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Dive Brief: - Target is cutting prices on about 2,000 home, apparel and accessories products, according to a Tuesday press release. - Price reductions within apparel include women's long-sleeve T-shirts dropping from $15 to $12, and the average price of kids' rain and winter boots dropping 15% year over year. - Target’s home price cuts feature deals on some bedding from private label brands such as Threshold and Room Essentials. The retailer noted that pricing, promotions and availability vary by location and exclude Alaska and Hawaii. Dive Insight: Balancing price with merchandise quality is a focus for Target right now as shoppers feel the pinch of macroeconomic pressures. The company previously reduced prices on about 3,000 products in March, and the latest reductions contributed to the 10,000 price cuts the retailer has made over the past year. “It's always looking at both sides of the equation, and I think we have a long history of being competitive on price,” Chief Merchandising Officer Cara Sylvester told analysts during an August earnings call when asked about Target’s approach to cutting prices and maintaining its price gaps with competitors. “We've demonstrated that this year. We'll continue to do that across the board, and we're looking to bring new, affordable options throughout our assortment.” Price matters to consumers right now, CEO Michael Fiddelke flagged during the call. Consumer sentiment fell this month to a four-month low, according to data from the University of Michigan released Friday. Heightened fuel costs and fresh trade disputes in the U.S. have negatively impacted the household assessments of short-term business conditions, with sentiment since January dropping across political cohorts. Shoppers are increasingly price-conscious as the holiday season ramps up. Target’s upcoming Circle Deal Days event in October — which competes with Amazon’s Big Deal Days sale — includes discounts on select holiday decor, toys and more. With the consumer backdrop in mind, Target’s back-to-school approach highlighted value. About 95% of the retailer’s school supplies assortment was priced at or below last year's prices, Sylvester added on the August call.
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