Can Shrink Gains Continue to Support Target's Margins?

Key Takeaways TGT's Q1 gross margin got a 120-bps lift from shrink gains, offsetting markdowns and fulfillment costs. Despite a 2.8% sales drop, operating income rose 13.6% due to the shrink-driven margin improvement. Target must focus on merchandising, cost efficiencies and pricing strategies to sustain or grow margins.Target Corporation’s (TGT) first-quarter fiscal 2025 gross margin rate of 28.2% was down 60 basis points year over year, but it could have been worse. The company reported about 120 basis ...