Target Chief Commercial Officer Rick Gomez has asked some members of the commercial team to return to the office three days a week starting Sept. 2.
The executive sent an email to corporate commercial employees last week telling hybrid employees in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota to come into headquarters on days of their choosing while factoring in business needs. The decision is intended to help create consistency, per the internal email Target shared with Retail Dive.
“More time together, in the office, will help us grow our business faster, solve problems quickly, and build stronger relationships across our Commercial team and with our partners,” Gomez told employees.
Gomez stressed flexibility in the policy change and doesn’t want to take a one-size-fits-all approach, per the internal email.
"Team members tell us they see the benefit from the in-person connection and collaboration that’s a part of being in the office,” a Target spokesperson said in a statement to Retail Dive. “At this point, individual leaders are empowered to make decisions for their teams based on company guidance as well as what's best for the role they play in our business."
Gomez has worked at the mass retailer since 2013 and currently oversees its multicategory merchandise assortment, owned brands, enterprise insights and merchandising planning. Prior to becoming commercial head in July 2024, the executive served in several leadership positions at Target including chief marketing officer and chief food and beverage officer.
The office work policy shift comes as Target undergoes a multiyear merchandise revamp that launched in March, which includes an emphasis on newness and private labels. The initiative is part of a larger five-year goal to top $15 billion in sales growth by 2030.
Target has been under pressure from multiple angles to turn around the business, which has experienced slumping sales and foot traffic this year. The retailer has had to deal with consumer backlash to corporate DEI policy changes and LGBTQ+ pride month merchandising within the last few years.
Additionally, analysts have noted the company’s lack of differentiation in the current market and Target (like many other retailers) is contending with shifting tariff policies in the U.S.
