Exclusive: Target considers outside help for fresh food business

Target Corp is seriously considering partnerships with outside companies to help shore up a creaky fresh food supply chain that has led to chronic shortages on store shelves. "There is an opportunity to use some partners who may be able to do things a little bit better," Chief Operating Officer John Mulligan said in a recent interview. Target's supply chain evolved over time as it expanded its offerings, including more fresh food, he said, leading to a patchwork system.