During a conference call, Bob Ulrich, chairman and CEO,attributed the April weakness primarily to cold weather, whichdampened apparel sales. But he also said the chain is prepared fora more difficult climate. Comp-store sales rose 4.3% for firstquarter. Ulrich predicted mid-single-digit increases in full-year,comp-store sales.

Sales of movies and music, along with apparel were weaker thanexpected, said Gregg Steinhafel, president. Toddler and pharmacyand health and beauty aids, along with food, were among thestrongest sales categories. In short, discretionary sales arelagging, while lower-margin consumables are taking up theslack.

The chain is expanding mom & baby and healthcare categoriesin coming months. Natural products and food are also beingexpanded, and Target is rolling out a line of "authentic Hispanicfood" to 400 stores, Steinhafel said.