Target Announces Black Friday Deals Will Be Available Online As Early As October

It's hard to believe, but it's nearly August, and the holidays will be here before we know it. Major retailers are already anticipating the busy holiday shopping season and making changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One major change: Stores that would normally stay open on Thanksgiving Day will be closing their doors. Walmart confirmed as much last week; now, Target is the second major retailer to announce all of its locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Additionally, Target confirmed that its "biggest holiday deals" (read: Black Friday) will be available starting in October, much earlier than usual, to help avoid the huge crowds that flood stores near the end of November. Plus, all of its best holiday deals will be available online as well as in stores so that you don't even have to shop in person at all. This is a major change from previous years, when some of the best doorbuster discounts have been in-store only. Walmart's press release didn't mention its deals strategy for this holiday shopping season, but we do expect (and hope) that more stores will follow Target's lead and offer all of their Black Friday deals online.

Target is also offering pickup and same-day delivery services for an additional 20,000 products, which will be a great option for those looking to avoid the crowds while also picking up that new game or console day of.

"Let's face it: Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isn't a year for crowds," Target CEO Brian Cornell said in a press release. "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. Starting in October and continuing throughout the season, you'll find Target's lowest prices of the year on items in stores and online, giving you the flexibility to get the gifts you want--when and how you want--at the Target value you love."