Target is showing renewed momentum in early 2026, with in-store traffic rising steadily since late January, according to data from retail analytics firm Placer.ai.
Between 2 February and 22 March, weekly visits increased between 6.6% and 10.3% year on year, with the retailer recording positive growth in all but the first two weeks of the period. Analysts suggest the trend points to improving shopper engagement following a more difficult 2025.
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Promotional activity has helped drive the uplift. Target's spring Circle Days event delivered above-average weekday traffic, with consistent year-on-year gains across the three-day campaign in March. Placer.ai noted that the results indicate stronger customer response even against an already elevated baseline.
The retailer has also introduced several initiatives aimed at boosting in-store visits, including new home and lifestyle collections, expanded brand partnerships and price reductions across more than 3,000 discretionary products spanning apparel, home, baby essentials and food.
A key focus is the newly launched Baby Boutique concept, which debuted online in March and is expected to roll out to around 200 stores. The category is seen as a potential growth driver, particularly following the closure of Buybuy Baby in 2023, which left a gap in the US market.
Placer.ai highlighted strong alignment between Target's customer profile and that of former baby-focused retailers, suggesting the concept could help the brand strengthen its position in the category.
Source: www.furnituretoday.com
