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Target and Ace Hardware are two major retailers pushing out holiday discounts well before Thanksgiving. While Amazon and Walmart often grab headlines, Target's corporate announcement and Ace Hardware's press release show that these companies are rolling out aggressive promotions of their own. Examining their official statements and policies provides insight into what shoppers can expect this season and helps set realistic expectations about the depth and breadth of deals.
Target’s multi phase holiday savings
Target released a detailed fact sheet laying out its holiday savings strategy. The retailer will run three overlapping promotions between 1 November and 24 December.
- Deal of the Day: From 1 November through Christmas Eve, Target drops one-day-only deals offering up to 50 % off select items. The promotion is exclusive to members of the Target Circle loyalty program, and includes products from Target's own Pillowfort and Gigglescape lines as well as national brands.
- Weeklong deals: Every Sunday from 2 November onward, new batches of discounts are released. During the first week, Target promises up to 50 % off floor-care products, up to $200 off Apple devices, up to 40 % off tech items (headphones, TVs and wearables), 20 % off slippers for all and a 25 % discount on a single toy or children's book through Target Circle.
- Early Black-Friday sale: The retailer's headline event runs 6–8 November and offers discounts mostly at 40 % or more. Target cites several categories: 40 % off pajamas, holiday décor and lights, LEGO sets, women's and kids' sweaters/sweatshirts, Cat & Jack toddler tees and dresses, holiday sheets, up to 50 % off small appliances and floor-care items (including Ninja products), up to 50 % off select toys (Barbie, FAO Schwarz, Hot Wheels) and 30 % off Levi's apparel.
Target also reiterates its Holiday Price Match Guarantee; from 1 November to 24 December the company will refund the difference if Target's price drops later in the season. By laying out its promotions in advance, Target gives consumers a clear schedule for shopping and hints at categories where discounts will be deepest.
Ace Hardware's gift guide and reward member perks
Ace Hardware's press release emphasises gifts, but it also spells out concrete Black-Friday incentives. Members of Ace's free Ace Rewards program can take advantage of a 50 % discount on one regular-priced item up to $30 on Black Friday. There are also Holiday Weekend Savings (29 November – 1 December) offering 15 % off regularly priced merchandise, and free assembly and delivery on grills and push lawn mowers costing $399 or more. Ace's messaging focuses on service (assembly, delivery) and convenience (ready-in-15 pickup, same-day delivery) rather than a long list of heavily discounted products.
These promotions illustrate Ace's positioning as a neighborhood hardware store rather than a big-box discounter: there are fewer doorbuster items, but the company offers perks that matter to DIY consumers, like reduced pricing on small tools and free delivery on large items. However, because the press release does not specify particular product names, shoppers will need to visit Ace's site or store for exact sale items.
Recommendations for shoppers
- Mark your calendar. Target's deals roll out on specific dates. Shoppers looking for tech or floor-care deals should monitor the week starting 2 November, while those interested in toys, apparel or home décor should plan for the 6–8 November event.
- Join loyalty programs. Both Target Circle and Ace Rewards are free to join and unlock the steepest discounts. Without membership, customers may miss out on one-day “Deal of the Day” promotions or Ace's half-off coupon.
- Compare categories rather than merchants. Target's biggest cuts are in apparel, toys and small appliances; Ace's deals centre on hardware and tools. If you're looking for electronics or big-ticket appliances, another retailer might offer better selection.
- Read the fine print. Target's price-match policy and Ace's coupon have limitations. Items must be regularly priced at $30 or less to qualify for Ace's 50 % off coupon, and Target's price match applies only to future reductions at Target.
