Target.com Introduces GiftNow

In a press release on Monday (Oct. 23), big box retailer Target announced news of its plans for the holiday shopping season. The company discussed new brands, exclusive products and innovative ways to shop, including GiftNow, a service being introduced on Target’s website powered by Loop Commerce.

The GiftNow option can be selected when viewing products on Target.com, allowing customers to assemble and send a gift online. Recipients can view the gift, select the size or color of the product inside or pick another product entirely. Because the process happens entirely online, no returns are necessary, according to Target’s press release.

The retailer also announced that it would be adding 12 exclusive brands by the end of 2018, eight of which will be available during the 2017 holiday shopping season. Target said that the brands being introduced this year include products for babies and kids and apparel for both men and women.

“While there’s an incredible amount of change happening across retail, we’re focused on doing what’s best for our guests and leaning into what makes Target special, particularly during the holidays,” said Target CEO and Chairman Brian Cornell. “We’re making progress against our long-term strategy and entering the season with momentum.”

Target announced that, starting this November, the retailer will integrate a wallet function in its Target mobile app. The purpose, says the retailer, is to allow customers to pay for purchases and redeem promotions through the use of a smartphone.

The company combined the Target app with its coupon delivery system, Cartwheel, back in August of this year. The addition of a digital wallet feature is the latest step in Target’s efforts to increase the functionality of its mobile app.

For the holidays, Target has also expanded the number of stores that will ship products to consumers’ homes to more than 1,400. Additionally, the retailer will offer free shipping on its website beginning Nov 1.