Retail / news
Target leans on daily deals, exclusives and AI assistant for holiday season
Target is rolling out more than 8,000 new gifts, most priced at $20 or under, alongside an AI-powered shopping assistant and a daily deal cadence running from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24.
The retailer said more than half of the new holiday assortment is exclusive to Target, and that most new items carry a price of $20 or less, with many below $5. The push leans on what Target calls "luxe for less," a value positioning illustrated by a $35 throw blanket, a $45 cashmere sweater, $10 pajamas and $5 candles.
The centerpiece of the digital effort is Ask Target, a conversational AI assistant now in beta on Target.com and the Target app. According to the company, the tool helps shoppers find inspiration and build wishlists for themselves and for others.
On the promotions side, Target will post a new Deal of the Day every day from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, with early Black Friday offers scheduled for Nov. 5–7.
CEO Michael Fiddelke, speaking to reporters on Oct. 20, framed value as a year-round priority that intensifies during the holidays. He said the approach covers pricing as well as helping shoppers find the right item for themselves or a loved one.
The strategy arrives as holiday shoppers grapple with inflation, higher energy costs and tariff-driven price increases, pressures the company cited in outlining the program.