In an effort to boost sales and create a more inviting atmosphere, a nationwide retailer has unveiled a new mandate requiring employees to increase their friendliness toward nearby customers.

Target’s new program, called the “10-4,″ instructs employees to smile, make eye contact and wave or say hello to customers 10 feet away, a spokesperson for the company told MassLive. If a customer is within 4 feet, workers must ask if they need help or how their day is going.

The move represents Target Corporation’s latest effort to improve weak store sales and foster a more welcoming environment ahead of the holiday season. Target’s incoming chief executive officer, Michael Fiddelke, said in a statement that improving the shopping experience is one of his main priorities.

Target is not alone in i

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