Target to Hold 2024 Prices on School Supplies as It Kicks Off Back-to-School and College Season

Rhea-AI Summary

Target Corporation announced it will maintain 2024 prices on key back-to-school items for the 2025 season, including its signature 20 must-have supplies for under $20 and $5 backpacks. The retailer is launching Target Circle Week from July 6-12, offering major deals on school essentials, with early access for Target Circle 360 members on July 5. The company is bringing back its popular 20% off discounts for students and teachers, with student discounts starting June 29 and teacher discounts running July 20-Aug 30. New offerings include Champion for Target launching in August, Herschel x LEGO collection, and Studio McGee teen collection. The retailer is expanding its dealworthy brand to include school supplies and offering over 1,000 items under $5. College essentials will be mostly under $40, including apparel from $5, storage solutions from $5, and bedding starting at $10.

Positive

• Maintaining 2024 prices on essential back-to-school items despite inflation
• Offering 20 essential school supplies for under $20 total
• Over 1,000 back-to-school items priced at $5 and under
• Introduction of new value-focused dealworthy brand for school supplies
• 20% discount offerings for both students and teachers
• Launch of new partnerships with Champion, Herschel x LEGO, and Studio McGee

Negative

• None.

Insights

Retail Industry Analyst

Target maintains 2024 prices on key back-to-school items amid inflation pressures, potentially supporting sales volumes while protecting consumer perception.

Target's decision to hold prices steady on key back-to-school items represents a strategic defensive move in the competitive retail landscape. By maintaining 2024 pricing on essential school supplies—including their 20 items under $20 promotion and $5 backpacks—Target is prioritizing market share protection during the critical back-to-school shopping season, which typically ranks second only to holiday shopping for consumer spending.

This price-holding strategy serves dual purposes: it positions Target as value-conscious during a period when consumers remain price-sensitive, while potentially compressing margins to maintain sales velocity. The emphasis on over 1,000 items priced under $5 demonstrates Target's commitment to competitive entry-point pricing, particularly important as inflation concerns continue to influence shopping behavior.

The company's expansion of private label offerings, particularly the inclusion of school supplies in its dealworthy value brand, represents a margin management strategy that allows Target to offer compelling prices while potentially preserving profitability through vertical integration. The introduction of Champion for Target and Herschel x LEGO collaborations indicates Target's continued focus on differentiated product assortments that drive foot traffic and resist pure price competition.

Target's promotional calendar, including the Target Circle Week (July 6-12) and targeted 20% discounts for students and teachers, appears strategically timed to capture early back-to-school spending and build basket size. The 50% discount on Target Circle 360 memberships for students and teachers represents a customer acquisition strategy for their subscription service, potentially increasing long-term customer value through recurring revenue and enhanced loyalty.

Target brings back its 20 must-have school supplies for a total of less than $20

The retailer's popular 20% off student and teacher discounts return again this year

Target Circle Week set for July 6-12, with early access to deals for Target Circle 360 members starting July 5

MINNEAPOLIS, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today announced it is maintaining its 2024 prices on key back-to-school items, including its popular list of 20 must-have supplies — still adding up to a total of less than $20 — and last year's top-selling $5 backpack. It's part of the retailer's back-to-school and college plan to prioritize value, style and convenience across school supplies, classroom essentials, dorm décor and on-trend apparel. The retailer also announced the return of its student and teacher discounts, as well as its guest-loved sales event, Target Circle Week, July 6-12 for additional savings on school supplies, electronics and more. 

"This is such an important time for everyone preparing to head back to class — or heading off to school for the first time," said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Target. "The Target team will be there for families by holding last year's prices on key school supplies and standing tall for unrivaled style, quality and exceptional value. We're proud to be a part of back-to-school and back-to-college traditions. And across our assortment, we have great prices on everything needed to get the new school year off to a great start." 

