Recent content from Nicole Norfleet
'It's a wild and delightful world': Minnesota's board game industry sees no slowdown in sight
Local game publishers like Leder Games, Atlas Games and Asmodee's Fantasy Flight Games continue to develop new titles as novice developers find success on Kickstarter.
Best Buy introduces 'spokeshologram' and a hint of magenta in new branding campaign
The electronics retailer's goal was to signal its place in the new era of AI.
Retailers cut prices in 'summer of savings,' but consumers need to shop smart for best deals
Target, Walmart, Aldi and many other major retailers are responding to consumers' continued price sensitivity.
Target joins Aldi, Whole Foods as stores no longer taking checks
The Minneapolis retailer will stop accepting personal checks as a payment method later this month. Checks makes up "extremely low volumes" of Target's payments, per the retailer.
Deals are back for Minnesota car shoppers, but business is still sluggish
Interest rates, sticky inflation and the election have people thinking twice about buying vehicles now.
Target makes C-suite changes to support 'profitable growth over the long term'
Christina Hennington, Rick Gomez both receive promotions as the Minneapolis-based retailer tries to move toward sales growth.
I was scammed. Here's how you can avoid what I went through.
Xfinity, Best Buy and its Geek Squad at top of federal list of companies most impersonated.
Best Buy already receives bump from this week's Copilot+ PCs launch
Best Buy's stock price hits 52-week high as it begins to sell Microsoft's AI-enhanced computers.
Target store employees' new helper? A generative AI chatbot to answer their questions
Now in the testing phase, when Store Companion is rolled out chainwide in August, Target will be the first major retailer to employ a generative AI tool widely.
The new answer for empty Twin Cities stores? Asian grocers and market destinations
As ethnic supermarkets continue to grow in the United States, local Asian stores enhance their offerings.
Pride designers slam Target's plan for their wares; retailer says it's normal business practice
Several artists tapped to help create the retailer's 2024 Pride collection took to social media to decry altered designs, last-minute cuts and other issues. Target maintained such actions are normal for all collections.
'Vast majority' of Cub grocery registers working now after Wednesday's scanner glitch
Cashiers had to enter codes manually for each item Wednesday, but self-checkout lanes worked as normal.
17 Minnesota companies make Fortune 500 list, up 2 from last year
UnitedHealth was ranked No. 4; some companies like C.H. Robinson and Land O'Lakes dropped in rankings.
Food co-ops aren't known for their price-conscious customers, but that's changing
Co-ops add more Field Day and Essential Everyday products and improve loyalty deals.
Best Buy bet on AI helps give stock best one-day boost since 2020
The electronics retailer will soon sell AI-enhanced Microsoft Copilot+ PCs and the retailer is also using artificial intelligence to improve its mobile app and customer experience as "a new AI era begins."
Kowalski's opening at Southdale, a big step in the Edina mall's evolution
The opening comes as renovations continue to expand an upscale wing at the country's first indoor shopping mall.
Target's stock slides as consumers remain unconvinced of its value
The Minneapolis-based retailer said same-store sales were down for a fourth quarter in a row, even as competitors like Walmart saw increases.
Target cuts prices on thousands of basic items to lure budget shoppers away from Walmart
About 5,000 products will have reduced prices this summer as the Minneapolis retailer tries to appeal to deal seekers.
No one likes shopping for home or auto insurance. Here are tips to make saving less onerous.
Shopping around for insurance has always been essential to finding the best deal and having the right coverage for unexpected emergencies. But as the costs to repair and replace possessions continue to rise — and the prevalence of extreme weather also increases — choosing an insurance carrier and coverage has become an even more important decision.
![Target stores, including the one on Nicollet Mall, offer a variety of rainbow-themed pride merchandise. ] JIM GEHRZïjames.gehrz@startribune.com (](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/GM5HNV4VAZM4L45TS6VV7GZLQQ.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Target rolling back Pride product availability is a step backward, LGBTQ advocates say
While all Pride products will still be available online this year, the move is a reaction to conservative backlash last year that caused Target to pull some merchandise entirely.
![A crowd gathered to watch Michelle Wie as she teed off on the 17th hole. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com Golfers took part](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BDYXT7WFC2IMZASOKMDVFM4Y5I.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Hazeltine golf club wants to take large-scale events to the next level with villas, new courses
The improvements plan was submitted to the city of Chaska.
Target limits Pride merchandise to select stores after last year's backlash
This year's collection also is smaller. All of it will be available online.
