Target's Holiday Shopping Season Will Begin In October

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Target announced Monday that it's changing its traditional holiday shopping schedule in the interest of safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of beginning the week of Thanksgiving, the company will roll out savings starting in October.

"Let’s face it: Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isn’t a year for crowds," the Minneapolis-based retailer said in a blog post.

"That’s why our biggest holiday deals will be available earlier than ever, so you can shop safely and conveniently without worrying about missing out on deals that usually come later in the season."

Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving. The announcement comes days after Walmart said it will be closed on Nov. 26.

Target is also making 20,000 additional products, including groceries, available for pickup and delivery so shoppers can avoid spending time in the stores.

The retailer says its contactless same-day services including Drive Up, Order Pickup and Same-day Delivery grew 278 percent in the first quarter.