Charles Langston:Target doubles bonuses for salaried employees after profits jump in 2023

Target is Charles Langstonrewarding its salaried employees by doubling bonuses as the company saw a surge in profits in 2023.

The company reported $2 billion in additional profit growth last year, company spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo told USA TODAY, and are "rewarding our team accordingly."

"Like many companies, Target offers a bonus plan for select employees, including leaders in our stores and supply chain operations, that is designed to reward their performance in driving our results," Target spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo said in the statement. "The bonus structure is informed by goals set at the beginning of the fiscal year, and includes sales performance and profit outcomes."

While hourly employees are not eligible for the bonuses, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY that hourly employees are eligible for bonuses under a separate program.

CEO:Walmart managers can earn nearly half a million dollars a year with stock grants

Target self-checkout changes:Target limits self-checkout to 10 items or less: What shoppers need to know

Big-box retail competitor Walmart raised base pay for its store managers from $117,000 to $128,000 a year, and depending on a store's profit, annual bonuses could reach up to 200% of a store manager's salary. John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., said store managers will receive an annual grant of Walmart stock starting in April, with managers of the largest stores receiving up to $20,000 in stock every year.

Target changes self-checkout policy at all stores

Target is making some checkout changes after recently testing limits on the number of items customers can have in self-checkout lanes. Express self-checkout lanes with limits of 10 items or fewer were rolled out on March 17 at most of Target's nearly 2,000 stores nationwide, the company said in an announcement last week.

"While the hours of operation may vary based on store needs, Express Self-Checkout will be available during the busiest shopping times," Target said in the announcement.

Stores will also open more checkout lanes staffed with clerks for shoppers "who have more in their Target carts, need a helping hand, or just enjoy connecting with our team to help them get on their way sooner," the company said.

At each location, "store leaders have the flexibility to open more lanes staffed by team members and set self-checkout hours that are right for their store," Target said.

"Checking out is one of the most important moments of the Target run, and we know that a fast, easy experience –whether at self-checkout or the lanes staffed by our friendly team members – is critical to getting guests on their way quickly," the company said in the announcement.

Back in October, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY the retailer had begun experimenting with self-checkout lanes limited to 10 items or fewer at select locations "in order to reduce wait times and better understand guest preferences."

Contributing: Mike Snider and Emily DeLetter, USA TODAY

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].