Target launches another generous deal to win back shoppers' trust

Target is not backing down from its plan to recover its reputation and win over customers.

The retail giant has been dealing with several challenges over the last few years, and is the 14th most popular department store (behind Costco, JCPenney, Walmart and more) and the 452nd most popular brand, according to the latest YouGov polling. 

Declining sales have often been attributed to several controversies, boycotts over its Pride collection, and the rollback of its DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives.

However, TheStreet retail reporter Maurie Backman recently highlighted that Target’s plan to regain customer loyalty has a serious flaw. Backman believes that before launching deals and advancing merchandising authority, Target should focus on fixing the actual stores. 

Experts such as GlobalData Retail Managing Director Neil Saunders previously pointed out that the retailer’s in-store experience has noticeably deteriorated. 

“Visiting Target stores is less pleasurable and less fun than it used to be,” Saunders told CX Dive. “There is far too much friction, and the experience is sometimes unpleasant.”

While customers’ in-store experiences definitely plays an important role, recovering from previous mistakes can’t be fixed with just one change. That’s why Target is making moves on all fronts. 

I recently reported on its four big changes under the guidance of new CEO Michael Fiddelke, with the goal of reversing declining sales and increasing foot traffic. The company is transforming from an “everything store” to a store with a clear focus on high-quality, trendy items and a better shopping experience.

Additionally, the company just unveiled special deals. 

Target rolls out a new 3-day sale, Target Circle Deal Days, for members 

Target shared on March 16 that it will hold a new three-day sale called Target Circle Deal Days from March 25-27, 2026. Per its official press release, the event is specifically for members of their loyalty program and focuses on deep discounts for spring essentials. 

Target Circle Deal Days builds on the success of previous events focusing on providing the biggest savings for its members. “The deals demonstrate Target’s merchandising authority to curate top products and brands at an exceptional value, which is one of the company’s growth priorities,” the retailer wrote. 

Target Circle Deal Days highlights Who can save: The deals are for members of the free Target Circle program. If you have the paid Target Circle 360 membership, you can start shopping the deals a day early on March 24.What is on sale: You can find discounts of up to 50% on thousands of items. Major highlights include 40% off women’s clothing, skin care, and kitchen appliances (like Keurig and Ninja), as well as 50% off select toys. Deals of the Day:  Every day of the sale, Target will reveal special 24-hour-only deals on major brands like Apple, Crocs, Hydro Flask, and Hanes.Special sign-up offers: Target is offering extra perks to get people to join their programs before and during the sale. New Target Circle members can get 15% off their first purchase, and those who sign up for the paid Circle 360 membership can get it for half price ($49 for the year). Additionally, people approved for a Target Circle credit card during this time can earn $100 in rewards.

“Whether refreshing their spring wardrobe, giving their home a seasonal update or discovering new beauty favorites, this three-day event brings together the season’s most sought-after products — paired with incredible value and the joyful, easy experience guests expect from Target. Target Circle is how you get the best of Target — it’s the foundation of how we reward loyalty and deliver more value, access and inspiration every day,”  stated Sarah Travis, executive vice president and chief digital and revenue officer. 

Target rolls out a new three-day sale, Target Circle Deal Days, for members.

Bloomberg/Getty Images

Target Circle program and the importance of loyalty memberships 

Industry data suggest that loyalty programs are key to customer retention. As inflation cools down but prices remain high, consumers are relying on membership offers and special deals to manage their household budgets. 

According to the latest statistics, loyalty membership programs are increasingly important both for customers and for retailers. In fact, 72% of consumers are more likely to spend with a brand if they are a loyalty member, and 56% report that these programs directly increase their total monthly spending, according to recent 2026 data from Zoho Thrive. 

Moreover, members are 43% more likely to shop weekly compared to nonmembers, helping brands maintain foot traffic. 

At the same time, consumers appreciate value and rewards. More than 60% of U.S. consumers state they are willing to pay a membership fee in exchange for exclusive benefits and an elevated experience, a 2022 report by Deloitte indicated. 

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Among Millennials, 71% use loyalty programs specifically as a primary tool to save money during their weekly shopping runs, according to data from Commerce Tools. 

This suggests Target’s push into loyalty-driven promotions aligns with broader consumer behavior trends. The retailer offers three ways to save, ranging from a free membership to a paid “all-access” plan.  

Target membership options key highlights Target Circle (Free): The standard loyalty tier that includes automatic discounts at checkout, personalized “Just-for-you” bonuses, and a 5% off birthday gift.Target Circle 360 (Paid): A premium membership ($99/year or $49/year for cardholders) that provides unlimited Same-Day Delivery on orders over $35, free two-day shipping, “Monthly Freebies,” and an extra 30 days for returns.Target Circle Card: A credit or debit option that gives holders an extra 5% off every day, free 2-day shipping on most items, and the extended 30-day return window.
Source: Target Circle and Target Help 
Target’s recent milestones, moves, and efforts to win back customers 

Last year, Target took several actions in an effort to win back consumers, including several promotional offers and discounts.

However, analysts caution that heavy discounting may not be a long-term fix, as similar strategies have historically delivered only short-lived sales boosts. “The price cuts are a step in the right direction, but they alone are not enough to win back customers. The ​winning playbook is broader than simply lowering prices,” said CFRA analyst Arun Sundaram, as reported by Reuters. 

Target’s latest earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2025 showed a year-over-year 2.5% decline in comparable sales, confirming that the recovery is a slow process.

Moreover, the retailer’s full-year 2025 net sales dropped 1.7% to $104.8 billion, reflecting a 2.6% decrease in comparable sales, according to its 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

After a large corporation experiences widespread public criticism and consumer boycotts, the path to recovery is steep; every subsequent decision is scrutinized by the public. This heightened sensitivity was evident recently when the company faced backlash for declining to take a formal stance against ICE operations in Minneapolis.

According to Nielsen IQ’s 2026 Consumer Outlook, 95% of consumers say brand trust is now the most critical factor when choosing where to shop, and Target has a long road ahead to win back that trust. 

Whether Target can fully regain customer trust remains uncertain, but the company is clearly accelerating efforts to stabilize sales and rebuild loyalty.

Target’s recent moves and milestones New CEO: Michael Fiddelke became CEO on February 1, 2026, pivoting the brand toward a “new chapter of growth,” according to the official press release.$2 billion investment: Target is spending $2 billion this year, including $1 billion for store payroll and training to improve the in-store experience, the company reported on March 3, 2026. 2,000th store milestone: The company opened its 2,000th store in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., featuring an expanded grocery section and 24 Drive Up lanes, per Target’s report. Price cuts: Target lowered prices on 3,000+ items across apparel, home, and essentials to attract budget-conscious shoppers, according to previous reporting by TheStreet.Next-day delivery expansion: Target recently announced the expansion of the next-day delivery to 20 more metro areas (e.g., Indianapolis and Cincinnati), reaching 60% of the U.S. population. Clean label initiative: Target plans, by the end of May 2026, to become one of the first national retailers to carry only cereals made without certified synthetic colors, according to TheStreet.

Related: Amazon rival brick-and-mortar chain closing more stores

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