Target is moving up the holiday rush, rolling out an early Black Friday sale roughly three weeks ahead of the traditional shopping weekend. The move underscores a retail reality that’s been building for years: shoppers want deals well before the big day, and chain retailers are reshaping their calendars to match. Target’s preview emphasizes seasonal staples rather than an assault of headline-grabbing tech doorbusters.
- Pajamas discounted by 40%.
- 40% off women’s and kids’ sweaters.
- 40% off holiday décor and lights.
- 40% off Lego sets and Champion apparel.
- Holiday-themed sheets marked down by 40%.
- Small appliances and floor care up to 50% off, including brands like Ninja.
- Toys up to 50% off, depending on selection, across leading titles like Barbie, FAO Schwarz, and Hot Wheels.
- 30% off men’s and women’s Levi’s clothing.
Selection varies by store and online, but the overall mix indicates gifting, cozy apparel, and home trends that dominate early-season buying.
Shoppers start earlier, reshaping promotions and logistics
Target’s schedule reflects broader consumer behavior. McKinsey’s research found that 66% of shoppers plan to begin buying Christmas presents before Black Friday. It’s evidence that the one-day doorbuster heyday is over—customers want time to compare prices, spread spending over many weeks, and avoid last-minute stockouts.
Because the most important shopping weekend falls later this year, retailers are launching promotions right away to capture spending that might otherwise go to rivals. The earlier start also helps level out shipping, staffing, and inventory flow: less strain on one frenzied day and more manageable sales across many stages. The data supports the approach. According to Adobe Analytics, online holiday spending has increased every year, with shoppers hunting bargains and responding to limited-time promotions. The National Retail Federation has also found that most people begin purchasing well ahead of the final weekend, bolstering the case for retailers to start earlier and broader.
How to make the most of Target’s early-season savings
There are several ways to maximize early deals and avoid missing out on popular items.
- Use Target Circle in the app to access member bargains; cardholders enjoy an extra discount.
- Watch for category discounts, coupons, bundles, and gift card promotions that routinely appear in advance of the season.
- Grab popular items that sell out quickly—Lego, Barbie playsets, and small appliances are often deeply reduced.
- Consider same-day pickup and delivery options from partners if you need fast turnaround.
Price protection and phased deals ahead of Black Friday
Price protection comes into play as well. Many holiday prices at Target can be matched or adjusted for later-season reductions, so early buyers don’t need to worry that a better deal is around the corner. Be sure to save your receipts and keep an eye on the featured products you’ve purchased.
As more deals are slated for the holiday weekend—particularly big-ticket electronics and TVs that often anchor the marquee promotions—the early event isn’t the main Black Friday push; it’s the first one. Retailers have broken the event into stages, letting each phase focus on a different shopping mission. That way, customers can buy gifts now and new tech later. Target tells the same story: the preview focuses on family gifting and household preparedness. Products like décor, apparel, and toys are meant to be bought early, while the giant electronics likely to headline the next phase are left for later.
Bottom line: Target’s early jump reflects an evolution in American shopping patterns that are earlier, more staggered, and more budget-conscious. The opening salvo delivers significant reductions on toys, apparel, décor, and some home tech. If you want the best selection, don’t hesitate to start now—while factoring your budget for the next phase.