Leaked holiday catalogs reveal that all orders will be shipped free between Nov 1 and Dec 25
Target will be offering free shipping again this holiday season, according to deal-tracker site BestBlackFriday.com, but the window will open later than it did in 2014. Last year the retailer offered free holiday shipping without minimums Oct. 22 to Dec. 20. Still, the extension of free shipping through December 25 is a definite plus.
A leaked holiday catalog from the retailer revealed that from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25, any order of any size (except for some oversized items) will enjoy free shipping to the lower 48 states. Target usually has a $25 minimum for free shipping. Other retailers are also offering free shipping to entice holiday shoppers. Best Buy, which normally has a $35 minimum order threshold for free shipping, also recently announced free shipping on all orders placed between Oct. 25 and Jan. 2.
In last year’s holiday shipping announcement, Target stated, “Target is poised to deliver an unparalleled holiday shopping season. We’ve been building capabilities that put us in a strong starting position, including the right digital tools and a broad assortment of unique, on-trend merchandise. Our value proposition will be unrivaled, with compelling promotions and an exceptional shopping experience online and in our stores.” It is safe to assume that this year’s announcement will be similar.
Free shipping is one way for retailers to battle Amazon and other competitors, who offer fast, convenient, and often free delivery of products to consumers. This year, however, offering free shipping means greater challenges for retailers, as shipping costs are escalating. FedEx and UPS have each established higher fuel charges and new pricing schedules.
"It's a slippery slope," Forrester analyst Sucharita Mulpuru told CNBC last year, noting that, even then, free shipping costs $3 to $6 per order. But Target “doesn't want to lose any more market share to the online channel.”
Target has not yet confirmed the free delivery holiday offer. Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $702 this year, and the ICSC holiday forecast is decidedly optimistic for 2015.
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