UPDATE: Sep. 25, 2023, 12:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest deals information and shopping tips ahead of Target Circle Week.
Target couldn't wait more than a day to one-up Amazon's announcement of the official dates for Prime Big Deal Days with its announcement of Target Circle Week. "Oh, Amazon's having a huge sale that runs for 48 hours on Oct. 11 and 12? We're conveniently having a huge holiday kickoff sale that runs for the entire week of Oct. first through seventh." Best Buy has similar plans.
How often is Circle Week at Target?
This is Target's second Circle Week of the year, and yes, of course the first one happened near Prime Day in July. The whole weeklong thing diverts from Target's previous Prime Day opposition: a 72-hour event called Deal Days that was open to everyone, not just Target Circle members. Circle Week has also been timed much more closely to Prime Day, typically getting an edge with a head start.
Needing to be a Target Circle member to access the glory of Circle Week isn't a big deal since joining Target Circle is free, unlike Prime.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's invite-only deals are back for Prime Day 2 and they're already available to shopWhat will be on sale for Target Circle Week?
Target Circle members will be treated to up to 40% off on-trend gifts, seasonal items, and everyday essentials. Past Circle Week's official dates (through Dec. 24), members should keep a close eye on the Deal of the Day spotlight — brands like Apple, Nespresso, Dyson, and Nintendo will be making appearances. Target gave a glimpse into some deals specifics in a recent press release:
Beats Solo3 wireless on-ear headphones — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)
Up to 40% off kitchen
Up to 40% off floor care
30% off select Halloween costumes and accessories
20% off bedding and bath
20% off select diapers and wipes
20% off select grocery
20% select books and movies
Like any other Target Circle offer, Circle Week discounts will only apply if the Circle member has saved the offer in the app or online first. To mitigate the scramble when Circle Week actually starts on Oct. 1, members can pre-save offers ahead of time through Sept. 30.
Target also isn't one to shy away from giving away free money to encourage customers to shop more. Similar to Amazon's promotion that trades a sign-up to Amazon Photos for a free $15 Prime Day credit, Target will be tacking gift cards onto purchases of a certain amount from a certain category:
Spend $50 on toys and save $10, or spend $100 on toys and save $25
Spend $50 on household essentials, get a $15 Target gift card
Spend $25 on select beauty brands, get a $5 Target gift card
Spend $40 or more on select Ulta Beauty at Target brands get a $5 Target gift card
Circle members planning a vacation can also save 20% on Tripadvisor's Things To Do tab, which includes over 300,000 experiences like city tours, day trips, and outdoor excursions from around the world.