Target Corporation reported that its net retail sales from continuing operations, which is principally made up of Target Stores, increased 14.3% to $4.408 billion for the five weeks ended April 2 from $3.855 billion for the five-week period ended April 3, 2004. On this same basis, comparable-store sales increased 8.2% from fiscal March 2004.

“We are pleased with our March sales results, which were at the upper end of our planned range for the month,” said Bob Ulrich, chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corporation. “While we believe these results should be considered in the context of this year's earlier Easter holiday, our better-than-expected sales performance in February and March gives us confidence that we will meet or exceed our first quarter profit plan.”

                             Sales    Total Sales   Comparable Stores % Change
     Continuing Operations (millions)   % Change     This Year     Last Year

     March                   $4,408       14.3          8.2          7.8

     Year-to-date            $7,784       15.1          8.5          7.9