SAN FRANCISCO — Target Corp. has opened a new office here, called the Technology Innovation Center, in an effort to improve its online and mobile shopping offerings.

Target Corp. has opened a new office here, called the Technology Innovation Center, in an effort to improve its online and mobile shopping offerings.

"For us it’s about how we can get ahead of some of the emerging technologies," says David Newman, the center’s director, who notes that having an office in San Francisco will allow Target to work more easily with other Silicon Valley firms.

Target intends to focus on initiatives that will improve the shopping experience for consumers using its website, as well as developing new ways for consumers to interact with the retailer using their smartphones, including while they are in the store. Target is also working with eBay Inc. and Google Inc. to test ways to offer same-day delivery.

The Technology Innovation Center employs nearly 20 people, including technology specialists, data scientists and product managers.