Target rolls out plans for Holidays 2017

Every year Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, though that date hasn’t stopped some retailers from decking the halls before Halloween. Target, however, says it has a plan to fight “Christmas creep,” the feeling that the holidays (and holiday deals) seem to start earlier every year. Of course the retailer will have deals and sales aplenty as they do every holiday season but hearing the fatigue in consumers as the shopping season approaches, the company has said it will approach shoppers with a less-is-more approach in 2017. “We will have meaningful promotions,” said Mark Tritton, Target’s chief merchandising officer in a briefing last week. “But priced right daily will be our regular drumbeat.”

Specifically, the big box retailer plans to offer gifts under $15, which are great for busy shoppers looking to say “thank you” to everyone from co-workers to baby sitters. Of course toys are the big draw, and nothing will be hotter than Star Wars and LEGO this year, two brands that Target has a lock on. The company also boasts that it will have more than 1,700 holiday products in its stores, along with $1 stocking stuffers, making it a great depot for overworked elves and parents alike. Another way the Minneapolis, Minn.-based chain plans to make the holidays less hectic is by hiring more temporary help. The company reports it will hire 30,000 more workers this holiday season to help make in-store shopping more fluid. But that doesn’t mean Target is ceding the web to Amazon this year. The company said it plans to go head-to-head with the e-commerce giant by offering free shipping beginning in November. Fortune also reports that an innovative new “GiftNow” option will help Target get around the awkward dance of buying someone the wrong size or color article of clothing, by sending them an “electronic gift box” for review in advance. Will these changes result in a more relaxing holiday shopping experience? Time (and Target’s post-holiday financials) will tell. Until then, keep an eye out for the Black Friday deals, which should be announced in the coming weeks.

5 Major Changes You Can Expect if You Shop at Target This Holiday Season

Walmart and Amazon’s battle for retail dominion might be well-publicized, but that doesn’t mean Target isn’t waging its own fight. The Minneapolis-based retailer which announced last week that it would boost its number of planned store remodels, from 600 to 1,000 is pulling out all the stops to gain an edge this holiday season.

Here, we outline five new things you can expect when you shop at Target this holiday season.

Gifts Under $15
Target will feature a curated gifting assortment in stores and online with nearly 1,700 products, most of which will be priced under $15.
Foolproof Presents
To take some of the guesswork out of gifting, Target said it will introduce GiftNow on Target.com. The service allows gift givers to click the GiftNow button on products on the site and send an e-gift box, which allows the recipient to accept the gift, change the color or size, or choose something entirely different, before it ships. Thousands of products can be ordered through the platform.
Weekend Specials
Target will introduce Weekend Deals “to align with the purchases guests are making while stocking up on everyday essentials and holiday must-haves.” The program will run Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Nov. 11. Specific deals will be shared at a later time.
In-Store Soirees
The retailer said it has several engaging in-store experiences lined up this holiday season. For example, most stores will offer a photo booth putting “a twist” on a traditional photo with Santa throughout December. Also on weekends during that month, shoppers can sample holiday treats, participate in interactive demonstrations with toys, a “Star Wars” event and more at select stores.
Eight New Brands
Target previously announced that it was reimagining its brand portfolio with the introduction of 12 new and exclusive brands by the end of 2018. Eight of those brands spanning baby, kids, women and men’s apparel and accessories and home will be available for the first time this holiday season.