As the Christmas holiday approaches, Target Corp. is stepping up its game to meet the needs of busy shoppers. The retailer is emphasizing convenience with same-day delivery options available on Christmas Eve and extending store hours until midnight on December 23rd and 8 p.m. on December 24th. Alongside these services, Target has launched its Holiday Countdown sale, attracting customers eager to fill their carts with festive essentials.
In an exclusive interview with John Conlin, Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Food and Beverage at Target, insights into current shopping behaviors and upcoming trends were shared. A central theme of this year’s sales strategy revolves around value and inspiration, both of which are crucial during the holiday shopping season.
Recent patterns observed during Thanksgiving indicate that shoppers are actively seeking value, a trend expected to persist through Christmas. “We sold over a million pounds of turkey in November, with our Good & Gather Turkey priced competitively at just 79 cents per pound. Our guests are looking for both affordability and inspiration,” Conlin noted. This dual focus is evident not just in meat offerings, but across their entire food and beverage range.
For example, consumers can look forward to competitive pricing with the Market Pantry hickory-smoked ham available for only 99 cents per pound. Moreover, Target is introducing over 700 new items this season, including the Good & Gather charcuterie party tray priced at $11.99, presenting an ideal solution for holiday gatherings that won’t break the budget.
Target’s strategy emphasizes its position as a one-stop-shop, addressing multiple needs of consumers who often seek convenience. Conlin explained that the diverse categories available—ranging from groceries to decor—allow customers to shop for all their holiday needs in one place. He stated, “When hosting a holiday party, customers need food, drinks, serving platters, outfits, and decorations. Target has it all, and at incredible value.”
The ability of Target to offer a wide range of products has made it a popular destination for gifts and decorations alongside groceries. Such flexibility in merchandising allows customers to make cost-effective choices that simplify their holiday preparations.
In terms of specific products, Target’s Good & Gather and other owned brands demonstrate significant appeal among shoppers. While it’s too early in the season to declare definitive best-sellers, Conlin highlighted the consistent popularity of the Market Pantry hickory-smoked ham and the widespread appeal of gingerbread house kits, with nearly four million sold each year. Festive favorites like the Iced Gingerbread Buddy Decorating Kit and the Prebuilt Gingerbread House kit are also anticipated to perform well.
Target recognizes that the holiday season is a prime time for product discovery, often adding new and interesting items to appeal to consumers. “This is where we shine,” Conlin said, referring to the introduction of 700 seasonal offerings under its exclusive brands. New peppermint items like Favorite Day Peppermint Bark and Good & Gather Peppermint Stick Coffee, priced starting under $5, are expected to captivate shoppers. Additionally, guests can immerse themselves in Target’s specially themed “Candy Cane Corner” featuring over 50 new peppermint products.
Target is not only about holiday shopping convenience; it is also fostering joyful experiences for families. Conlin shared personal insights about his holiday traditions, mentioning his family’s plans to create their Favorite Day Mini Village Gingerbread House kit together. He also noted the addition of premium poinsettias to the floral assortment for just $10, a classic holiday gift.
Looking ahead, Conlin provided a glimpse into the post-holiday shopping landscape, hinting at a sustained focus on essentials and a continued quest for value-driven products. With New Year resolutions often emphasizing wellness, Target plans to accommodate growing interest in home cooking by providing a variety of affordable meal ideas through its Food & Beverage assortment.
In summary, Target’s customer-centric approach capitalizes on the current desire for value while simultaneously igniting excitement through the introduction of new products across multiple categories. This strategy positions the retailer not only as a place to shop but as a source of inspiration during the bustling holiday season. As shoppers balance their budgets with dining and gifting needs, Target is poised to meet—and perhaps exceed—expectations this year.
