Core Insights - The research conducted by Quad and The Harris Poll reveals a strong consumer preference for in-person shopping experiences during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of tactile interactions in gift-giving [1][3][4] Consumer Preferences - 74% of consumers believe in-store shopping enhances their holiday spirit, while 75% feel it fosters connections with family and friends [3][7] - 76% of Americans report deeper connections with brands through in-person retail experiences, indicating that tangible interactions build trust and engagement [4][8] - 78% of Millennials and 71% of all respondents feel more present and less distracted by their phones when engaging in tactile brand interactions [5] Catalogs and Physical Retail - 70% of consumers view physical catalogs as a good starting point for holiday gift purchases, with 51% planning to rely more on catalogs this year to reduce online scrolling [2][16] - 66% of Americans express a desire for personalized catalogs curated specifically for them, highlighting the catalogs' role in sparking gift ideas [16][12] Changing Dynamics of Holiday Shopping - 75% of respondents perceive Black Friday and Cyber Monday as transactional rather than joyful, with 72% finding better deals outside these shopping holidays [9][10][15] - 84% of consumers prefer meaningful deals spread across the holiday season rather than concentrated on just two days [15] Generational Insights - Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, show excitement for receiving printed catalogs, with 54% of Gen Z and 51% of Millennials indicating enthusiasm [11][12] - 64% of respondents believe catalogs help them narrow down choices faster than online shopping, further emphasizing the catalogs' effectiveness as a marketing tool [16][12]

Core Insights - Retailers are adapting to a more cautious consumer by launching holiday offerings earlier than usual [1][2] - The holiday shopping season is being influenced by economic factors, including a bifurcation in consumer spending and external pressures like government shutdowns and tariffs [2] Retail Strategies - Kohl's is initiating its holiday marketing campaign a week earlier than last year to capture early shoppers [3] - The strategy includes showcasing holiday merchandise sooner to drive early consumer consideration [3][4] Consumer Behavior - Shoppers are making more frequent trips to stores but purchasing smaller quantities, indicating a more strategic approach to holiday shopping [4] - There is a trend of consumers aggregating their spending around key shopping events to maximize deals [5] Promotional Insights - Retailers are observing a higher take rate on promotions compared to the previous year, suggesting that consumers are becoming more price-savvy [6]

Core Points - Amazon is launching the holiday shopping season with Prime Big Deal Days, providing exclusive access to millions of deals for Prime members [1] - The event starts at 12:01 a.m. PT on October 7, featuring discounts on various categories including kitchen, home products, beauty, and electronics [1] - Notable brands participating in the deals include KitchenAid, Shark, medicube, and tarte [1]

Core Insights - Target Corporation is preparing for its largest shopping event, Target Circle Week, from October 5 to October 11, 2025, aiming to attract shoppers with early holiday deals and fall essentials [1][6] - The event will feature significant discounts, exclusive perks for loyalty program members, and a focus on creating excitement for the upcoming holiday season [1][6] Group 1: Target Circle Week Details - Target Circle members will have access to daily "Deal of the Day" offers starting at 40% off, with discounts on popular brands like Apple, GE, Crocs, and Champion [2][8] - Discounts will include up to 50% off kitchen appliances, 30% off adult denim, and substantial savings on toys, books, music, and Halloween costumes [2][8] - Seasonal items such as trick-or-treat candy, cozy bedding, and trendy apparel will also see significant markdowns [2] Group 2: Membership Benefits - Target Circle 360 subscribers will receive 24-hour early access to top deals, special in-store giveaways, and exclusive product drops [3][8] - Subscribers can earn $10 in Target Circle Rewards for every $100 spent, along with ongoing benefits like unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35 [3] Group 3: Shopping Options - Shoppers can access deals at nearly 2,000 Target stores or utilize options like free Order Pickup, Drive Up, or fast same-day delivery [4] - Joining Target Circle is free and provides everyday savings, personalized bonuses, and partner perks, with an additional 5% off for using a Target Circle Card during the event [4] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The holiday shopping season is crucial for retailers, with major competitors like Macy's, Amazon, and Walmart also launching seasonal initiatives to attract customers [7][9] - Target's strategy aims to capture early holiday sales and provide a festive shopping experience, positioning itself against these competitors [6][7]

Core Insights - Target Corporation is enhancing its holiday offerings with 20,000 new items, double the amount from last year, with over half being exclusive to Target [1][3] - The retailer is expanding next-day delivery to over half of the U.S. population, aiming to provide faster service to consumers [1][7] Product Offerings - The holiday assortment includes a wide range of products, with most items priced under $20, featuring categories such as apparel, beauty, food gifting, holiday decor, and toys [2][12] - Target is introducing exclusive collaborations and collections, including products related to Netflix's "Stranger Things" and Universal Pictures' "Wicked: For Good" [5][12] - The retailer is focusing on affordable fashion, with festive dresses and alpine-inspired pieces available at competitive prices [5] Promotions and Sales Events - Target Circle Week will take place from October 5-11, offering savings on essentials and holiday gifts, with early access for paid members starting October 4 [4] - New deals will be introduced weekly starting November 1, including the Deal of the Day with discounts up to 50% [4] Delivery and Staffing - Target is expanding next-day delivery to 35 major U.S. metro areas, covering over half of the population, with plans for additional cities next year [7] - Same-day delivery is available to over 80% of the U.S. population, and two-day shipping is accessible to 99% [8] - The company is hiring seasonal staff to support holiday operations, offering competitive pay and flexible scheduling [10]