Recent content from Nicole Norfleet
After prospering in pandemic, Target now feels inflation's toll
Following disappointing results on Wednesday, the Minneapolis retailer endured the biggest single-day drop in its stock price since the 1987 market crash.
Professional Minnesota car shoppers offer tips for buying at worst possible time
With prices high and inventory low, people who need to buy cars now are in a bad spot.
Best Buy branches into skincare products, as technology moves into new markets
Best Buy executives see new product categories like health, e-transportation and outdoor living as smart investments.
Target's top marketer takes on customer service role; CEO taps other execs for changes
Cara Sylvester will take a new role as chief guest experience officer.
Nation's return to in-store shopping is clear at largest Twin Cities malls
So far this year, foot traffic at some of the most popular metro malls is up. Several are now doing better than they were at this time in 2019.
Target pays $5M to settle pricing accuracy allegations
The San Diego County District Attorney's Office accused the retailer of using geofencing technology to raise prices when customers entered stores.
St. Paul Starbucks the first in Minnesota to vote to unionize
Workers at a handful of Starbucks in Minnesota have pushed for unions.
With help from new CEO, Maurices works to expand store footprint, products and brand awareness
In his first year as Maurices' CEO, David Kornberg has helped push the retailer to add more products such as a new girls line and has plans to continue to grow the company's store footprint.
Best Buy starts $200 service for picking up used appliances, electronics
Customers can now pay for the retailer to haul their old electronics from home and recycle them.
Target goes hybrid for good, won't require workers in Twin Cities offices
The largest employer in downtown Minneapolis will let work teams and individuals decide when to be in the office.
Lawmakers consider tougher penalties on organized retail crime
Measures in the House and Senate would lead to penalties greater than that of general theft. Retailers push Congress for greater disclosure by online retailers on sources for goods.
How Minnesota-based fitness chain Life Time is getting back into shape
After a difficult two years of falling profits related to the pandemic, Life Time Group Holdings is preparing for a comeback year.
Best Buy will start hybrid work at corporate campus week of April 18
Most employees will work three days a week at the Richfield offices.
Target embraces solar panels, with California store its first 'net zero' building
The Vista, Calif., remodel will produce 10% more power than the store needs, Target says, and is a test for innovation in the sustainability area.
Dick's Sporting Goods to open experiential retail store at Ridgedale Center
The sporting goods store is slated to open in the anchor spot held by Sears this spring.
Ideas form to bring back Burnsville Center, the emptiest mall in the Twin Cities
A new food hall and an Asian grocery store are in the works.
Target's Gomez: Multiyear grocery strategy delivers credibility, results
A year after he took the reins leading Target's food and beverage business, Rick Gomez shares his thoughts on affordability, inclusion and what sets Target apart from other stores.
Target to feature Target Zero products aimed at reducing waste
Customers will be able to spot Target Zero items with the help of an icon.
Best Buy will no longer require employees to wear masks
Best Buy is the latest retailer to roll back its mask rules.
Best Buy prepares for a challenging 2022, expects growth after that
Executives at the Richfield-based electronics retailer forecast a drop in sales and profits this year.
With Target's rocket growth ending, execs plan the future in a new orbit
The company's shares rose 10% as leaders outlined new ideas for Target to capitalize on its pandemic growth.
James Hurley, a basketball and business trailblazer, dies at 76
Hurley helped integrate schools and basketball programs and was a Black leader at Procter & Gamble Co.
Target increasing its starting wage range to as much as $24 per hour
Target's higher wages and new benefits are expected to cost the company about $300 million.
Shipt expands to Walgreens and 7-Eleven
The addition increases the number of stores for Shipt's same-day delivery service by more than 40%.
Target is no longer requiring masks at its stores
The retailer is no longer requiring masks regardless of vaccination status.
Target to accept drive-up returns in Twin Cities, other test markets
The service will begin this fall at certain stores. Target will also let customers order Starbucks drinks at the drive-up.
As pandemic wanes, inflation changes lives of Minnesotans
The jump in consumer goods prices is forcing people to make huge adjustments — two years after the onset of the pandemic did: "We've had two years of uncertainty, loss, anxiety and fear and now inflation, too."
Workers at two Starbucks in the Twin Cities push for unionization
The local push is part of a budding effort nationally to unionize the coffee chain.
How to lower your grocery costs when prices are soaring
Even with high inflation, there are plenty of ways to save money on your next trip to the grocer.
Love Your Melon, popular Minneapolis maker of hats and beanies, bought by NY firm
Win Brands Group said it was buying company after raising $40 million in new capital.
Target exec chosen as new CEO of Shipt
Kamau Witherspoon, who has worked as a leader in Target's operations, will succeed Kelly Caruso in March.
After bankruptcy, Christopher & Banks returns as a retail presence on TV and online
The Minnesota-based women's apparel brand is now operated by iMedia Brands, which also owns Eden Prairie-based TV and digital shopping network ShopHQ.
As omicron surged, Minnesotans adjusted quickly, kept going out
Crowds didn't shrink at public events as much, and businesses didn't see as much of a drop as in previous COVID-19 waves.
With little fanfare, Mall of America jumps into e-commerce
The mall launched an online platform that offers goods that its retailers have in stock in one order for pick-up or delivery.
Target CEO Brian Cornell says there's no off season in retail
Cornell sat down with the Star Tribune as he gears up for a keynote speech in receiving the visionary award from the National Retail Federation.
Target launches home organization brand Brightroom
This week Target has introduced its newest brand Brightroom.
Best Buy expands its in-house advertising agency to better work with other companies
The company is turning its stores, websites and apps into advertising vehicles that makers of consumer goods can use.
There was one more rush in Minnesota stores last week — to return things
Around 13% of holiday sales are returned, and retailers see a chance to make another sale.
As holiday deliveries peak, carriers and trucks fill Minnesota neighborhoods
Parcel carriers are in the middle of their busiest week, and Wednesday was considered the last day to make Christmas orders by regular delivery.
Small Minnesota retailers face 'compounded' problems amid holiday crush
GiftyWrap and other retail companies are juggling a labor shortage, supply issues and more this holiday.
Report: Amazon facilities in Minn. have high rate of injuries, pay inequities
A new report by the National Employment Law Project and Awood Center urges investigations by state authorities and more involvement by lawmakers in protecting warehouse workers.
Maplewood police have ID'd suspects in Black Friday Best Buy thefts
Police launched investigations after groups of people stole high-end items during store hours at three Twin Cities Best Buy locations last week.
With staggering growth behind it, Target's Shipt delivery business faces a now-what moment
Target's grocery-delivery business quadrupled its volume at the height of the pandemic. Its growth is still solid, but competition is fierce.
Thieves swarm Best Buy stores in Burnsville, Maplewood on Black Friday
Police said no arrests had been made.
Black Friday brings out deal-seeking Minnesotans
Shoppers found deals, and even crowds in some places, as they tackled their holiday lists. The action yielded insights on how Minnesotans feel about the economy and the pandemic.
With purchase of Yardbird, Best Buy seeks a bigger role in outdoor entertaining
The electronics retailer built on record year-ago sales growth this fall, but execs see some near-term pressures.
Shoppers fill Minnesota stores as a pivotal moment in the retail recovery arrives
The mood is mixed as more potential buyers head into stores than last year. But a leading survey showed holiday spending won't change much.
Minnesotans had to get creative to save their small businesses
When the pandemic hit, many small business owners had to create their own opportunities: "They've really been remarkably resilient."
Black-owned ice cream shop in historic Rondo neighborhood doles out smiles in troubled times
St. Paul's 2 Scoops offers a sweet respite from the world's bitter realities.
How pandemic saved Twin Cities vegan bakery owner's life
Owner Sheila Nelson learned to balance her bakeries and her personal life.
