Social Media Criticism Targets Target’s Black Friday Giveaway Bag

Bassyonni

ago 45 minutes

Target’s Black Friday promotion this year sparked a wave of criticism on social media due to its underwhelming giveaway bags. Thousands of eager shoppers lined up at select Target stores as early as 3 a.m. on Friday, hoping to snag one of the complimentary bags offered to the first visitors through the door at 6 a.m.

Target’s Black Friday Giveaway Bag Disappointment

While the anticipation was high, disappointment followed as many shoppers deemed the contents of the gift bags lacking. The bags included items such as fun-size candy, drink mix samples, shampoo, and a deck of Uno cards. A TikTok user expressed frustration, questioning why customers would endure the cold for such minimal rewards, stating, “Y’all gonna have them wait outside in the freezing cold just for y’all to give them gummy clusters?”

Event: Black Friday 2023
Start Time: 6 a.m.
Shoppers in Line: As many as 500

Despite the complaints, Target announced that all gift bags were claimed by the opening time, and some stores offered special prizes. A select 10 shoppers per location received bonus gifts valued between $99 and $350. These included items like a Target gift card, a Laifen hairdryer, Ninja slushie machine, or Beats headphones.

Target’s Strategy to Attract Shoppers

In efforts to enhance shopper engagement, Target has been hosting various promotions. Incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke has prioritized improving the overall shopping experience. Recent highlights include a collaboration with pop star Taylor Swift for her latest album release and a festive “whimsical Alpine world” holiday display.

Comparative Praise for Lowe’s Strategy

As Target faced backlash, Lowe’s received accolades for its substantial Black Friday giveaway. Early shoppers at Lowe’s received five-gallon buckets filled with building supplies. This included drill bit sets and a unique bucket-shaped coffee mug. Golden ticket winners obtained coupons for appliances valued at up to $2,000.

Comments on social media reflected the stark contrast between the two retailers. One TikTok user humorously remarked that Lowe’s haul made Target’s offerings appear as insignificant as “party favors from a kids birthday.” Another added that Lowe’s approach created a sense of nostalgia, making shoppers “feel like kids on Christmas again.”

This year’s Black Friday showcased the varying strategies retailers employ to attract customers, highlighting how gift offerings can significantly influence shopper satisfaction.