Target transforms stores into ‘Fantasy Forest’ to kick off holiday shopping season

Target wants shoppers to dream of a white and red Christmas.

To that end, the retailer is transforming its stores for holiday shopping, creating a mint-striped path through a “fantasy forest.”

Shoppers will find holiday items with a mint twist, from tablecloths and napkins to AirPods cases. As they walk through the store (there will be mint ribbons on the ceiling and mint signs at the ends of the aisles), they’ll encounter spots like the Merry Cherry Chalet, a storefront with a potential selection of gifts including sweaters and Candy Cane. A corner with an assortment of holiday treats from the Target Favorite Day brand.

In addition to the winter iconography of snow-covered trees, there is a new holiday mascot: Berry the Bear. The 9-foot-tall Berry will grace nine stores across the U.S., and customers will be able to buy plush toys, pajamas, blankets and other items.

Berry the Bear and his holiday-themed woodland home will also be in the Target app. “No matter where you are, if you’re in your app, if you’re standing in the stores, you’re truly immersed in this fantasy forest,” said Target executive vice president and chief guest experience officer Cara Sylvester. USA TODAY.

With many of its stores already transformed – all scheduled to be completed next week – Target will kick off its TV and online marketing campaign with a new commercial.

The video’s hero, a boy named Niko, meets Target mascot Bullseye and is transported to a magical Target store with a real-life Berry the Bear, a forest of trees and a giant mint swirl slide. The action is set to the tune “Pure Imagination,” which appeared in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, performed by British singer-songwriter Sarah Faith Griffiths, known as Griff (she opened several shows for Taylor Swift). Eras Tour).

“It’s beautiful, whimsical and designed to set the stage for the moments and magic of Target,” Sylvester said.

Target aims to turn stores into holiday ‘experiences’

This may be Target’s biggest foray into in-store experiences, but it’s not the first. Ahead of Memorial Day, the retailer also turned its 2,000 stores into “mini-vacation” destinations.

Target will also hold special events at stores in select cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York and Phoenix.

• November 9: Event “Holiday Wishes”; Some stores allow you to create your own gift list.

• November 23-24: A “Wicked” event to coincide with the film’s release on November 27th, featuring giveaways, treats and a free manicure with purchase.

• November 29: Black Friday celebration with gift wrap in store.

• December 7: Cookie decorating and other home activities.

• December 21-22: Last minute Glam Gifts event with L’Oréal Paris and Essie nail polish.

During in-store holiday events on November 9, 29, December 7 and 21-22, members of the free Target Circle loyalty program will receive a free Berry the Bear collectible figure, while supplies last.

Consumer spending this holiday shopping season is expected to exceed 2023 spending by 2.5% to 3.5%, according to the National Retail Federation.

Shopping: For those who have it all, check out our worthy holiday gift ideas.

Where to Find the 9 Foot Tall Berry Bear from Target

Nine Target stores will feature a 9-foot version of the new mascot Berry the Bear. Wait in line to take a selfie with Berry at the following stores:

• Edina, Minnesota

• Fishers, Indiana

• Houston, Texas

• Jersey City, New Jersey

• Newport News, Virginia

• Queen Creek, Arizona

• Riverview, Florida

• Roswell, Georgia

• Spring Hill, Tennessee

Target Celebrates Early Black Friday

In addition to transforming its stores, Target has also started running holiday promotions. Deal of the Day specials start Friday and run daily through December 24th and can be found in the Target app.

Target is launching a new three-day early Black Friday sale next week, running from November 7 to 9 (Thursday through Saturday) and offering “thousands of hot new deals, many with up to 50% off,” the company announced Wednesday.

Plus, starting Sunday, November 3rd, Target is launching weekly deals that will last throughout the holiday season. The first week of specials (November 3-9) includes up to 50% off floor care products and headphones, and up to 30% off baby gear and home decor selections. Buy one get one 50% off toys including Teenage Mutant. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Find weekly deals every Friday in Target’s Weekly Ad.

This story has been updated with new information.

Follow Mike Snyder on X and Threads: @mikesnider & Mikegsnyder.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Target: Holiday shoppers can explore ‘Fantastic Forest’.