An optimized checkout experience and the use of generative, artificial intelligence-powered handheld devices for employees have improved the in-store shopping experience. Goalthe retailer said on Wednesday (21 August).

Target was able to improve the in-store checkout experience in the second quarter after Self-service checkout and ensuring adequate staffing in the full-service areas, Target Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer Michael Fiddelke said on Wednesday in the company’s quarterly reports Income Call.

“With all these changes, we have seen a continuous, significant improvement in our Net Promoter Scores in terms of the shopping experience. The values ​​for waiting times and interactions at the checkout are the best we have seen in six years,” said Fiddelke in the conference call.

Target also completed the launch of its Generative AI-powered handheld devices for employees. These devices answer common questions and convey best practices, Fiddelke said. Employees have used the technology more than 50,000 times and received their answers and completed their chat with the AI ​​assistant in less than a minute on average.

“We will continue to refine this tool over time based on feedback from our team, but many are already telling us that it has improved their daily work experience and made it easier and faster for them to help our guests,” Fiddelke said during the call.

“In addition, the managers in our stores tell us that they expect this new tool to particularly helpful as we hire new and seasonal team members ahead of this year’s holiday season and help them become more productive faster than in the past,” he said on the conference call.

During the conference call, Target executives reported that consumers are responding positively to the company’s recent initiatives around pricing, digital services and loyalty programs because they value value, convenience and novelty.

These improved offerings contributed to year-on-year growth of 2% in comparable sales and 3% in traffic in the second quarter, with sales growth Be at the top of the retailer’s expectations, Target said in a Wednesday Result announcement.

“In an environment where consumers continue to make significant trade-offs, our second quarter results demonstrate the power that comes from the right combination of novelty, seasonal relevance and compelling value,” said Target Chair and CEO Brian Cornell said during the call.

Second-quarter growth was entirely due to traffic, which in turn was driven by several customer-focused initiatives Target announced in March, Cornell said.

First, the retailer improved its digital experience. This contributed to single-digit growth in its comparable digital sales in the second quarter and low-double-digit growth in two of its same-day services: Driving forward And Target circle 360that offers same day delivery.

“Same-day services now account for more than two-thirds of our digital revenue,” Cornell said on the conference call, attributing the growth to consumers’ desire for more convenience.

Consumers also responded to Target’s latest value-based offerings, Cornell said. These initiatives include a price reduction on 5,000 frequently purchased items in many markets over the summer and a relaunch of the Target Circle Loyalty platform in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, 2 million new members joined Target circleand joined the 100 million members the loyalty program already had.

“Beyond the direct benefit of guest interaction with the platform, Target Circle also helps us gain deep consumer insights so we can Around advertising business,” Cornell said during the call.

In terms of product categories, Target saw strengthening trends across the board. Both non-commercial categories such as apparel and beauty saw comparable sales increase, as did essential categories such as food and beverage, Cornell said. Executives attributed the growth of both clothing and beauty to the novelty of the company’s offerings.

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Target Rick Gomez said during the conversation that American families are still under economic pressure and the economically The data is still mixed, but they are still willing and able to spend money.

“Yes, they will still choice“Yes, they are watching their budget; and yes, they are looking for bargains and inexpensive everyday items, but they are also willing to shop when they find the right combination of fashion and newness at the right price,” Gomez said.

Looking ahead, Target expects comparable sales growth of 0 to 2 percent in the third quarter, according to the earnings release.

“As we continue to survey consumers and monitor the external environment, our view remains largely the same as it has been for some time: Consumers have shown remarkable resilience in the face of numerous challenges over the past few years and remain resilient today,” Cornell said during the call. “Given the significant headwinds they have faced from inflation over the past few years, consumers remain focused on value while working hard to manage their household budgets.”