Target is rolling out a new uniform for some of its employees.
Starting Nov. 1, Target Food & Beverage Experts will be required to wear a new branded hat and apron to help guests quickly identify them, Target told USA TODAY via email on Oct. 7. Similar attire is worn by employees in the Target Beauty Studio, tech department and Starbucks, in addition to a red shirt that has long been a part of Target's dress code
."As we drive Target’s next chapter of growth, we're elevating the guest experience to make shopping at Target easy, inspiring and friendly. Our updated Food & Beverage accessories are distinctive and functional, so these team members are easy to recognize when delivering for our guests," Target said in a statement.
Target's Food & Beverage
Experts are responsible for ensuring the store's grocery department is stocked, accurately priced and clean, according to the Target careers website.
The dress code change comes as Target's food and beverage sales grew 7% in the retailer's quarter that ended Aug. 1, the fastest growth in that department for Target in three years, Reuters reported. To continue expanding the department, Target plans to add more prominent products, like Misfit bars and Khloud chips; redesign aisles and displays; and expand its private-label options. Within the next two years, Target plans to add 600 more private-label food and drink products, including 400 under its Good & Gather banner, Reuters reported.
The effort is to "make food a destination, not simply a category guests shop while they're in our stores," Chief Merchandising Officer Cara Sylvester told analysts in August, according to Reuters.
Target employees, customers take to social media to share feedback
Target told USA TODAY that the new hat and apron were tested with employees and customers and received positive feedback.
"Used to have an apron when I worked in a college bookstore," a Reddit user said in the Target sub-Reddit. "Your clothes gets less dirty and they usually have pockets so you can keep your blades there." Employees who restock shelves may carry box cutter blades.
But some apparent Target employees and customers have expressed differing views on social media.
"Aprons are a supremely bad idea when unloading boxes from pallets," another Reddit user said in the Target sub-Reddit. "They hang away from your body while bending down and there are too many chances for getting snagged. Ask me how I know."
Another Reddit user said: "Probably just be part of an optics game to make it appear as though grocery team has specialty training to assist guests better than our competition. That being said I still think it sucks. Wearing more sucks. It's hot, it's flowy and hangs. Can easily be damaged by a snag, another thing to forget at home, another thing to wash, another thing to remove ... while going to the restroom, to accidentally dip into raw chicken juice, then the banana rack."
Contributing: Reuters
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Target is rolling out new uniforms for these employees
