I spent my Saturday with the Target exec on a mission to fix its stores

Back-to-school is Target's biggest shopping moment outside the holidays — a "midterms" that tests pricing, stock, and merchandising.
Chief stores officer Adrienne Costanzo has been visiting stores (16 states in three weeks) to check inventory, staffing, and the guest experience firsthand.
Customers are noticing improvements like better in-stock rates and trendy brand collaborations, but issues remain — e.g., hot drops selling out (Pokémon) and uneven front-line training/service during busy times.