How Target’s New Smiling Initiative Aims To Boost Sales

Smile, you work at Target!

Sure, there are days when smiling feels like the last thing you want to do, but if you’re wearing that red shirt and khaki combo, grinning just became part of the job description.

With The Most Wonderful Time of the Year fast approaching, Target stores nationwide are gearing up to make sure shoppers are swimming in holiday cheer, which will hopefully help trigger more occasional impulse buys.

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According to Dakota News Now, Target employees have received a new directive: if you’re within 10 feet of a customer, flash those pearly whites. Step a little closer, within four feet, and it’s time to break out the small talk: “How’s your day going?” “Can I help you find something?” “Would you like a seasonal candle you didn’t know you needed?”

The incoming Target CEO reportedly wants to make sure every shopper has a holly jolly Christmas, and that those cheerful smiles last well beyond the holiday season.

Dakota News Now reports that it’s all part of Target’s new “hospitality initiative,” meant to boost both spirits and sales after a bit of a slump. Studies show that greeted customers tend to spend more, so the math is simple: smiles = sales. More smiles have been shown to improve consumer metrics.

So, as you stroll through your Sioux Falls Target this holiday shopping season, keep an eye out for those big, enthusiastic grins. And just remember, they’re not just being nice… those big, toothy grins you're seeing from employees are right on Target nice!

11 Things You’ll Only Understand After Living in South Dakota

From soda to pop to sloppy Joes, different parts of the country have their local quirks and language. Simple phrases can have totally different meanings, local events may seem weird, and food may go by a unique name.

If you're new to South Dakota, here is a sort of translation guide for some odd things you may see or hear.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns