Target plans to sell more food in its stores

Target CEO Brian Cornell said that the retailer was "doubling down" on efforts to transform its food business, but cautioned it would be a long ride.

Food is a $18.5 billion business for Target, which has more than 1,800 stores, and has a huge potential for growth.

The retailer will focus first on expanded assortments of natural, organic and fresh foods, and also improving the supply chain to ensure fresher items at stores. More food offers will be showed in Target Weekly Circular, where Target features its best deals for the week.

Comparable store sales in grocery had outpaced the total store growth in Target's two most recent quarters.