# John Geisse: founder, Target Corporation

Canonical ID: `94fb6d76-e4fd-4ce4-a576-b411bbcfbf8f`

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.

- **Nationality:** American
- **Verification posture:** verified

## Foundings (1)

- [Target Corporation](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/target.md) founded 1962-01-01 (cofounder) _no longer at company_

See all founders: [/founders](https://registry.deploy.report/founders.md)

## Co-founders (2)

- [George Dayton](https://registry.deploy.report/people/george-dayton.md) co-founded [Target Corporation](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/target.md) (1902-01-01)
- [Douglas Dayton](https://registry.deploy.report/people/douglas-dayton.md) co-founded [Target Corporation](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/target.md)

## Former / Previously (1)

- [Target Corporation](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/target.md) Co-Founder of Target stores

## 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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