Target traffic continues to increase as execs raise outlook, says it's ready for holidays
Target appears to have managed supply-chain constraints that have affected many industries this year.
Survey: Minnesotans, how do you plan to shop on Black Friday?
The Star Tribune wants to know how readers plan to shop this holiday season.
Twin Cities retailers see hopeful signs shoppers are 'eager' to visit
Rising foot traffic numbers and optimistic holiday spending estimates have local retailers hoping people are eager to visit stores in person again.
Curman Gaines, former St. Paul Public Schools superintendent, dies at 81
Curman Gaines wanted each student who attended a St. Paul public school to succeed no matter their race or socioeconomic background.Gaines, the first person of…
Best Buy, Target will offer early holiday sales, close on Thanksgiving
Supply chain worries have consumers shopping earlier.
Target to invest $100 million in Black-led organizations
The new announcement adds to the retailer's earlier funding initiatives toward social justice and racial equity.
Best Buy to purchase U.K. technology platform Current Health
The acquisition follows other large investments the electronics retailer has made in telehealth.
Guardians protect financial future of accident victims
In Minnesota, judges routinely approve the sale of payouts. In Albuquerque, N.M., guardians often put on the brakes, and help victims keep more of their money.
Retail trends evident in new Evereve flagship store in Edina
The new space in the 50th and France shopping district has more ways to help customers connect in-person and online.
Best Buy rolls out new tech support membership nationally
After beta testing the service, the retailer is rolling out the membership nationally ahead of the holidays.
Market Wagon brings Twin Cities farmers market groceries to customers' doors
E-commerce company adds the metro to its growing list of markets.
Accident victims surrender millions to a relentless industry
They suffered tragic, disabling injuries, and the large legal settlements were meant to provide them with a steady income for decades. Then an obscure niche of the financial industry came calling — wanting to cash in.
These Minnesotans suffered catastrophic accidents. Now some say they are left with nothing
Hundreds of Minnesotans have sold future portions of their long-term legal settlements at a discount for cash upfront. These six stories explore the aftermath.
Supply chain disruptions force retailers to stock up early for holidays
Large retailers like Minneapolis-based Target have begun to take drastic measures to fulfill customer's holiday shopping lists. Consumers will likely need to shop early for gifts, experts say.
'Welcome back': Last original tenant reopens in strip mall off Lake Street
The Stop N Shop convenience store and gas station reopened after it sustained more than $1 million in damage during riots after the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020.
Q&A: Retiring Target chief information officer talks tech during pandemic
Target CIO Mike McNamara has remade the retailer's technology team: only 7% of work is now outsourced, compared with 70% when he took the helm.
Shipt offers free trials for Visa credit card holders
Depending on the level of card, holders get from one month to up to three years of free Shipt membership.
Amazon seeks to hire 2,700 Twin Cities employees as retailers fight to add jobs ahead of the holidays
With the busy holiday season approaching, Amazon, Walmart and others are adding hiring incentives to bulk up their ranks to meet high demand for online shopping and home delivery.
Target launches first-ever product assortment for Latino Heritage Month
The collection includes apparel, stationery, books and more.
Bloomington to research private financing, nonprofit model for $260M water park at MOA
City officials said they would like to study the feasibility of several options for how to fund the creation of the water park at the Mall of America.
Target-owned Shipt delivery service expands potential reach to 2M more households
The grocery delivery service says it is the largest national expansion in three years, organized around its store partners.
Hy-Vee grocery, liquor store planned for Bloomington's Southtown
The redevelopment would require the demolition of several buildings including the Herberger's.
Worker shortages, higher food prices rattle Minn. restaurants
While the creativity has driven what could be permanent changes in the industry, it has not saved many. More than half believe they could be in financial collapse or insolvency in the next six months to a year.
Best Buy powers up its e-transportation selection
The electronics retailer has expanded to a full selection of e-transportation devices including scooters, mopeds and e-bikes.
