Carson Hartzog
Retail reporter
Hartzog covers major Minnesota retailers like Target and Best Buy, as well as emerging trends in the industry, ranging from apparel to grocery. Before joining the Minnesota Star Tribune, she worked as the opinions editor for the Daily Iowan. She can be reached on the encrypted messaging app Signal at carsonhartzog.13.
Latest from Carson Hartzog
Primp Boutique, known for curated, affordable women’s clothing, closes its doors
The locally owned boutique ended its 15-year run Tuesday after a year of uncertainty as middle-income shoppers pulled back amid rising financial pressure. A truly bad Small Business Saturday was the final straw.
December 18, 2025
Target, other retailers hit with warning letter for selling recalled formula
Four major retailers failed to pull ByHeart infant formula from its store shelves following a recall, according to the agency’s letters. The formula has been linked to an outbreak of botulism.
December 16, 2025
We tested AI shopping chatbots. This is what we found.
As Target and Walmart signed OpenAI agreements and touted new ways of holiday shopping, we decided to see how well they worked.
December 13, 2025
How AI is quietly reshaping your shopping trip
From chatbots and ChatGPT to stocking and pricing in stores, AI tools are increasingly being used by Target, Walmart, Evereve and more.
December 2, 2025
More tech upgrades bump Best Buy’s sales, but home purchases still lag
The Richfield-based retailer posted its second straight quarter of sales growth, but consumer sentiment and competition keep analysts conservative on stock.
November 25, 2025
Incoming CEO is writing Target’s next chapter, including largest store overhaul in a decade
Analysts are wary Michael Fiddelke’s plan won’t be quick enough to stem the Minneapolis-based retailer’s slide.
November 23, 2025
Twin Cities shoppers are likely to hold the line on spending this holiday season
Deloitte found that the local barometer is better than the nation, but Target and Walmart executives also said this week it will be a budget-conscious holiday season.
November 20, 2025
Key takeaways from Target’s pre-holiday report
As tight consumer budgets continue, Target’s sales and profits both declined. The company also is increasing its investment in stores, merchandise and AI.
November 19, 2025
Share your story: How are you approaching holiday shopping this year?
Share your experience to help inform our reporting.
November 12, 2025
Target, other retailers slash prices on milk, eggs, butter as shoppers tighten budgets
Target and others are lowering prices as millions wait for November SNAP benefits and others are continuing to be cautious in spending.
November 11, 2025
Target’s corporate archivists preserve a century of Minnesota retail history
From past iterations of shopping carts to a salvaged Target Center “T,” these researchers can trace the Minneapolis-based retailer’s roots back to Dayton’s department store in the early 1900s.
November 11, 2025
North Minneapolis nonprofit increases commitment to free delivered meal boxes
Appetite for Change’s program, funded this year by the Target-owned Shipt, aims to provide 42,000 meals to households by December and is exploring how it may expand again to help SNAP recipients.
November 4, 2025
