Target Launches Season-Long Price Match
Target is kicking off the holiday shopping season with a new price guarantee.
Target’s Holiday Price Match Guarantee will kick off earlier than ever, starting with Target Deal Days on Oct. 10, in a bid to give shoppers confidence to buy earlier and not wait until later in the season to get the retailer’s best deals. New this year, shoppers can request a price adjustment on items purchased at Target Oct. 10 through Dec. 24 if the retailer lowers the price later in the season. Additionally, as part of its existing policy, Target will continue to match select competitors’ pricing within 14 days of purchase.
Shoppers must bring the entire printed ad, or show the online price or digital version of the ad on a mobile device for proof of price, and original receipts or packing slips are required for price adjustments after purchase. There are also a few catches. “Marketplace” prices from third party sellers are excluded, as are clearance and offers advertised as % or $ off, among other exclusions.
“Retailers offering to price match is a smart move amid another holiday shopping season in turmoil," David Malka, chief sales officer for goTRG tells RIS. "It shows they are aware of how crucial it is to lock in holiday sales as early as possible given challenges such as supply chain delays and rising prices on goods.
"I anticipate that in a bid to win over early-bird shoppers with the lowest prices on gifts, there will be a frenzy of overbuying. Consumers will feel more comfortable making purchases on a whim and will do so much earlier in the season with the guarantee that they can return the items if Target doesn’t end up dropping the price. Retailers should brace for a surge of returned goods ahead of a strong, early online shopping season. We typically see holiday returns at around 30% but goTRG anticipates returns this year will be closer to 40% in response to early shopping incentives, price matching offers and continued growth in e-commerce sales."
Target will also once again bring back Target Deal Days on Oct. 10-12. For the first time, Deal Days will take place at all Target stores, as well as online and through the Target App. Shoppers will find deep discounts across Target’s entire assortment, including private labels, TVs, Beats headphones, fleece, video games, vacuums, kitchen appliances, food and beverage offerings, and more. Target’s same-day fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pickup and Same-Day Delivery with Shipt will allow for shoppers to collect their Target Deal Days goods the same day, with no membership fee required.
“As we approach the holiday season, guests are excited to shop early, and our team is ready to help them prepare so they can celebrate what matters most — time with family and friends,” said Christina Hennington, executive vice president and chief growth officer, Target. “That’s why we’re bringing back Target Deal Days, offering incredible value earlier than ever, and making the shopping experience even easier with deals available online, through the Target App and in our more than 1,900 stores for the first time.”
Target announced earlier this month it’s giving five million more hours to current stores’ associates this holiday shopping season and will hire 100,000 seasonal workers to supplement its current team. The additional hours will result in $75 million more in pay for Target’s existing team, the retailer said and hourly team members are already working nearly 15% more hours than they were a year ago, on average. The company will build on this during the holiday season by having store leaders regularly check in with existing team members to understand their scheduling preferences and offer them the opportunity to work additional hours if they’re interested.