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
Physical AI footprint (1)
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- Founder
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is a US retail giant operating 1,900+ stores nationwide.
Foundings (1)
- Target Corporationfounded 1962-01-01cofounderno longer at company
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Co-founders (2)
- George Dayton co-founded Target Corporation1902-01-01
- Douglas Dayton co-founded Target Corporation
Former / Previously (1)
- Target Corporation Co-Founder of Target stores
Sources (4)
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