Target Corp. is ready to kick off the holidays with a host of deals to motivate shoppers and plans to add nearly 100,000 seasonal workers to meet the rush.
The seasonal workforce — on par with last year’s plans — will help customers make same-day deliveries and sort and ship orders. Target is also giving current associates the chance to add extra hours depending on staffing needs and their own availability.
Low unemployment has made it more difficult for retailers to staff stores, making on-the-sales-floor associates more of a competitive advantage even as companies juggle online and offline businesses.
“This is a time the Target team shines, and we’re ready to deliver affordability, inspiration and convenience to help our guests celebrate holiday traditions with loved ones,” said chief growth officer Christina Hennington. “We’ll have great deals every day, on top of our everyday low prices. And between our only-at-Target exclusives, robust assortment of owned and national brands, new partnerships and industry-leading fulfillment services, Target is making it easier than ever for our guests to embrace the joy of the season.”
The retailer is kicking off the season with Target Circle Week, running from Oct. 1 to 7, with “deep discounts on thousands of items, including hot, trending gifts, seasonal items, everyday essentials and more, with up to 40 percent off for Target Circle members.”
Target is also bringing back its Deal of the Day for members from Oct. 1 through Dec. 24 with “huge savings on new and must-have gifts and everyday essentials both in store and at target.com.”
That has the retailer starting holiday efforts before online competitor Amazon, which will have its Prime Big Deal Days promotion on Oct. 10 to 11.
While much in Target’s holiday plans is familiar, one definitely new look will come from Kendra Scott, which will have more than 200 pieces of jewelry and accessories in the discounter. Most of the items in the strategic partnership, which was revealed this month, will come in at under $40.
