Target's holiday plans include in-store events, deals — return of ‘hot’ Santa
Target Corp. is pulling out all stops to be consumers’ "go-to partner" for holiday gifting.
The discounter said it will transform its nearly 2,000 stores into nostalgic Alpine Villages filled with festive décor and surprises. Also, and for the first time, Target will host interactive weekend events in each store throughout the holiday season.
Target’s in-store plans are part of its marquee holiday campaign, “Step Into the Holidays,” which launches Nov. 2. It is set to pop singer Benson Boone's "Mystical Magical" song and highlights gifting and entertaining items.
The campaign also introduces an ensemble of whimsical characters, including an 8-foot-tall, “Get-Ready Yeti,” along with “The Gifting Mice” and “Buttons the Gingerbread.” The characters will appear on digital platforms, on broadcast and streaming and in the retailer’s Gigglescape plush line.
Target is also bringing back Kris K., a charismatic store “team member” who starred in Target’s 2024 holiday marketing campaign. With more than 70 million views on TikTok of #TargetSanta and a fanbase that dubbed him “Hot Santa,” Kris will once again be featured in the retailer's marketing efforts, appearing in spots across broadcast, streaming, radio and social platforms.
"Kris K. from Target captured hearts last holiday season, and we’re thrilled to bring him back for round two," said Michelle Mesenburg, senior VP, creative and content, Target. "This year, we’re giving you even more Kris K. — more fun, more humor and more of the magic that only Target can deliver."
Deals
Citing McKinsey data from September which showed that two-thirds of consumers are planning to start holiday shopping before Black Friday, Target is once again holding a three-day “Early Black Friday Sale,” running from Nov. 6 - 8. The retailer said it is offering deeper discounts this year with most at 40% off or higher.
In addition, every Sunday from Nov. 2 through Dec. 24, Target plans to roll out hundreds of fresh deals. Beginning Nov. 1, Target’s “Deal of the Day” promotion offers one-day-only deals of up to 50% off, plus exclusive deals for members of its free-to-join Target Circle program. And from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, Target will match its own prices if they go lower later in the season.
Community Giving
Target’s annual Great Giftogether initiative will deliver nearly $1.5 million in support to 2,000-plus communities where it runs stores and supply chain facilities. Through the program, local teams partner with nonprofits to identify families in need, then fulfill wish lists to make the holidays brighter. Thousands of team members will volunteer to pick, purchase and wrap gifts, supported by Target and community partners.
"Through every choice we make, from our creative, to our in store and online experiences, our goal this holiday season is simple: to be every guest's go-to holiday partner, meeting them where they are," said Cara Sylvester, chief guest experience officer, Target. "The holidays can be a stressful time, but through immersive experiences, incredible early deals on the season's coolest gifts and our Holiday Price Match Guarantee, we're bringing joy to every step of the season, making holiday shopping fun, easy and full of festive moments for families. And, we're taking that joy beyond our shelves — through local community giving, we're spreading the holiday joy to even more families this season."
