Retail Reporter | Retail

Nicole Norfleet covers the fast-paced retail scene including industry giants Target and Best Buy. She previously covered commercial real estate and professional services.

Norfleet joined the Star Tribune's business team in the winter of 2015 after working as the St. Paul public safety reporter and holding various other metro assignments. She is originally from the East Coast, but now calls the East Side of St. Paul home. Norfleet and her partner Liz have one tabby son named Max and enjoy craft beer, Korean dramas and camping with family. She is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


Some Target Up & Up acne products subject of federal class action suit

The lawsuit said the Minneapolis-based retailer should have had a warning on the labels that it contained benzene, a known cancer-causing agent.


Will Target benefit as Macy's closes 150 stores in the next few years?

The Minneapolis-based chain, if it plays its cards right, could gain traffic, at least in the short term as Macy's rebuilds itself.


From Owatonna to Red Wing, Minnesota's small downtowns see resurgence

Small wins can turn a Main Street around, experts say.


Budget-conscious consumers flock to deals — both online and in stores — over Black Friday weekend

Retailers hope that is a signal that people will come out for the rest of the season after Mall of America, other stores and online sites all saw robust traffic.


Black Friday shoppers hit Twin Cities malls hunting for deep discounts

Retailers expected consumers to be choosier with their dollars to officially start the holiday shopping season.


When you can shop on Thanksgiving, Black Friday

From grocery stores to malls, there are few options open on Turkey Day but plenty of extended hours Black Friday.


Target testing limit of 10 items at some stores' self-checkout kiosks

The Edina Target is one of the locations no longer allowing an unlimited number of items at kiosks where customers check out themselves.


Best Buy predicts ho-hum holiday sales

Best Buy saw comparable sales drop nearly 7% in the third quarter, and while it eked out better profits, it lowered its guidance for the crucial end of the year.


The Twin Cities has too many malls. There's one key to survival.

Malls across the U.S. that are thriving are those with high-end retail stores and places for date nights or family fun.


Target stock surges after better-than-expected profits and a budget-friendly holiday plan

The Minneapolis-based retailer said consumers continue to be cautious with their dollars but did spend more on back-to-school and Halloween.