Target is betting big on in-store experiences this holiday season, including turning its nearly 2,000 stores into Alpine Villages filled with festive décor and surprises. For the first time, the retailer also will host weekend events in each store throughout the season. Target also has created multiple seasonal promotional programs, from daily and weeklong deals to a holiday price match guarantee.
“Through every choice we make, from our creative to our in-store and online experiences, our goal this holiday season is simple: to be every guest’s go-to holiday partner, meeting them where they are,” said Cara Sylvester, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Target in a statement.
Additionally, Target is hosting its annual Great Giftogether program, which will deliver nearly $1.5 million to support the 2,000+ communities where its stores are located. The program partners local teams with nonprofits to identify families in need, then fulfills wish lists with help from thousands of Target associates volunteering to pick, purchase and wrap gifts, supported by the retailer and community partners.
This Yeti is Helpful, not Abominable
All these holiday activities will be supported by Target’s marquee holiday campaign, launching Nov. 2. Step Into the Holidays will invite customers to a whimsical, stylish Target universe designed to turn holiday shopping stress into a joyful adventure. The ensemble of characters includes the Get-Ready Yeti — an 8-foot-tall lovable helper who transforms into Tinsel Yeti for Black Friday fun. He will be joined by The Gifting Mice and Buttons the Gingerbread, appearing on digital platforms, broadcast, streaming and in the Gigglescape plush line.
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Promotions include Target’s Holiday Price Match Guarantee, effective Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, for which the retailer will match its own prices if they go lower later this season. Target also will host an early Black Friday sale from Nov. 6-8, with many discounts of 40% or more.
Battling Slow Store Traffic
Over the past few years, Target has been making multiple efforts to rebuild store traffic and sales momentum, including partnerships with brands such as Kate Spade and Champion to create limited-time and exclusive product collections. In July 2025 Target sought to build traffic during the back-to-school season with in-store personalization station events at 500 stores, allowing students to personalize backpacks, lunchboxes and even towels and pillows with embroidery, patches and more.
Target also began a rolling upgrade to its SoHo store in September 2025 in a bid to polish its image as a style destination, and this fall, Target hosted in-store activations for the Netflix show Stranger Things, featuring a 150-product assortment, including apparel, collectibles, food and beverages and home products, with over half the assortment available exclusively at Target.
