If you thought Black Friday was just a day, think again—retail giants like Target are turning it into a month-long celebration to achieve record-breaking sales.

Black Friday, scheduled for November 29th this year, is expected to kick off the holiday shopping season in full swing.

Known for consistently ranking among the highest-grossing days of the year, Black Friday is an opportunity sellers worldwide can’t afford to miss.

With U.S. holiday retail sales projected to reach an astounding $98 billion this season, the stakes have never been higher, and competition has never been more fierce.

Target, one of the largest department store chains in the U.S., understands this all too well and has already started its Black Friday campaign to beat everyone to the punch.

“With amazing deals all season, early Black Friday offers, exclusive deals for Target Circle members, an assortment full of exclusive-to-Target gift options and our industry-leading Holiday Price Match Guarantee, our team is kicking off the holidays in a way only Target can.” said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Target.

Target’s Black Friday Playbook

Here’s how you can take inspiration from Target’s strategy to make this Black Friday your most profitable season yet.

1. Extend the Excitement with Early Deals

Target started its Black Friday offers on November 1st with a daily “Deal of the Day.”

New one-day-only deals are released daily for members of the retailer’s free-to-join Target Circle, including discounts on gifts, home decor, tech, and more.

This strategy attracts customers early and builds a habit of return visits, so shoppers are already in a buying mindset by the time Black Friday arrives.

Your Move: Launch an early-deal strategy to encourage shoppers to start their holiday purchases with you. Introduce daily deals leading up to Black Friday to create a sense of excitement and urgency.

2. Weekly Themes for Consistent Engagement

Every Sunday, Target introduces a fresh set of weekly deals, offering new incentives to keep customers returning.

On Fridays, they can visit Target’s Weekly Ad to preview the deals for the week ahead.

This approach builds momentum and creates continuous engagement as shoppers look forward to what’s next.

Your Move: Adopt a weekly theme strategy, focusing on different categories each week, such as tech, home, fashion, and toys. Create a “Countdown to Black Friday” to draw in consistent traffic.

3. Reward Loyalty with Exclusive Member Deals

Target Circle members enjoy exclusive daily deals and personalized discounts, reinforcing the value of being part of the Target community.

It’s not just about price cuts; it’s about making customers feel valued and the shopping experience more personal.

Your Move: Use your loyalty program to offer exclusive early access and member-only discounts. If you don’t have a program, now is the time to launch one. Loyalty-driven incentives keep shoppers coming back and make them feel part of something special.

4. Embrace Flexibility with Pickup and Delivery Options

Target has optimized convenience with free Drive Up, Order Pickup, and same-day delivery options, making it easy for customers to shop on their own terms.

Your Move: Enhance your service offerings with easy-to-access curbside pickup, dedicated parking spots, or even same-day delivery. The goal is to remove any barriers to purchase, giving customers the flexibility they crave.

5. Transform Black Friday into a Fun Experience

Target creates a festive in-store atmosphere, from decor to special displays, making shopping feel like part of the holiday season.

Your Move: Elevate the shopping experience by creating a lively Black Friday environment. Think holiday music, themed decorations, photo booths, and even small refreshments. The goal is to make the shopping trip enjoyable and memorable.

The Bottom Line

Black Friday is no longer just one day; it’s a season.

Target’s approach to Black Friday is proof that early engagement, loyalty rewards, and convenience are critical to maximizing sales.

By implementing these strategies, you can capture the excitement and turn Black Friday into a profit powerhouse for your business.