MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) reported a 10.8 percent increase in total sales during the first quarter, including digital sales growth of 141 percent. The Minneapolis-based retailer’s first quarter ended on May 2. While revenue rose 11.3 percent to $19.6 billion in the first quarter on a year-over-year basis, operating income fell 58.7 percent to $468 million during the first quarter. Target invested heavily in its response to COVID-19, spending roughly $500 million in cleaning and safety measures as well as extra pay and benefits for its employees. Target also says it experienced a slowdown in apparel and accessories sales as guests stocked up on categories like essentials and food and beverage. It also experienced “unusually strong digital volume” as shoppers turned to online purchases.
![lino-lakes-target](https://rebusinessonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/lino-lakes-target.jpg)
Target experienced an increase in its food and beverage and household essentials sales, but a decrease in apparel sales. Pictured is a store in Lino Lakes, Minn.
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