Dawn led Target’s online merchandising and digital vendor marketing teams, from 2012 until August 2015 when she became head of Target’s enterprise beauty merchandising team – with oversight of online and stores. Dawn has more than a decade of e-commerce experience in a variety of roles, including product development and inventory management roles with expertise in category expansion, assortment planning, business development, promotional planning, website analytics and general business management. Dawn is also currently the Executive Sponsor of Target’s Military Business Council, an affinity and advocacy group that supports military members and their families.
Q&A with Dawn
1. How did you get into beauty?
My current role in beauty is somewhat of a happy accident. I’ve always been focused on merchandising, and have had the pleasure of working on many different categories over the years, with e-commerce and online retail making up the bulk of my professional experience. After a few years at Target, I was presented with the opportunity to oversee our Beauty and Essentials business. It’s been a new challenge that has allowed me to learn a lot about the products and the way guests shop this category, and I have really enjoyed immersing myself in this rapidly changing and exciting industry.
2.Why do you love indie beauty?
Target is constantly looking for opportunities to bring guests something new and unexpected, and indie beauty brands play a big role in helping us do this. We’re focused on expanding our assortment of niche and indie offerings to provide guests with a fun surprise around every corner. I love getting to know some of the smaller brands and enjoy working with them to help Target guests discover products they may not have even known existed if they hadn’t been browsing the aisles of our store or our website.
3. How can you help indie beauty brands?
Offering exposure to an entirely new segment of guests is the biggest thing Target can do to help indie beauty brands. Between our in-store assortment and our ever-growing Target.com presence, we reach millions of guests every day who are hungry for the latest beauty products and trends. We also can provide indie beauty brands with insights about how guests are shopping within beauty, which helps them understand the landscape today as well as look ahead to anticipate what’s coming in the future.
4. If you could give indie beauty brands one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I were to offer one piece of advice, I would tell indie beauty brands to focus on differentiation. Guests have so many options when shopping for beauty products, so focus on what makes your brand and products special in order to really stand out in a crowded space.
5. What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten?
“The data sets you free” –Alan Mulally
6. Favorite motto or inspirational quote.
“Dream more than others think practical. Expect more than others think possible. Care more than others think wise.”―Howard Schultz
7. Must-read email, blog, publication?
I get news and information from a variety of different sources. Women’s Wear Daily always has the latest industry news. Allure.com is another one of my go-to sites when I want to reach about new products and beauty trends. I also read lots of beauty blogs, of course, but could never pick a favorite!
