Amazon and Target set competing October deal events

SEATTLE and MINNEAPOLIS — Amazon and Target will go head-to-head Oct. 6-7 with major deals aimed at capturing consumers as they begin fall and holiday shopping.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days will offer millions of deals exclusively to Prime members during the 48-hour event. The retailer said more than 1 million items will be available at their lowest prices so far this year, spanning groceries, household essentials, beauty, apparel, toys, electronics, home, and seasonal merchandise.

Amazon sets Prime Big Deal Days for Oct. 6-7

The two-day event will feature millions of deals as Amazon looks to capture early holiday spending.

Mass Market RetailersThorvardur de Shong

Target Circle Deal Days will run on the same dates, offering members of Target’s free loyalty program up to 40% off thousands of items across apparel, home décor, beauty, wellness, toys, and technology. Target Circle 360 members will receive early access starting October 5.

Target Circle Deal Days kicks off savings season with fall, holiday deals

Target Circle members unlock up to 40% off thousands of items across fall style, beauty, toys, tech and more from Oct. 6–7

Mass Market RetailersMMR

Both retailers are positioning the events as opportunities for consumers to get an early start on holiday shopping while also shopping for fall merchandise and everyday needs.

Amazon plans to introduce new deal drops three times a day and will feature brands including Sony, Tarte, adidas, Canon, Dove, LEGO, and Dyson. The event will also incorporate Amazon’s grocery and rapid-delivery businesses, with discounts on fresh groceries and access to Same-Day Delivery.

The company is also integrating Alexa for Shopping into the event. The AI shopping assistant can track price history, set deal alerts, and notify shoppers when products reach specified prices. An Auto-Buy feature can automatically purchase eligible items when they reach a customer’s preset target price.

Target’s event will include discounts such as 40% off select family apparel, up to 40% off toys and technology, 30% off select beauty products, and discounts on home furnishings and seasonal merchandise. Target is also offering limited-time incentives for consumers who join Target Circle or enroll in its paid Target Circle 360 membership around the event.

Target shoppers can access the deals in stores, online, or through the Target app, with fulfillment options including Same Day Delivery, Drive Up, and Order Pickup.

The overlapping events underscore retailers’ push to extend the holiday shopping season into October, using loyalty programs, exclusive discounts and faster fulfillment to compete for consumer spending well ahead of Black Friday.