Target launched a new AI-enhanced gift finder to help shoppers find the perfect holiday gift. The announcement came in a November 12, 2025, press release published on the retailer’s website.
Expanding on its Bullseye Gift Finder, launched on December 6, 2024, the new gift finder comes with more advanced features.
In the revamped Target app and on the Target website, shoppers can now enter conversational prompts about the gift recipient or occasion, and receive personalized gift recommendations. Unlike the previous gift finder version, which relied on preset filters, the new version allows users to enter longer queries in the chatbot.
More AI Upgrades to Enhance the Shopping Experience
In addition to the updated gift finder, Target also rolled out two other AI-powered features for the holidays: a list-to-cart scanner and an enhanced Store Mode.
With the list-to-cart scanner, shoppers can photograph or scan their handwritten shopping lists or holiday wish lists and easily convert them into app cart items.
Meanwhile, with the enhanced Store Mode, in-store shoppers get access to a virtual map that opens automatically when they enter a store, guiding them through the aisles to find the products they want.
Store Mode also offers alternative fulfillment options when an item is out of stock, such as same-day or next-day shipping, ensuring shoppers get everything they need.
Beyond these enhancements, Target also added an in-store digital hunting game called ”Find Bullseye,” to make the holiday shopping experience more fun. The game allows shoppers to hunt for Target’s iconic mascot, hidden in certain aisles, and receive a holiday sticker at checkout while supplies last.
Target Aims to Turn Around Its Fortunes
Target’s latest technological updates come during a particularly difficult spell for the retailer. The company has faced dwindling sales and foot traffic throughout 2025 after scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, prompting widespread backlash and boycotts.
With its heavy investment in AI, which is part of its wider turnaround strategy, Target hopes to attract more customers.
“We know so many of our guests 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 Target’s Chief Guest Experience Officer, Cara Sylvester.
“We’re committed to making the shopping experience this year even more connected, personal and intuitive, with innovations that help guests discover the hottest items and Target products they love at a great deal. It’s all about meeting them where they are, simplifying gift-giving and helping families focus more on the joy of the season,” Cara emphasized, demonstrating Target’s aim to make shopping as frictionless as possible.
Besides launching new AI-powered features, Target hopes to drive holiday sales by providing thousands of new items and affordable gifts. In September, the retailer announced it would sell 20,000 new items this holiday season, with more than half of them being exclusive to Target.
Target also said thousands of its holiday gifts would retail for under $5, with most products priced under $20. Additionally, the mass retailer said it would expand its next-day delivery service to 35 U.S. metro areas, including Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, and Austin.
