Exclusive: Target boosts employee discount in turnaround push

Between the lines: Retailers across the industry are leaning more on private-label brands to drive profit and stand out in a competitive environment.

• Those brands typically carry higher margins than national labels, can cost less for shoppers and give retailers more control over pricing, design and inventory.
• Target's expanded discount gives employees greater access to those products — reinforcing the company's push on design and differentiation.

Driving the news: Target is adding an extra 20% discount for employees on its owned adult apparel brands.

• That stacks on top of the retailer's existing 10% team member discount across stores, app and website.
• The expanded discount applies to all U.S. employees, not just store workers.

Separately, Target confirmed to Axios that it plans to update its dress code for store employees next summer, tightening guidelines around red tops and limiting large logos.

• Store workers will receive a free shirt and a one-time 50% discount on denim as part of that change.

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