Target announced a new and surprising strategy for their 2017 holiday shopping plans today. While there are several new programs and innovative promotions, the most shocking is the new Together’s The Joy campaign, which intends to keep the focus on Thanksgiving while avoiding the ‘Christmas Creep’. Customers aren’t happy that the entire Thanksgiving holiday is bypassed, and it seems that Target aims to please them by placing a larger emphasis on Thanksgiving. While we do not yet have confirmation, this helps add a little more substance to my theory that stores may actually be working away from Thanksgiving openings for ‘Black Friday’ shopping.
In addition to the new Together’s The Joy campaign, these additional details were released:
New, Exclusive Brands
Target will be partnering with 12 new brands, all to be released before the end of the year. This includes the highly anticipated Hearth & Home collection by Chip and Joanna Gaines (to be released on November 5th- and we’ll be live broadcasting it in our Extreme Christmas Savings Facebook Group).
Curated Gift Collections
Nearly 1,700 gifts have been curated and will be prevalently displayed both online and in Target stores. These collections include gifts for men, women, and kids, and will also feature a large stocking stuffer assortment with many items priced at just $1.
GiftNow
Take the guesswork of selecting sizes and colors. When shopping online, you can order an item and select a box that will email the gift recipients and allow them to select colors and sizes- or even choose an entirely different gift.
Free Shipping
Beginning November 1st, shipping will be free for all items available on Target.com. There is typically a $25 minimum shipping threshold for those who don’t have a Target RedCard.
Mobile Wallet
RedCard holders will now be available to pay directly with through the RedCard app.
Weekend Only Sales
Beginning November 2
What’s next?
We are expecting to see the release of the annual Target Toy Book in a few days, which should be full of coupons for popular toys and games. We are also anticipating the return of the popular 1-day only cartwheel toy offers.
Black Friday Ad Leak
We expect to release the 2017 Target Black Friday ad as early as November 8th!