In 2013, local Target store executives approached Dr. Kimberly Miller-Spillman and the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management to partner with Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles (MAT) students to conduct case-study research for real-world consumer issues. Target specifically wanted to find ways of capturing the rising Hispanic market as loyal customers versus losing them to rival competitors. The partnership has continued with students in this semester. Students researched the Lexington Hispanic population to provide support and ideas for Target to implement into their store strategies.

Target group

Students worked in groups to compile their background research and presented their findings to five Target executives from the district area. After hearing each group and addressing questions, the winning team was selected. This year’s well-deserving group consisted of Christina Vo Vargas, Melissa Thompson, Samarie Walker, and Matthew Wild. In return for their hard-work, each of the four students will receive a $1,000 scholarship. 

This exciting partnership with the Retailing and Tourism Management Department and Target is a continuing and great opportunity for MAT students to apply their classroom knowledge to industry experiences.


Posted 5/7/14