Target's Black Friday Playbook: Early Opening, Taylor Swift Exclusives, and Extended Holiday Hours

The Setup You Can’t Miss

Target is gearing up for one of retail’s biggest shopping weekends, and they’re pulling out all the stops. On Friday, Nov. 29, doors unlock at 6 a.m. local time with an enticing lineup: Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour Book (featuring 500+ behind-the-scenes images), plus vinyl and CD versions of The Tortured Poets Department exclusively available in stores. These aren’t your average retail drops — each item is limited to four per customer, and digital queuing systems will be in place to manage the rush.

More Than Just Taylor Swift

While the Swift exclusives are stealing headlines, Black Friday deals span the entire store from Nov. 24-30. This year, Target is doubling down on deals compared to last year, with twice as many Black Friday weekend offers. For those who prefer flexibility, shoppers can grab items through Drive Up, Order Pickup, or same-day delivery services — no store visit required.

The Holiday Hours Everyone’s Asking About

Here’s what matters for your calendar: Target stores maintain extended hours from 7 a.m. to midnight from Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. But there’s a twist — stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28) for the fifth consecutive year, giving team members time off. However, orders placed online through Target.com or the app on Thanksgiving will be ready for Drive Up or Order Pickup on Black Friday.

Money-Saving Moves Throughout the Season

Beyond Black Friday chaos, Target rolled out price cuts on over 2,000 everyday items. The retailer is also pushing their $20 Thanksgiving meal deal and the largest holiday toy assortment ever — with more than half the toys priced under $20. For Target Circle members, the auto-applied Deal of the Day saves even more, and Target Circle Card holders get an additional 5% off everything.

Thanksgiving Shopping Option

Need last-minute supplies on Thanksgiving? Wednesday, Nov. 27 keeps regular hours open. Same-day Drive Up and Order Pickup work through 2 hours before closing. Target Circle 360 members (currently 50% off the $99 annual membership through Dec. 2) get unlimited same-day delivery for orders over $35.

The Reality Check

Whether you’re hunting Taylor Swift merch, stocking up on Black Friday deals, or just planning your holiday shopping strategy, Target’s combining extended access with in-store exclusives and flexible fulfillment. The Taylor Swift items hit exclusivity threshold fast, so timing matters. For everything else, you’ve got options: shop early, shop online 24/7, or navigate the extended hours throughout December. That’s retail flexibility in today’s omnichannel world.