attractive value proposition to loyal customers.

Costco gross profit for the quarter ending May 31, 2023 was $6.473B. Costco operating income for the quarter ending May 31, 2023 was $1.679B

The main success of Costco to retain their customers is its price position. It has optimized all its processes to get minimum cost and maximum output. It has also streamlined its distribution network to be reachable to many customers. It has an excellent brand value and due to which it is a top Target competitor.

6) Kmart

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1899,
• Founder: Sebastian S. Kresge.
• Headquarters: Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States.
• Current CEO: Doug Howe.
• Revenue: $5.7 billion (H1, 2023)

Also a top Target competitor, Kmart is a retail industry that came into existence during the year 1899 and is headquartered in Michigan, United States. Kmart operates about 2,171 stores and is an American big-box department store. Today, Kmart has more than 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand, serving millions of customers every year. It attracts customers by providing low prices to them thereby making them purchase from Kmart always. It has a variety of products like toys, health and beauty products, food, sporting goods, automotive, bedding products and many more.

Its main target customers are from the middle class and blue-collar. It is recognized for its iconic special and family in-store events for the customers visiting the Kmart store. It provides great savings to their customers and the amazing selection of the products. It has an excellent customer service who serves the customer all the time and a high brand loyalty, due to which it is indeed a top Target competitor.

7) Lowe’s

• Product Type: Home improvement products.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1921,
• Founders: Lucius Smith Lowe and Carl Buchan.
• Headquarters: Mooresville, North Carolina, United States.
• Current CEO: Marvin Ellison.
• Revenue: $22.347B (April 30, 2023)
• Number of employees: 307,000 (2023)
• Market cap: $128.53B (August 18, 2023)

Yet another Target competitor, Lowe’s is a well-known retail industry that came into existence during the year 1946 and is headquartered in North Carolina, United States. The company provides home improvement services for various home appliances.

At the international level, it is the largest home improvement retail brand and it serves almost 14 million customers per week. The home improvement stores or Lowe’s carry a wide range of national brand-name merchandise like Whirlpool, LG, GE, and Samsung.

Lowe’s has a workforce of 307,000 people who drove its sales to $22.34 billion in the year 2023.  In the same year, the company’s Market Cap is $128.53B. As of January 28, 2022, Lowe’s operated 1,971 home improvement and hardware stores.

Lowe’s reported total sales of approximately $88-$90 billion for fiscal year 2023, which is a 52-week year (comparisons to full year 2022, which was a 53-week year). Lowe’s reported net sales of $22,347 million for the first quarter of 2023, which ended on May 5, 2023. Lowe’s annual gross profit for 2023 was $32.257B.

Lowe’s wide selection provides the retail and Pro customer with huge national brand-name merchandise that is required to complete home improvement, maintenance, repair, and construction projects. Lowe’s has its merchandise sourced from about 7,500 vendors worldwide.

8) Sam’s Club

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1983, by Sam Walton.
• Founder: Sam Walton.
• Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, United States.
• Current CEO: Kathryn McLay.
• Revenue: $84.3 billion (fiscal year ending January 31, 2023)
• Market cap: 16.5 billion U.S. dollars (2023)

Also regarded a top Target competitor, Sam’s Club is a membership-only club that is into the retail industry. Sam’s Club was formed during the year 1983 and is headquartered in Arkansas, United States. Sam’s Club serves about 47 million US members.

The company is owned and operated by Walmart. It provides quality and value products to its customers through their retail services. Sam’s Club carries Member’s Mark which is an exclusive, top quality brand. These products are a high-class design that makes use of the top of the line materials and the highest quality ingredients to ensure the customers get the best quality.

Sam’s Club is ranked top in the sales volume in the warehouse club list in the United States. The company has a strong brand name and effective marketing strategies. Since it has a strong backing of Walmart parent company, Sam’s Clun is considered one of the top Target competitor.

9) Best Buy

• Product Type: Consumer electronics retailer, and more.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1966,
• Founders: Richard M. Schulze and James Wheeler.
• Headquarters: Richfield, Minnesota, United States.
• Current CEO: Corie Barry.
• Revenue: $9.467B (April 30, 2023)
• Market cap: $17.21B (August 22, 2023)
• Number of employees: 90,000(2023)

A popular retail industry, Best Buy is an American international consumer electronics retailer. It was formed during the year 1966 and is headquartered in Minnesota, United States. Best Buy brand has initially established its reputation as an audio specialty store under the name of Sound of Music.

Ever since the formation of Best Buy, its business operation has undergone some restructuring. It gradually expanded its operations on consumer electronics. In the United States, it has a large consumer electronics store and it exists in about 1047 locations. It is also a robust player in online commerce and is the one of the largest e-commerce store in the US. It has its business operations spread across Canada and Mexico also.

Best Buy net income for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.244B. Best Buy gross profit for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $2.150B.

Best Buy is one of the top retailers in the US, is indeed a top Target competitor.

10) Aldi

• Product Type: Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1946,
• Founders: Theo Albrecht and Karl Albrecht.
• Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
• Current CEO: Jason Hart.

