Target is ramping up its digital innovation with a suite of new AI-powered and interactive features designed to make shopping in its stores more personalised and engaging ahead of the holidays.
The retailer’s latest app update introduces a conversational AI gift finder, allowing users to describe who they’re buying for or the occasion and instantly receive tailored product suggestions. A demo of the tool is available on Target’s corporate website.
Customers can also use a new list scanner, which converts handwritten shopping lists into digital carts by scanning them directly through the app.
Meanwhile, Target’s Store Mode has been upgraded to activate automatically upon entering a store, guiding shoppers through aisles to locate items and suggesting alternate fulfilment options — such as same-day or next-day delivery — if products are unavailable.
Related Story
Adding a playful twist, Target has launched a “Find Bullseye” in-store game. Available through Store Mode, it turns the visit into a scavenger hunt for the retailer’s mascot, rewarding players with holiday stickers at checkout. Virtual animated helpers also appear within the app to guide customers, tell jokes, and enhance the in-store experience.
“We know so many of our customers love shopping our stores with their phones in hand, and when they use the Target app in-store, their basket sizes are nearly 50% higher as they discover more of what they love,” said Cara Sylvester, Target’s chief customer experience officer.
“We’re committed to making the shopping experience this year even more connected, personal and intuitive — helping families focus more on the joy of the season.”
The upgrades follow Target’s launch of a QR-enabled holiday kids’ catalogue, which lets shoppers scan codes to create and share digital wish lists.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
