For this week’s Battle of the Brands, we are looking at two of the world’s largest retail companies: Walmart vs. Target. They have been battling to be your number 1 big-box store for ages. Both companies sell a similar selection of products, so where are the most significant differences? What makes us prefer one company over the other? Let’s take a deeper look.
Our First Competitor: Walmart
Our First Competitor: WalmartBy numbers alone, Walmart is significantly larger than Target. But what makes their store so profitable? It ultimately comes down to two tactics: they are inexpensive and they are convenient. Walmart has dominated the lower price market (until Amazon came along, of course). Their affordable prices provide the average American with a one-stop shop for almost everything. They aren’t as focused on enhancing the shopping experience. But their customers don’t go shopping at Walmart to spend the day there; they go in to get what they need and resume the rest of their day. Walmart’s layout is virtually the same at each location. Because of this, whether you’re at your neighborhood Walmart or one across the United States, you can always find what you need quickly.
The Competition: Target
Target is noted to have the impression of an up-scale Walmart, but what exactly does this mean? Target has capitalized on the idea that consumers will be willing to pay a few more cents for a better shopping experience and better product quality. They organize and design their store to be more pleasing to the eye. This detail alone eases the consumer’s mind and encourages them to want to shop longer. Ever hear that joke about going into Target for two things and leaving with the whole store? Adding to the shopping experience makes the shopper want to buy more products. Target has also specified its target audience a bit more than Walmart. Walmart’s audience tends to be just about everyone, with more emphasis on the lower and middle class. Target, on the other hand, is a bit more strategic. The average income for their shoppers is $13,000 more than the average Walmart shopper. Target has been able to gear their target audience towards a higher-income demographic by paying attention to the little details like shopping experience and overall store quality.
Which Big Box store has your loyalty? Are you #TeamWalmart or #TeamTarget?