Since their first store opened in Denver, Colorado in 1962, Target has strived to create a pleasant shopping experience for their guests, while providing items at competitive prices. Part of creating this shopping experience involves hiring staff that can maintain and operate the store, while making guests feel welcome. Cashiers employed to work at the company's many locations around the world serve several important roles in the everyday function of Target stores.

Ringing Up Items

As customers present their items for purchase, it is the responsibility of the Target cashier to be sure each item is accounted for. They will scan each barcode through the scanner and be sure this item price matches the advertised price. Cashiers will also remove security tags from purchases, such as electronic sensors put in place to deter and locate shoplifters. Cashiers are also responsible for selling age-appropriate items. This could include checking customer identification to be sure the customer is legally allowed to purchase alcohol, tobacco or medicinal products.

Processing Transactions

After the items are rung up, the Target cashier must then process the transaction. This includes informing the customer of the total after any taxes are applied. Cashiers will accept cash, check, credit or debit card payment for items. Cashiers must follow Target policies on handling money, such as checking large bills for counterfeiting and accepting forms of ID for credit and check transactions. Once the transaction is complete, cashiers will provide a receipt to the customer to verify purchases.

Customer Service

Cashiers are often the only interaction guests have with Target staff, therefore they are partially responsible for creating a “friendly face” to represent the company. Cashiers should be kind and helpful, making the shopping experience a pleasant one. They should greet customers in their lines, process their transactions in a friendly manner and assist customers as needed. This could include helping customers locate items, pricing items, informing them about sales and promotions and forwarding questions and concerns to management.

Bagging Items

It is common for cashiers to bag purchased items for the customer. They will offer the options of paper or plastic, or they will place purchased items in reusable shopping bags purchased or supplied by the customer. They should bag items in a way to best preserve them for the trip home. For example, clothes are removed from hangers and folded to neatly fit in bags. Grocery items should be positioned in bags so that they are easy for guests to carry and safe for the items. This could mean putting heavier items on the bottom of the bag and softer items on top so they are not damaged.