Target holiday plans include 20,000 new items, expanded next-day delivery
Target Corp. is doubling down on new merchandise and value for the upcoming holiday season.
The discounter unveiled its holiday plans, which include “thousands” of gifts starting at $5, and 20,000 new items — twice as many as last year. More than half of the new items will be exclusive to Target.
The retailer is also expanding next-day delivery to consumers across 35 top U.S. metro areas — over half of the U.S. population — by the end of October, with more than 20 additional cities coming next year. The new metro areas will include Orlando, Fla; San Diego; St. Louis; Charlotte, N.C.; and others.
In other holiday plans, Target’s “Circle Week” will return Oct. 5-11, giving members of the free-to-join program the chance to save on everyday essentials, fall style picks and holiday gifts, the company said. Members of Target’s paid membership program, Circle 360, will get exclusive early access to shop top deals starting Oct. 4.
The Target Circle offers will continue with hundreds of new weekly deals starting Nov. 1, as well as the “Deal of the Day,” with select items up to 50% off. The retailer is also using technology to bring shoppers personalized deals in one place: On the new “Target Deals” page on its website, consumers can explore top offers tailored for them and get a sneak peek at the hottest upcoming deals.
On the pop culture front, Target said it will be a premier retail destination for the fifth and final season of Netflix's "Stranger Things," with exclusive products across every category, from apparel and home to toys and collectibles.
The retailer is also partnering again with Universal Products & Experiences for the Universal Pictures film, "Wicked: For Good," with new and exclusive merchandise, including beauty, collectibles, drinkware, themed fashion and toys.
In addition, Target's third-party marketplace will offer an expanded lineup of holiday gifts from La Louviere Chocolatier premium Belgian chocolate to Christmas trees and decor from Balsam Hill.
Holiday Staffing
In announcing its holiday plans, Target did not say how many seasonal associates it plans to hire this year, saying only that starting Sept. 24, interested candidates can apply for seasonal positions in all 50 states across Target stores and supply chain facilities at TargetSeasonalJobs.com.
The retailer noted it is entering the season with a “strong, experienced team,” and that it’s also using the “On-Demand” team in its stores. The team is a flexible workforce that includes about 43,000 employees who can pick up shifts as desired.
"With our unmatched combination of great products and great prices, Target is making it possible for everyone to celebrate the holidays on a budget," said Rick Gomez, executive VP and chief commercial officer, Target. "This year, our holiday assortment features more new gifts than ever, from cozy, cashmere-like sweaters and faux fur blankets to the hottest toys and beauty items. With more than half of our assortment exclusive to Target, new items dropping every single week, incredible everyday pricing and weekly deals, we're making it easy for consumers to celebrate the season memorably, without compromising on style or value."
