Target starting Black Friday before Halloween
Target isn’t waiting for Thanksgiving to begin offering Black Friday deals.
The discount retailer, which ran its Circle Week fall sales extravaganza Oct. 1-7 in competition with Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, is holding its four-week Black Friday promotion Sunday, Oct. 29 through Thanksgiving weekend.
New weekly deals will be available each Sunday through Saturday. They will include Target’s best prices planned for the holiday season, with discounts on items in categories such as electronics, toys, kitchen appliances, everyday essentials and beauty.
[Read more: Target goes big on toys for holidays, with Disney, FAO Schwarz exclusives]
Target’s Black Friday deals will be available in-store, online and via its consumer app. The retailer will provide early previews for the week ahead each Friday in its weekly ad. For a partial listing of Black Friday discounts available the week of Oct. 29 click here.
As part of its holiday promotion, Target is also bringing back its holiday price match guarantee, available Oct. 22 through Dec. 24. If the price on an item goes lower at Target later in the season, the retailer will match it. Target also will match select competitors' pricing within 14 days of purchase.
Beyond its Black Friday deals, Target will also offer 5% off purchases made with the Target Red Card credit card. Members of the retailer's free-to-join Target Circle loyalty program will also get access to exclusive deals, personalized offers and the “Deal of the Day,” with deep discounts in-store and online for Target Circle members every day through Dec. 24.
Target bolsters staff for holiday rush
To help support expected increased holiday customer traffic and demand, Target has said it plans to hire nearly 100,000 seasonal workers to assist customers, provide same-day fulfillment services and sort and ship orders.
Also, the retailer has committed to scheduling flexibility for its existing employees and will give them the opportunity to add extra hours to build their desired schedule. It has established an “On Demand” team — a flexible workforce that includes nearly 45,000 associates — who have the option to pick up shifts on an as-desired basis, depending on staffing needs and employee availability.
“We know our customers are looking for exceptional value this holiday season, which is why Target's offering thousands of Black Friday deals across our entire assortment," said Christina Hennington, executive VP and chief growth officer, Target. "Whether they're stocking up on seasonal essentials, preparing for holiday gatherings, or looking for the perfect gift, our guests can trust Target for the combination of inspiration and affordability that'll help them make the season special for their friends and family."