Target Unveils Expanded Toy Departments Ahead Of Holidays: Photos

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Tuesday unveiled its plans for an expanded toy department during the holiday shopping season. The Minneapolis-based retailer said it's adding nearly a quarter-million square feet of new space for toys across more than 500 stores and will complete remodels of toy departments in more than 100 stores.

Shoppers will find more than 2,500 new toys, nearly double compared to last year, the company said. Additionally, Target will host family-friendly store events, and is introducing a new toys hub on Target.com, as well as a digitally enabled kids’ gifting catalog.

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"For many guests, finding the perfect toy to wrap up and give their little loved ones this holiday is going to be their top priority. We want them to know that Target is here to help," Mark Tritton, Target's executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said in a news release.

"Our team has spent months preparing for this season, selecting the assortment, deepening our inventory to offer more of the hottest items and reimagining the experience we have for toys in our stores and online. We’re excited to welcome more shoppers to Target this season and help them create memorable moments for years to come."

More space for toys

The expanded departments, slated to be complete by Nov. 2, will showcase larger items like electric ride-on vehicles, playhouses, outdoor playsets, and more.

In-store events

The retailer will also host more in-store events for kids and families this year. Kids can test out toys and come face-to-face with their favorite characters from Paw Patrol, Minecraft, L.O.L. Surprise! and more. Find details here.

Gift Finder

Target will launch a new digital hub for toys on Target.com this month, featuring a new “gift finder” to help shoppers find the perfect toys for every kid on their list.

Kids’ Gifting Catalog

Target’s kids’ gifting catalog will arrive in homes next week and will be available in stores on Oct. 28. Using the barcode scanner on the app, shoppers hover over any page to pull up a complete list of the products featured on that page.

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Photo credit: Stephen Allen