Target Cuts 1,800 Corporate Jobs Amid Sales Slump

Introduction

Target Corporation has announced the elimination of 1,800 corporate positions as part of a major restructuring aimed at streamlining operations and reviving growth. The news, first shared via a viral tweet by Pop Crave on October 24, 2025, quickly caught the attention of retail analysts, employees, and shoppers alike. While the tweet was brief, the implications are far-reaching for Target’s corporate structure and its future in the competitive retail landscape.

Target announces it will eliminate 1,800 corporate positions. pic.twitter.com/KEfU0YzpRB

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 24, 2025

Details of the Layoffs

The layoffs, outlined in an internal memo from incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke on October 23, 2025, will primarily impact management and corporate roles, while store associates and supply chain staff remain unaffected. Key points include:

• Direct Layoffs: Around 1,000 employees will be formally notified by October 28, 2025, and will work remotely until the transition.
• Unfilled Roles: An additional 800 positions will not be refilled, tightening Target’s corporate structure.
• Compensation: Affected employees will continue receiving full pay and benefits until early January 2026, alongside severance packages and outplacement services.

These measures reflect Target’s commitment to supporting employees even amid significant organizational change.

Why Now? The Strategy Behind the Cuts

Fiddelke, set to become CEO in February 2026, emphasized that the restructuring is essential to accelerate decision-making and reduce bureaucracy.

• Target has faced stagnant or declining comparable sales in 9 of the past 11 quarters.
• Changing consumer behavior favors essentials like groceries and household staples, where competitors such as Walmart and Costco have stronger positions.
• Discretionary segments including apparel, home goods, and gadgets have seen significant slowdowns.

The layoffs are therefore a strategic move to flatten hierarchies, speed up operations, and focus on innovation and market responsiveness.

Broader Retail Context

• Rising inflation and cautious consumer spending continue to pressure retailers.
• E-commerce rivals are intensifying competition, demanding faster adaptation from traditional retailers.
• Supply chain disruptions remain a challenge.

Fiddelke’s vision for a leaner Target includes digital shopping expansion, personalized customer experiences, and sustainability initiatives, aiming to regain market share among millennials and Gen Z shoppers.

Public and Social Media Reactions

• Some users criticized executive bonuses amidst layoffs.
• Others expressed indifference or highlighted wage concerns for remaining staff.
• Speculation about AI replacing jobs sparked both humor and concern online.

These reactions underscore the scrutiny large corporations face when restructuring amid economic uncertainty.

FAQs: Target Layoffs 2025

Q1: How many jobs is Target cutting?

A1: 1,800 corporate positions, including both direct layoffs (1,000) and unfilled roles (800).

Q2: Will store employees be affected?

A2: No, frontline store and supply chain workers are not impacted.

Q3: What support is offered to laid-off employees?

A3: Full pay and benefits until January 2026, severance packages, and career outplacement services.

Q4: Why is Target restructuring now?

A4: To reduce bureaucracy, accelerate decision-making, and respond better to changing consumer behavior.

Q5: Who is the new CEO?

A5: Michael Fiddelke, currently CFO, will assume the CEO role in February 2026.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Target’s decision to cut 1,800 corporate jobs marks a pivotal moment in its evolution. While challenging, this restructuring is designed to position Target for long-term growth and agility, enabling faster decision-making, innovation, and responsiveness to market demands.

For employees, shareholders, and shoppers, this is a clear signal: Target is committed to leaner operations without compromising customer experience. The success of this strategy will hinge on Fiddelke’s ability to balance efficiency with employee morale, competitive pressures, and digital transformation. In the high-stakes world of American retail, the coming months will reveal whether Target’s bold moves secure its future or expose deeper vulnerabilities.