The thing that I don't understand is why Target & co are making this system when it can basically all be performed with the same systems that we currently have. They don't need to complicate it in the way that a blockchain system would because it can all be done with barcodes and their equivalents. You can't track every single little individual part without using the same serial or digital code systems that already exist. Forming a database that tracks the various components isn't hard, it's just a question of whether or not it's worth putting in the effort to set up a system like that. It's merely the reconciliation of the different parts of the supply chain system and little more. I don't even think that there's a tangible benefit to maintaining a system like what's being described.
Tons of companies are developing blockchain solutions for internal needs, now the question is do they use an off the shelf solution like Ethereum and do a token based on it or an completely independent blockchain.
I think ethereum could be more useful to them then using the blockchain because this is what vitalik made it to do essentially focusing towards the business sector.
But with target using it for their businesses infrastructure could make it more efficient with increasing their current productivity in the long run. As larger companies such as costco and walmart have a wider customer base then they do so they need to work in other ways to regain more of the market in these sectors.
As for Ethereum being built for business because of the smart contract system, it kind of has applicable properties, but I can't see Ethereum used as a tool at large for business. It needs considerable refinement and it would need to be simplified for the average worker to be able to use it effectively.