Target and Dr. Squatch Introduce Kris K. from Target's Limited-Edition "Not Santa" Soap
Rhea-AI Summary
Target (NYSE: TGT) and Dr. Squatch launch a limited-edition men's soap called "Not Santa": Sandalwood Summit, available nationwide starting Dec. 7, 2025. The bar is made with over 98% natural origin ingredients, sandalwood extract and medium grit, and is priced at $7.99. It will sell in all Target stores and on Target.com with same-day services (Same Day Delivery, Drive Up, Order Pickup) and standard shipping options (Next-Day Delivery, 2-Day Shipping free over $35).
The collaboration stars Kris K. from Target and ties into a broader holiday ad campaign featuring ten new spots and additional cameos to extend the character's seasonal presence.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, TGT gained 0.74%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Target gained 1.07% while key discount/variety peers also traded higher, with moves such as DG +5.09%, DLTR +4.85%, BJ +3.15%, WMT +2.1%, and OLLI +3.37%. However, the momentum scanner did not flag a coordinated sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 09 | Concept store launch | Positive | +0.6% | Opened Target SoHo concept store with experiential, design-led retail focus. |
| Dec 04 | Holiday product launch | Positive | +0.7% | Limited-edition “Not Santa” soap collaboration with Dr. Squatch and Kris K. |
| Nov 28 | Cyber Monday AI tools | Positive | +0.9% | Launched AI-enhanced Cyber Monday event with new digital shopping features. |
| Nov 20 | Black Friday promotions | Positive | -2.8% | Announced weeklong Black Friday deals with deep discounts and giveaways. |
| Nov 20 | Black Friday correction | Neutral | -2.8% | Clarified details of multi-day Black Friday event and promotional structure. |
Recent promotional and experiential news (holiday campaigns, Cyber Monday, concept store) generally aligned with modest positive price reactions, while Black Friday–focused announcements coincided with notable single-day declines.
Over the past few weeks, Target announced multiple demand- and experience-driven initiatives, including weeklong Black Friday events with discounts up to 50%, AI-enhanced Cyber Monday savings of up to 50%, and the limited-edition “Not Santa” soap priced at $7.99. It also opened the design-forward Target SoHo concept store on Dec. 9, 2025. These updates emphasize holiday promotions, digital tools, and experiential retail, with mostly modest positive stock reactions except around Black Friday communications.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights a limited-edition collaboration between Target and Dr. Squatch, featuring the $7.99 "Not Santa" soap launching on Dec. 7 across stores and Target.com. It reinforces Target’s holiday strategy of experiential marketing, leveraging Kris K. from Target and ten new campaign spots. In the weeks around this, Target also promoted AI-enhanced Cyber Monday deals and experiential retail concepts. Investors may focus on how such campaigns support traffic, comparable sales, and margins reported in recent 10-Q filings.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
The joy-packed collaboration between Target's ultimate holiday mission man Kris K. from Target and Dr. Squatch is available nationwide starting Dec. 7
With over 70 million TikTok mentions of #TargetSanta last holiday season, Kris K. from Target turned everyday shopping into a mission of joy, humor and holiday magic. After his breakout success, fans were clamoring for more — and Target delivered.
Introducing "Not Santa": Sandalwood Summit
The result: Kris K. from Target's first-ever product collaboration, "Not Santa": Sandalwood Summit, a fresh, woodsy soap made with over
Why this collab? This year, Target is engaging all five senses to help guests feel the joy of the season, and scent plays a starring role. Research from the National Institutes of Health1 shows that exposure to pleasant scents can improve mood and reduce stress — something Kris K. from Target knows a thing or two about. As the ultimate holiday mission man, he's all about making the holidays joyful and stress-free, and this soap brings that spirit to life beyond the screen. Sandalwood was a natural choice: Its warm, woodsy notes capture Kris K.'s signature charm. (And since guests couldn't stop asking what Kris K. smelled like, "Not Santa" soap gives them the chance to bring a little of that magic home.)
"To celebrate that seasonal spirit, here's a gift inspired by Holiday Cheer, with notes of optimism, joy and just a dash of fresh-cut spruce," said Kris K. from Target. "Let's just say this soap sleighs."
"This collaboration captures the heart of what Target stands for: delivering joy in unexpected ways," said Michelle Mesenburg, senior vice president, Target Creative. "Kris K. from Target has become such a beloved part of our holiday storytelling, and teaming up with Dr. Squatch is the perfect way to extend that sense of fun and creativity. Whether it's a gift for someone else or a treat for yourself, this soap is another way Target makes the season a little brighter — and a chance to bring a little bit of our beloved character home."
Who's "Not Santa" soap for?
At just
- The hubby, dad or boyfriend who "doesn't need anything" but could definitely use a better soap
- The teen brother (or son) who's just discovering the magic of sandalwood
- The Target-loving bestie who doesn't care that it's "men's soap" — she just wants to smell like Kris K. from Target
"Kris K. from Target is a holiday legend, so we were thrilled to give him the Dr. Squatch treatment," said John Ludeke, SVP of Global Marketing at Dr. Squatch. "This limited-edition bar pairs our signature natural ingredients and our iconic holiday scents to bring a little extra cheer into your grooming routine."
Available Dec. 7, only at Target
"Not Santa" soap launches Dec. 7 in all Target stores and on Target.com; it's a limited-edition gift that's sure to disappear faster than the last cookie on Santa's plate. And because Target knows holiday shopping should be as easy as it is joyful, consumers can grab "Not Santa" soap however they like, whether it's in store, online or via same-day services including Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and Order Pickup, plus Next-Day Delivery or 2-Day Shipping for free with orders above
Where else you'll spot Kris K. from Target this season
After capturing hearts last year, Kris K. from Target is back, starring in a new marketing campaign that shows him popping up everywhere from his local Target store to the football game and even on a plane. Through ten new spots, more cameos and more Kris K. magic, he's making the holidays joyful, effortless and unmistakably Target.
About Target
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/target-and-dr-squatch-introduce-kris-k-from-targets-limited-edition-not-santa-soap-302632935.html
SOURCE Target Corporation
FAQ
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