“I think Target could have done better,” TikTok user Stacia Brandt said in a video. “I think we could have provided more coupon codes and samples.”
Target responds to backlash over stolen bags, see what customers are saying
Some Target customers weren’t fans of the retailer’s Black Friday favor bags.
Target is facing backlash for missing its goal from customers who waited in line for hours on Black Friday to receive free swag bags.
As part of Target’s Black Friday sale, the first 100 customers at each store received a free swag bag “filled with holiday favorites,” according to a Target news release. Details of these items were not announced in advance. Ten customers at each store also received take-home prizes ranging from a retail price of $99 to $350, including a $100 Target gift card, Beats Solo 4 headphones, a Reifen hair dryer and a Ninja Slushi machine, according to a Target statement obtained by USA TODAY.
As of Dec. 3, Target has not confirmed the contents of the giveaway bag, but a video shared by a social media user showed the same five key items, including a pack of Uno cards, lip oil, and a bag of candy.
“Target could have done better.”
TikTok user Stacia Brandt said in a recent video that she arrived at her local Target around 11:45 p.m. on Thanksgiving and got in line around 3:45 a.m. on Black Friday. Ms. Brandt expressed disappointment with the selection of gift bags given that she arrived at the store early.
“I think Target could have done better,” Brandt said in the video. “I think they could have had more coupon codes and samples. Honestly, I don’t feel it’s worth waiting in line for an hour, even 30 minutes.”
But not everyone was too upset, especially those who took home the big prizes.
TikTok user Ebony Influences was one of 10 customers at the store who received take-home prizes. Content creators picked up frozen drink maker Ninja Slushi, which was on sale at Target for $270 as of Dec. 3. Another TikTok user, Jerilyn Mendez, scored the Reifen High Speed Hair Dryer SE Lite, which was on sale at Target for $100 as of Dec. 3.
“Worth it or not?” Mendes said in the video’s caption. “But I’m glad we won.”
What was in your Target favor bag?
Here are the key items and their prices at Target, according to a social media video showing the contents of the giveaway bag.
In total, the giveaway bag contained approximately $30 in retail value.
While these five items were staples across the board, some social media users received a few other freebies. Ebony Influence said she also received rainbow-colored fabric, Target greeting cards, holiday stickers and a miniature Target bag keychain.
What does Target say about its Black Friday favor bags?
In a statement shared with USA TODAY on Dec. 3, Target did not directly answer questions about the Black Friday giveaway bags.
“We were thrilled to see everyone who visited Target on Black Friday, including the tens of thousands of shoppers who were first in line at the store that morning,” the statement said. “Throughout this season, our team is focused on delivering great deals, great gift selections, and a festive holiday experience, and we value all guest feedback to make the holidays even better for guests and their families.”
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
