Target was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1902 as the Dayton Dry Goods Company. In 1962, the company opened its first Target store in nearby Roseville. The concept grew and eventually became the largest division of Dayton Hudson, culminating in the company changing its name to Target Corporation in 2000. Target has worked very hard to secure it's validity in the retail space, but their hard work could go away over a plastic hamster.

David Lawrinowicz of Lancaster worked at Target for almost 8 years on the overnight shift. Target fired Lawrinowicz and six of his co-workers last Wednesday — for buying and $8 toy.

According to The Buffalo News Target said the company has certain guidelines in place regarding employees shopping during their shifts.

“These guidelines are in place to provide our guests with the same purchasing opportunities as our team members. We are committed to making the items our guests want as available as possible to ensure a positive guest experience,” said Target representatives in a statement.

Target said the policy is made clear in its employee handbook, and that reminders of it “are often communicated” through postings, newsletters and verbal “huddles.” Policy violations are punishable by action up to and including termination

Since the story first broke it has been mentioned 259 times across social networks, and at the time of this post  the target firing story was mentioned every hour. Including a comment from online user who goes by the alias BobbyCat:

I'm glad that Target has "certain guidleines".
I have guidelines, too, especially when it comes to mistreatment of employees. I had planned to stop at Target this afternoon but after reading this story, I'll go elsewhere - to another store that doesn't mistreat its employees. Firing a long-time employee at Christmas for some chickensh*t violation is inexcusable. I'll take my business elsewhere.

Has your perception of Target changed after reading this story? Will you be purchasing your holiday gifts at Target after reading this story?

RM will be launching a new social media management service first quarter next year. Subscribe to our blog to be the first know when we launch.

In the past, brands have spent large amounts of money on commercials, media placements, direct mail, and more.  It is hard to measure these methods of marketing.  These means can only be measured by the results of a campaign.  The campaigns either bring a rise in sales or not.  It is too difficult to measure success or failure.

The exciting fact about social media is when it is done correctly it is a very effective way to get the best of both worlds from a campaign.  No one likes the pushy car salesman, so you need to be very careful at your marketing approach.  Don’t push too many promotions or your consumers will feel spammed.  You need to be a great resource to them and provide exclusive deals or else they will lose interest and stop following you.  Here are 3 easy steps on how to use social media promotions correctly.

1. What Are People Saying About Your Brand?

This is a very important question to ask yourself when you are trying to come up with an effective marketing campaign.  If you know what people are saying about your brand, why they are saying it, and who they are saying it to than you will know what content is driving the most share on which sites.  You can also use social media tracking software to measure what people are saying about your services and products. 

Having the capability to track word of mouth buzz is so important when you are trying the find the right marketing messages and promotions.  You have to deliver relevant social deals that resonate with people’s interests.

2. Create a Social Promotion.

After you use the social media tracking software to find out what people are saying about your services and products, than go out and give it to them.  If the hot topic product you sell is boots than give a 20% discount on boots.  You will also see what consumers are complaining about your product.  Maybe they think the shipping is too expensive, than on the next campaign offer free shipping.  It’s such an incredible way to market!  Now you are able to give the consumers exactly what they want which will increase share and profitability. 

3. Did It Work?

Based on the social tracking software, you will be able to see if the campaign worked or not.  It’s that simple.  With this new technology you are able to reach your targeted audience immediately and have the best results you can imagine.

What social media tools do you use to increase sales and measure your brand’s reach?  Please share them in the comments below. If you want to find out more about using social tracking software for your business than we can help.  Root & Madison will help you find your target audience and write effective campaigns to drive traffic to your site.  Contact us now and we can start driving traffic to you site today.