Minneapolis Fed's Kashkari says interest rate conundrum makes 2024 uncertain
Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, said it's possible an interest rate cut won't happen this year after all.
Cat & Jack in Canada: Target expands kids brand in Hudson Bay and considers other international markets
The private-label children's line will be expanded at Hudson's Bay stores as international retailers show interest in selling the Minneapolis-based Target's brands.
Midwest Mountaineering alum opens outdoor store to fill void
Lake State Mountaineering offers paddling and climbing supplies for Minnesota outdoors enthusiasts.
Life Time goes full wellness, with spa offering weight-loss management, including Ozempic
The Chanhassen-based company continues to expand, including pickleball facilities.
Room & Board transfers ownership to employees with stock plan
Furniture company starts employee stock ownership plan for staff, including retail salespeople.
Some Target Up & Up acne products subject of federal class action suit
The lawsuit said the Minneapolis-based retailer should have had a warning on the labels that it contained benzene, a known cancer-causing agent.
Will Target benefit as Macy's closes 150 stores in the next few years?
The Minneapolis-based chain, if it plays its cards right, could gain traffic, at least in the short term as Macy's rebuilds itself.
From Owatonna to Red Wing, Minnesota's small downtowns see resurgence
Small wins can turn a Main Street around, experts say.
Budget-conscious consumers flock to deals — both online and in stores — over Black Friday weekend
Retailers hope that is a signal that people will come out for the rest of the season after Mall of America, other stores and online sites all saw robust traffic.
Black Friday shoppers hit Twin Cities malls hunting for deep discounts
Retailers expected consumers to be choosier with their dollars to officially start the holiday shopping season.
When you can shop on Thanksgiving, Black Friday
From grocery stores to malls, there are few options open on Turkey Day but plenty of extended hours Black Friday.
Target testing limit of 10 items at some stores' self-checkout kiosks
The Edina Target is one of the locations no longer allowing an unlimited number of items at kiosks where customers check out themselves.
Best Buy predicts ho-hum holiday sales
Best Buy saw comparable sales drop nearly 7% in the third quarter, and while it eked out better profits, it lowered its guidance for the crucial end of the year.
The Twin Cities has too many malls. There's one key to survival.
Malls across the U.S. that are thriving are those with high-end retail stores and places for date nights or family fun.
Target stock surges after better-than-expected profits and a budget-friendly holiday plan
The Minneapolis-based retailer said consumers continue to be cautious with their dollars but did spend more on back-to-school and Halloween.
Toys 'R' Us returns with a store at Mall of America
The toy chain is set to open its second standalone brick-and-mortar store in the U.S. this week.
Target, Best Buy are unexpected underdogs this holiday season
Both Minnesota companies report quarterly earnings in the next few weeks, and sales are expected to be down.
Buy-now-pay-later company Sezzle to delist from Australian stock market, concentrate on Nasdaq
The Minneapolis-based company says the move will simplify business and increase liquidity as it navigates through a busy holiday season.
![Long-time shopper Sandy Solberg checked out the offerings at Resale Select thrift store Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 Plymouth, Minn. ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/S5KPH7P3R5SVREWE7GWA4DEFSY.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
How to thrift like a pro (even during the holidays)
Twin Cities thrift and vintage store managers offer tips on how to snag the best finds, and provide creative and bargain gifts for people on your list.
Anytime Fitness teams up with Apple Fitness+ for free memberships
It will be the first time Apple Fitness+ will have full integration of its content through another partner gym's virtual platform.
Best Buy livestreams holiday sales events
Best Buy will host live video events on TalkShopLive on Nov. 1, 8 and 15.
Is blaming crime the whole story behind retail 'shrink'? Experts say maybe not
External theft is just one part of a complicated loss equation for retailers as they work to reduce losses from operational errors while improving customer experience.
Twin Cities area retailers weigh shorter hours to cope with high labor costs this holiday season
Payroll costs have ballooned over the past year because of mandatory minimum wage hikes, benefits additions and increased wage competition.
Twin Cities area retailers weigh shorter hours to cope with high labor costs this holiday season
Payroll costs have ballooned over the past year because of mandatory minimum wage hikes, benefits additions and increased wage competition.
Target announces retirement plans for two long-tenured executives
Target has not said who will take on the role of chief operating officer for John Mulligan after he steps down in 2025.
DVD, Blu-ray heading toward obsolete as Best Buy to stop selling movies next year
After the holidays, Best Buy customers won't be able to find DVDs and Blu-rays on the retailer's shelves or online.
