Target enhances digital tools, offers free online shipping for holiday season
MINNEAPOLIS — Target is gearing up for the holiday season with a string of new initiatives, including new and enhanced digital tools and free shipping on all Target.com orders now through Dec. 20.
“Target is poised to deliver an unparalleled holiday shopping season. We’ve been building capabilities that put us in a strong starting position, including the right digital tools and a broad assortment of unique, on-trend merchandise. Our value proposition will be unrivaled, with compelling promotions and an exceptional shopping experience online and in our stores,” said Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO, Target. “It’s about delivering on our promise of ‘Expect More. Pay Less,’ and when we do that, Target is impossible to beat.”
With conversion on Target’s digital channels up 40% this year, guests are turning to Target.com for more of their shopping, the retailer stated. In light of this, Target will offer free shipping on all Target.com orders for the holidays, now through Dec. 20. In addition, more than 65,000 items are now available for Store Pickup on Target.com and 80% of orders are fulfilled within one hour, making it a convenient option for busy shoppers through Christmas Eve.
Beginning Oct. 31, Target will launch a Wish List app — a modern and digital take on the classic tradition of creating holiday wish lists. Kids can add must-have items to their list, while parents can share the list with friends and family. Target’s Wish List app also offers an augmented reality feature that works with Target’s Kids’ Gifting catalog. Plus, guests can save 10% on their Wish List on one day of their choosing before Nov. 26. The app can be downloaded on Apple and Android mobile and tablet devices or printed on the registry kiosks in Target stores.
In addition, mobile and tablet apps are relaunching in time for the holidays. With these enhancements, Target is looking to help guests locate and purchase what they are looking for using interactive store maps and shopping lists, as well as streamlined checkout including, Apple Pay in the iPhone app.
Furthermore, Target is offering weekly sales, weekend promotions and exclusive deals on Target.com and Cartwheel, Target’s savings app. Cartwheel will offer daily deals for its more than 10 million users, and from Nov. 2 to Dec. 24, Cartwheel will offer 50% off a different toy every day. The app will have new features for the holidays, including special deals for top users, personalized recommendations and a select number of popular offers that do not expire.
For the third year, Target is extending the timeframe of its Price Match Policy for the holiday season beyond the typical seven-day window. If a guest purchases a qualifying item at Target between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 and then finds it for less at Target.com, a local competitor’s printed ad or at select online retailers, Target will match that price.
REDcard holders get 5% off nearly all purchases, free shipping at Target.com and an extra 30 days for returns.
Partnership with STORY
This holiday, Target will partner with New York retailer STORY. STORY brings an editorial lens to retail and reinvents itself every four to eight weeks — from merchandise and store design, to floor plans and fixtures — bringing to light a new theme or trend. From Target’s design partnerships to its everyday collections, STORY will curate its favorite holiday treasures from Target, alongside its other must-have items for the season, beginning Nov. 5.
"Working with STORY will give holiday shoppers in Manhattan a new way to discover Target’s brand and products,” said Kathee Tesija, chief merchandising and supply chain officer, Target. “This unique concept will also provide a testing ground for us to continue to understand how merchandising and product curation influences our guests.”