Target is placing AI-powered tools into customers’ hands with a conversational Target Gift Finder on its mobile app, providing tailored recommendations based on shoppers typing a few details about the recipient into the app. The retailer also has added list-to-cart scanning, allowing shoppers to scan handwritten lists into the Target app — including scanning holiday wish lists to seamlessly add items into their cart.
Additionally, Target has enhanced the Store Mode of its app to automatically activate as soon as a customer enters a Target store. Smart navigation helps guide guests through the aisles, and if an item isn’t available, Store Mode connects to alternate fulfillment methods, including same-day or next-day delivery in eligible markets. The in-store mode also includes virtual animated helpers that tell jokes and make the shopping experience merrier.
“We know so many of our guests love shopping our stores with their phones in hand, and when they use the Target app in-store, their basket sizes are nearly 50% higher as they discover more of what they love,” said Cara Sylvester, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Target in a statement. “We’re committed to making the shopping experience this year even more connected, personal and intuitive, with innovations that help guests discover the hottest items and Target products they love at a great deal.”
Target is transforming its nearly 2,000 stores into Alpine Villages for holiday 2025, one of a raft of in-store activations, including shop-in-shops dedicated to the Netflix show Stranger Things, designed to boost lagging foot traffic. Target lowered prices on 3,000 essential items earlier this week.
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Target rival Walmart also has added AI-powered tools to its app and website that are designed to streamline holiday shopping. The Future Consumer Index from EY revealed in August 2025 that 82% of respondents said they now trust AI-generated product recommendations.
