Target eliminates 85 marketing jobs

Target eliminates 85 marketing jobs

Target has eliminated 85 positions as part of a reorganization of its marketing department.

The company said in a statement that it “routinely evaluates all areas” to ensure its organizational structure is efficient and that staffing levels meet its changing needs. The position eliminations were not specific to employment levels or skill sets, according to a company spokesperson.

Target has taken a bigger hit than other discount retailers during the current poor economic climate. In August, Target reported that sales decreased 2.7% in the second quarter and comparable-store sales dropped 6.2% year-over-year. Wal-Mart, on the other hand, reported US same-store sales dropped 1.5% during that time, and US net sales increased 0.3%.

The eliminations dismiss about 8% of the company's marketing staff at its Minneapolis headquarters, according to a company spokesperson.