Target rolls out free shipping for all orders during holidays
Target Corp. rolled out free shipping as the holiday season gets underway in an effort to lure shoppers to its website and turn around its business after months of turmoil over a huge data breach.
The Minneapolis retailer said Wednesday that customers would enjoy free shipping on all online orders through Dec. 20. The company also extended its price match policy and launched an app for people to create holiday wish lists.
The new offerings come as Target and rival companies prepare for what could be a less-than-blockbuster holiday shopping season, a crucial time when retailers can make as much as 40% of their annual sales.
Many companies are responding by expanding hours and adding extra services. Macy’s recently announced it will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving, two hours earlier than the year before. Wal-Mart has already launched its holiday layaway plan.
Target is still trying to shake off the effects of a massive data breach that compromised the credit and debit card information of millions of shoppers last Christmas season. The aftermath led to the exit of long-time Chief Executive Gregg Steinhafel. The new CEO, Brian Cornell, took over in August.
The company has “been building capabilities that put us in a strong starting position,” Cornell said in a statement. “Our value proposition will be unrivaled” during the holidays.
Target has its work cut out: Its net income plunged nearly 62% to $234 million in its second quarter.
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