Last but not the least, Target competitor, Aldi is a popular retail industry. It is a common brand of two German family-owned discount supermarket chains. It was formed during the year 1946 and is headquartered in Germany.

The discount grocer, which frequently opens multiple new stores per week, revealed plans to add a total of 120 new locations in 2023, bringing Aldi’s store count nationwide to more than 2,400 by the end of the year.

It is owned by Einkauf GMBH. In Germany, Aldi Nord operates around 35 companies and 2500 stores with AldiSud operating around 32 companies and 1600 stores. It is popular for its range of discount and low priced products. The wide range of products that are sold by Aldi includes grocery, special buys, groceries, garden products, and everyday collections. Aldi’s main strength for its popularity is its pricing. It provides a low cost to its customers.

The daily products that are used by customers are sold in this store whose prices are less than the other retailers. The discount store has a strong product mix. The main strength of the product mix is highly differentiated products and brands that exist in each category.

11) TJX

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1976, by Bernard Cammarata.
• Founder: Bernard Cammarata.
• Headquarters: Framingham, Massachusetts, United States.
• Current CEO: Ernie Herrman.
• Revenue: $12.758B (July 31, 2023)
• Market cap: $102.99B (August 22, 2023)
• Number of employees: 329,000(2023)

TJX is a leading off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the US and abroad, known for its vast assortment of discount fashion and home goods, which are generally sold at prices 20% to 60% below those of full-price retailers. In the US, TJX operates its flagship brand, T.J. Maxx, as well as Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense. The company sources its merchandise from approximately 21,000 vendors from over 100 countries.

TJX has been rapidly growing since its first stores opened in 1976 in Massachusetts. The company operates four major divisions: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International.

TJX net income for the quarter ending July 31, 2023 was $0.989B. TJX gross profit for the quarter ending July 31, 2023 was $3.848B. TJX operating income for the quarter ending July 31, 2023 was $1.289B.

12) Dollar Tree

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1986,
• Founder: Macon F. Brock, Jr.
• Headquarters: Chesapeake, Virginia, United States.
• Area served: United States and Canada.
• Current CEO: Michael Witynski.
• Revenue: $7.324B (April 30, 2023)
• Market cap: $31.25B (August 22, 2023)
• Number of employees: 207,548 (2023)

Dollar Tree is a value-focused company that operates two iconic brands, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. The company’s mission is to provide extreme value to customers by offering a broad mix of consumable, variety, and seasonal merchandise at low prices. Dollar Tree carries trusted national and regional brands and offers products in various departments, including housewares, cleaning supplies, candy, snacks, food, health and beauty, toys, gifts, party supplies, and seasonal décor.

Dollar Tree net income for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.299B. Dollar Tree gross profit for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $2.235B.

13) Macy’s

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1858,
• Founder: Rowland Hussey Macy.
• Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States.
• Current CEO: Jeff Gennette.
• Revenue: $5,173 million (April 30, 2023)
• Market cap: $4.01B (August 22, 2023)
• Number of employees: 94,570 (2023)

Macy’s is an American department store chain that was founded in 1858. It is known for its wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, home goods, and beauty products. Macy’s has over 500 stores across the United States and is a popular shopping destination for many Americans. The company is also known for its annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a tradition since 1924. Macy’s is committed to providing its customers with high-quality products and exceptional customer service, and it has a strong reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy retailer.

Macy’s Annual Gross Profit in 2023 is $2,185(Millions of US $). Macy’s Annual Net Income in 2023 is  $155(Millions of US $).

14) Dollar General

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1939, by J.L. Turner and Cal Turner.
• Founders: J.L. Turner and Cal Turner.
• Headquarters: Goodlettsville, Tennessee, United States.
• Current CEO: Todd Vasos.
• Revenue: $9.343B (April 30, 2023)
• Market cap: $35.59B (August 22, 2023)
• Number of employees: 170,000 (2023)

Dollar General is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. The first Dollar General store opened in Springfield, Kentucky in 1955, and the concept was simple – no item in the store would cost more than one dollar. The idea became a huge success and other stores owned by J.L. Turner and his son Cal Turner Sr. were quickly converted.  Dollar General entered the grocery market with the establishment of Dollar General Market in 2003.

Dollar General net income for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.514B. Dollar General gross profit for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $2.955B. Dollar General operating income for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.741B.

15) Instacart

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 2012,
• Founders: Apoorva Mehta, Max Mullen, and Brandon Leonardo.
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States.
• Current CEO: Fidji Simo.
• Revenue: $2.5 billion(2022)

Instacart is a leading grocery delivery and pick-up service that operates in the US and Canada. The company was founded in 2012 by Apoorva Mehta, a former Amazon employee, and his friends Max Mullen and Brandon Leonardo. Instacart offers its services via its website and mobile app, which allows customers to order groceries from participating retailers with the shopping being done by a personal shopper. The company has become a lifeline for millions of people, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has been valued at over $17 billion.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Instacart had its first profitable month, netting $10 million. Instacart had an estimated 13.7 million active users in 2022. Instacart valuation dropped from $39 billion to $24 billion in the space of a year. Over 600,000 people work for Instacart as ‘shoppers’, who pick up items from stores and deliver them to customers. Instacart is partnered with 1,100 retail and grocery companies, which allow shoppers to bag and deliver their items. Instacart is available in 14,000 cities in the United States and Canada.

