Target overhauling its U.S. food strategy

While Target closed its doors in Canada on Sunday, work on its food business in the U.S. is ramping up.

The retail chain has named a 20-year grocery and consumer product industry veteran to help revamp its food strategy.

The Minneapolis-based retailer said Monday that it has hired Anne Dament to the role of senior vice-president, merchandising. The position had been vacant since late last year.

Dament's most recent job was at PetSmart, where she was most recently a vice-president of services. Before that, she was group vice-president of perishable strategy at Safeway.

Target is working to overhaul its food strategy over the next 12 to 18 months as part of reviving its overall business.

Target plans to add more natural, organic and gluten-free products, while offering more specialty foods.

The retailer closed its stores to the public in Canada on April 12, earlier than originally planned.