Guests enjoy an exceptional shopping experience both in stores and online

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 23, 2009-- This holiday season, Target (NYSE:TGT) is raising the bar on the superior shopping experience guests have come to expect all year round - both in stores and online. Recent enhancements include extended store hours, competitive holiday pricing, a more relaxed returns and exchange policy, convenient mobile solutions and free shipping from Target.com. Combined with Target’s consistently fast checkouts, these improvements will give guests yet another reason to make Target their preferred holiday shopping destination.

“Target’s guest satisfaction scores continue their upward trend and are at all-time highs. We are constantly making improvements to ensure we deliver an unmatched store experience throughout the holiday shopping season,” said Troy Risch, executive vice president, Stores.

Target’s research shows that at least 90 percent of guests are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with Target’s fast checkout, competitive pricing, friendly and helpful team members and return and exchange policy.

Enhancements for the holiday season include:

Extended Store Hours and Holiday Extras for Guests

All stores will open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday to meet the expectations of Target’s most passionate guests. The first 500 guests at every store will receive a special gift and store map, and from 5 a.m. until noon guests spending $100 or more will receive a $10 Target GiftCard (some exclusions apply). Additionally, Target is extending closing hours until midnight at the majority of stores nationwide in the two weeks prior to Dec. 25, and all stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Dec. 26 for post-holiday bargain hunters.

Low Price Promise

Target does regular comparisons on thousands of items to ensure competitive prices for its guests. In addition, through Target’s Low Price Promise, guests are guaranteed the best prices throughout the holiday season and all year round. If guests find a lower price on an identical item advertised by a competitor (excluding early-bird, doorbuster, limited time or limited quantity items), Target will match that price during the competitor’s valid ad date.

Check-outs in Under a Minute

Target’s friendly cashiers understand the importance of a quick check-out – in fact the average check-out time at Target is less than one minute in length. Team members call for additional cashiers if there are two or more guests waiting in line to keep guests moving quickly. This makes checkout at Target faster than many other retailers – even those with self-service checkout.

Relaxed Return Policy

Our improved return policy makes it easier for guests to make holiday returns. Beyond Target’s standard 90 day policy for returns or exchanges accompanied by a receipt, improved flexibility allows guests to return or exchange up to $70 in merchandise without a receipt on a rolling 12-month cycle. New and unused items over the $70 can be exchanged for items in the same department.

Convenient Mobile Solutions and Free Shipping from Target.com

Target.com recently introduced several new features to make finding and purchasing great, affordable holiday gifts even easier. Features include convenient mobile solutions such as wish lists and shopping assistance. Target.com also provides free shipping on more than 100,000 select items when guests spend $50 or more on the site.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,744 stores nationwide and at Target.com, a fully integrated online business. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary and Visa credit card products. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices.

Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. Target Corporation news releases are available at www.target.com.

Note: Target welcomes the media to its stores. To contact your local store about shooting holiday b-roll or photos, please visit “Find a Store” at www.Target.com and contact the Leader on Duty directly to request a visit or interview. You also may visit our online pressroom at www.Target.com/pressroom to access product information, photos and more for the holiday season.

Source: Target Corporation

Target Communications, 612-696-3400