16) Kohl’s Corp

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1962,
• Founder: Maxwell Kohl.
• Headquarters: Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, United States.
• Current CEO: Michelle Gass.
• Revenue: $18,098 million
• Market cap: $3.17B (August 22, 2023)
• Number of employees: 97,000 (2023)

Kohl’s is an American retail chain that offers a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, jewelry, beauty products, home goods, and electronics. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Kohl’s operates more than 1,100 stores across the United States and has a strong online presence. The company is known for its affordable prices, frequent sales, and Kohl’s Cash rewards program, which allows customers to earn and redeem rewards on future purchases. Kohl’s also offers a variety of services, including gift registries, in-store pickup, and free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Overall, Kohl’s is a popular destination for shoppers looking for a wide selection of products at competitive prices.

Kohl’s Annual Gross Profit in 2023 is $6,641 (Millions of US $). Kohl’s Annual Net Income in 2023 is $-19 (Millions of US $).

17) Whole Foods

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1980,
• Founders: John Mackey and Renee Lawson Hardy.
• Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States.
• Current CEO: Jason Buechel.

Whole Foods Market is a supermarket chain that specializes in natural and organic foods. It was founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, by four local businesspeople who believed that the natural foods industry was ready for a supermarket format. Today, Whole Foods Market has over 500 stores in North America and the UK, making it the world’s leader in natural and organic foods. The company seeks out the finest natural and organic foods available, maintains the strictest quality standards in the industry, and has an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture. Whole Foods Market sells only products that meet its self-created quality standards for being “natural,” which the store defines as minimally processed foods that are free of hydrogenated fats as well as artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, and many others as listed on their online “Unacceptable Food Ingredients” list.

18) BJ’s Wholesale Club

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1984, by Mervyn D. Weich.
• Founder: Mervyn D. Weich.
• Headquarters: Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States.
• Current CEO: Robert Eddy.
• Revenue: $4.723B (April 30, 2023)
• Market cap: $9.37B (August 22, 2023 )
• Number of employees: 34,000(2023)

BJ’s Wholesale Club is a membership-only warehouse club chain based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, operating in the eastern United States in addition to Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. The company provides a curated assortment focused on perishable products, continuously refreshed general merchandise, gas, and other ancillary services to deliver a significant value to its members. BJ’s Wholesale Club offers 25% or more savings on a representative basket of manufacturer-branded groceries compared to traditional supermarket competitors. The company has 227 warehouse clubs and 159 BJ’s Gas stations in 17 states. BJ’s Wholesale Club is constantly expanding and planning to open new locations in Tennessee and Alabama.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings net income for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.116B. BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings gross profit for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.880B. BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings operating income for the quarter ending April 30, 2023 was $0.187B.

19) Nordstrom

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1901, by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin.
• Founders: John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin.
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States.
• Area served: United States and Canada.
• Current CEO: Erik Nordstrom.
• Revenue: $15,530million (2023)
  
• Market cap: $3.08B (August 22, 2023 )
• Number of employees: 60,000 (2023)

Nordstrom is a leading fashion retailer that offers a wide selection of shoes, clothing, accessories, and home goods. It started as a tiny shoe store and has grown into a major fashion retailer. Nordstrom is known for its customer service and has a culture that celebrates both employees and customers. They offer free shipping and free returns, mobile shopping, and exciting new retail partnerships. Nordstrom has expanded into Canada with the introduction of six Nordstrom Rack stores and opened a Men’s Store in New York City. They utilize capital to finance their operations, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, manage their debt levels, and return value to their shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Nordstrom Annual Gross Profit in 2023 $5,511(Millions of US $). Nordstrom Annual Net Income in 2023 $245 (Millions of US $).

20) JC Penney

• Product Type:  Hypermarkets, and grocery stores.
• Industry: Retail.
• Founded: 1902,
• Founder: James Cash Penney.
• Headquarters: Plano, Texas, United States.
• Current CEO: Jeff Gentnette.

JCPenney is an American department store chain that was founded in 1902 by James Cash Penney. The company operates 667 stores across 49 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and offers a wide range of products including apparel, home furnishings, jewelry, cosmetics, and cookware. JCPenney’s emphasis on apparel and notions was soon broadened to include a more complete range of hard and soft goods and more-fashionable merchandise. Such diversification allowed J.C. Penney to compete more directly with other national department stores, particularly Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Montgomery Ward & Co. In addition, the company has leased departments such as Seattle’s Best Coffee, US Vision optical centers, and Lifetouch portrait studios. JCPenney’s mission and values are bound to the legacy of its founder, James Cash Penney, who established honor, courage, service, and cooperation as guiding principles.

Conclusion

Target being a top retailer brings out new feature and innovations in their business, to meet the rising demand of the customers.

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