World's Most Admired Companies

Top 50 rank: 19
Rank in General Merchandisers: 2 (Previous rank: 2*)
Overall score: 6.90
Target wins points for offering great design for less, but shoppers see Wal-Mart as cheapest, despite a new ad campaign emphasizing value. That puts Target at a big disadvantage in this rough retail environment; its stock has slumped more than 50% since Sept. 2008.

The mega-retailer is reducing costs to better compete, slicing 1,100 jobs, and cutting back on plans for new stores. Credit card defaults cost Target $135 million in the fourth quarter and more are expected, but analysts are still hopeful about the company's long-term prospects. And strong corporate responsibility programs - it gives 5% of income, or $3 million a week back to the community - help maintain the company's positive image. -L.D.

Address: 1000 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-304-6073
Website: www.target.com