Small Minnesota retailers hope to lure budget-conscious shoppers with 'adventures'
U.S. holiday retail sales should increase as much as 4.6% and total as much as $1.56 trillion from November to January, according to a Deloitte study.
Best Buy Health expands into prescription diabetes medical tech sale and delivery
Best Buy is launching a new website for customers to order devices like glucose-monitoring machines.
What's next for Nicollet Mall? Downtown Minneapolis depends on its revitalization.
Nicollet Mall is again the epicenter of downtown's revitalization, with hybrid work having sapped foot traffic and pushing retail vacancy rates to about 39%.
Businesses call for Buy Black movement to evolve past 'virtue signaling' to lasting change
Black entrepreneurs and equity advocates in the Twin Cities sense much of the fervor around the "buy Black" movement has cooled, but progress is still possible.
We want to know: How do you plan to shop for the holidays this year?
Share your thoughts on holiday shopping this season with the Star Tribune.
Target's closings because of crime protect its profit, but at expense of communities
Retailers cutting their losses in big cities already facing post-pandemic challenges is yet another hurdle for major downtowns hoping to re-establish their vitality.
Best Buy reveals its holiday drops, offering electronic deals online
Mobile flash sales promise savings on limited gizmos during the highly promotional holiday season.
Target will close 9 stores across 4 states because of theft, crime
The Minneapolis-based company will close locations in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Seattle, Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area effective Oct. 21.
Locals behind Afro Deli, Asia Mall as well as Chicago firm buy troubled Burnsville Center
The sale, which doesn't include the anchor stores, comes after city leaders had criticized its former owners for failing to maintain it.
Target to sell exclusive line of Kendra Scott jewelry, hoping to stoke fallen sales
The collection will include more than 200 pieces with prices starting at $15 and the majority of items under $40.
Best Buy Health shows first signs of success with Geek Squad helping at-home patients
The program with Pennsylvania-based Geisinger Health System has added some consistent demand beyond the volatile electronics market to Best Buy's bottom line.
Life Time limits gym access for Medicare seniors, prioritizing other members
Time restrictions — which the gym said health plans' discounted rates have driven — will apply only to seniors with access through their insurance.
Dale Schenian, 'larger than life' businessman and Canterbury Park co-founder, dies
Already a successful Twin Cities businessman when he joined the partnership that revived the Canterbury horse racing track, Schenian died on Aug. 25 at age 82.
Best Buy preaches end in sight to electronics demand slump but still expects sales decline
Leaders of the Richfield-based chain said they expected comparable sales to drop 4.5% to 6% this fiscal year, revised from the prior guidance of a decline of 3% to 6%.
New billionaire ShopHQ owner brings limited experience but lots of confidence to home shopping
The bankruptcy court-approved $55 million transaction opens a new chapter for the former iMedia channel.
Target sales take a rare tumble after pulling of Pride products
That, combined with continued cost-cutting by shoppers, made for the first decline in comparable sales since spring 2017, although profit still jumped.
Sales dip expected after Target removed some Pride products
Many Wall Street analysts and investors think the controversy surrounding Target's Pride collection could have turned some consumers off from the Minneapolis retailer, denting traffic and sales numbers.
Best Buy at pivot point — will changes return chain to growth?
The Richfield retailer has adjusted its strategy for stores, workers and new products.
Shutterfly will close Shakopee warehouse, lay off nearly 250 workers
The digital photo company announced at the beginning of the year that it would cut about 100 employees at the facility as a cost-saving measure.
Target recalls millions of Threshold candles for second time amid reports of cuts, burns
Cracking glass holders have caused minor injuries.
Minneapolis company Sezzle in a healthy spot as buy-now-pay-later options grow
Some consumers are choosing to make purchases in installments as they try to manage their budgets and avoid credit card interest.
The hunt is on for back-to-school supplies as Minnesota parents search for savings
With inflation still high and a recession looming, many families could turn to Buy Nothing social media groups and secondhand options to find school supplies.
Lawsuit: St. Cloud mall owners haven't paid loan in nearly three years, owe $84 million
A subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp initiated foreclosure proceedings against the owners of Crossroads Center mall.
Twin Cities parents turn to local baby stores as big-box chains falter
As the future of Buy Buy Baby remains uncertain, local retailers offer the only places to try a range of baby merchandise.
Beleaguered iMedia files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
The company defaulted on a key loan and filed bankruptcy papers in Delaware.
Mall of America evicts long-running tenant Dairy Queen for unpaid rent
Mall of America filed an eviction complaint stating the franchise had nearly $75,000 of unpaid rent since January of this year.
