Carson Hartzog
Retail reporter
Hartzog covers major Minnesota retailers like Target and Best Buy, as well as emerging trends in the industry, ranging from apparel to grocery. Before joining the Minnesota Star Tribune, she worked as the opinions editor for the Daily Iowan. She can be reached on the encrypted messaging app Signal at carsonhartzog.13.
Latest from Carson Hartzog
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February 4, 2026
New Target CEO takes over amid political scrutiny, shaky financial performance
Michael Fiddelke, the Minneapolis-based retailer’s newest chief executive, wants to remodel stores and refresh merchandise as he looks to turn around Target’s fortunes.
February 2, 2026
Viral images turn local bookstore owner into symbol of Minneapolis anger
After federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, Greg Ketter drove to the scene to “be in that spot.” Images of the 70-year-old emerging from tear gas and shouting his anger quickly went viral.
January 28, 2026
Columbia Heights resident, U.S. citizen detained for accent
The man was approached by U.S. Border Patrol agents who questioned where he was born, according to videos shared with the Star Tribune.
January 22, 2026
Target employees detained by federal officers were U.S. citizens, legislator says
Minnesota Rep. Michael Howard, who represents Richfield, said the employees also were injured in the incident.
January 13, 2026
Delano farm and equestrian center rebuilt after fire listed for $7M
Steepleview Farm & Equestrian Center, a 69-acre estate about a 40-minute drive from the Twin Cities, underwent a $4.5 million rebuild after the 2023 blaze.
January 9, 2026
Harassment toward Somali businesses surges after viral video
As national attention focused on Minnesota’s Somali community over allegations of day care fraud, business owners from the community say they’re seeing a rise in threats.
January 9, 2026
Summit Avenue house from Glensheen Mansion architect is listed at $1.25M
The 8,200-square-foot St. Paul property has been a single residence, shared living space and event center in its nearly 150-year history.
December 26, 2025
This Santa at the Mall of America aims to make every visit ‘magical’
For the past decade, Brant Miller has helped families discover the magic of Christmas as one of the Santa Clauses at the mall’s Santa Experience.
December 22, 2025
Primp Boutique, known for curated, affordable women’s clothing, closes its doors
The locally owned boutique ended its 15-year run Tuesday after a year of uncertainty as middle-income shoppers pulled back amid rising financial pressure. A truly bad Small Business Saturday was the final straw.
December 18, 2025
Target, other retailers hit with warning letter for selling recalled formula
Four major retailers failed to pull ByHeart infant formula from its store shelves following a recall, according to the agency’s letters. The formula has been linked to an outbreak of botulism.
December 16, 2025
We tested AI shopping chatbots. This is what we found.
As Target and Walmart signed OpenAI agreements and touted new ways of holiday shopping, we decided to see how well they worked.
December 13, 2025
