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Person

John Geisse

American retail pioneer (1920-1992) who founded three successful discount store chains: Target Stores (1962, for the Dayton Company), Venture Stores (1968, for May Department Stores), and The Wholesale Club (1982, an early membership warehouse club acquired by Wal-Mart and merged into Sam's Club). Graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1941 and served as a Navy officer during WWII, including the Normandy invasion.

Originated the upscale discount store concept, bringing better-quality merchandise to the discount format. Inducted into the Discount Store News Hall of Fame in 1984. Also served as CEO of Ayr-Way Stores (1976-77) and as a consultant and board member for Wal-Mart and Ames Department Stores.

American · 1 founding

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  • Target Corporationverified→
    Founder

    [Target](/companies/target) Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is a US retail giant operating 1,900+ stores nationwide.

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Sources (4)

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Corporation
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Geisse
  3. https://crownhillhf.org/john-francis-geisse/
  4. https://www.usaofindiana.org/maryjohngeissesoccercomplex/retail-career

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