Back-to-school must-haves at 2024 prices

Target is making back-to-school shopping more affordable by maintaining last year's prices on must-have supplies and offering more ways for consumers to make the most of their budget so they can have it all — high-quality, on-trend products at a great value — as they prepare for the new school year:  

• 20 supplies for under $20. Target is bringing back its popular list of 20 essential school supplies that add up to less than $20 total, including crayons, colored pencils, notebooks, folders and more.
• School items under $5. Over 1,000 back-to-school items are $5 and under, including school supplies starting at $0.25, $2 water bottles and $5 wired headphones.
• First-day-of-school outfits from $5. Cat & Jack outfits start at $5, making it easy for parents to dress young students in affordable, on-trend clothing.
• dealworthy school supplies. New this year, the retailer's dealworthy brand is expanding its value-priced lineup to include school supplies such as notebooks starting at $0.35, composition books starting at $0.50, lunch sacks at $3 and backpacks at $5.
• Teacher essentials starting at $3.50. Teachers can get classroom-ready affordably, with essentials like storage bins, dry erase markers and classroom décor starting at $3.50.

College-ready essentials — trend-forward and most under $40

This season Target is creating value in new ways for back-to-college shoppers, while making it easy to get everything students need to feel at home on campus. Highlights include on-trend, high-quality products at affordable prices, including:

• Apparel from $5 across Target brands Wild Fable, Goodfellow & Co, Universal Thread, A New Day and more
• Storage solutions from $5
• Bedding starting at $10
• Heyday tech accessories from $10
• Trendy lighting and lamps from $10
• Room Essentials Puffer Comforter for $40

New brands and expanded assortments

Target is also putting its unique mix of top national brands, only-at-Target brands and new partnerships to work for students of all ages, including:

• Champion for Target. Launching in August, the Champion collection for Target will offer a fresh take on Champion's signature look, featuring a unique line of high-quality, trend-forward activewear and sporting goods for adults and kids — with most items under $40.
• Herschel x LEGO. This new playful collection of a dozen adult and kids' backpacks, hip packs and lunchboxes combines Herschel's durable and practical products featuring fun LEGO designs — starting at $28. The assortment will be available to shop in select stores and Target.com beginning in July.
• Studio McGee teen collection. Cozy florals, multi-functional furniture and stylish décor designed for tweens and teens will help them personalize their space beautifully — starting at $16.
• New Target Plus brands and items: Target is expanding its lineup of back-to-school and college essentials from guest-favorite brands, including mattresses and bedding from MLily, licensed wall decor from The Fan-Brand, school uniforms from French Toast and more.

Target Circle Week returns, plus special student and teacher discounts

The retailer's free-to-join Target Circle program and paid Target Circle 360 membership option make it easy for members to unlock exclusive deals, early access and special discounts, saving even more money on back-to-school and back-to-college items. This season, Target Circle and Target Circle 360 members can save via:

• Target Circle Week: The week-long savings event returns July 6-12 with major deals on back-to-school and college essentials. Target Circle 360 members get early access to deals starting July 5.
• Student discount: Verified college students can enjoy a one-time 20% off storewide discount with Target Circle starting June 29 — two weeks earlier than last year.
• Teacher discount: Verified teachers receive a one-time 20% off storewide discount with Target Circle from July 20-Aug. 30, plus access to curated classroom sets and wish list tools.
• Save 50% on Target Circle 360: Through Sept. 13, teachers and students can also join Target Circle 360 and save 50% on a one-year membership, giving them access to exclusive member benefits like unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35 right to their dorm or classroom — perfect for weekly groceries and essentials.

More ways to save time and money when back-to-school shopping at Target

Target delivers ease, value and convenience through its industry-leading fulfillment options and loyalty programs, along with tools and bundles to help families and teachers prep for the year ahead.

• Target Circle, the retailer's free-to-join loyalty program, gives members access to everyday savings and benefits like exclusive partner perks with Ulta Beauty and Apple, customized bonuses to earn Target Circle Rewards and personalized savings like a 5% off birthday gift.
• Target Circle 360, the retailer's paid membership program, offers unlimited same-day delivery in as little as a few hours; members-only early access to shop big sales and brand collabs; a selection of free gifts and exclusive discounts to choose from each month; and access to Shipt's 100-plus grocers and specialty retailers with no price markups, so guests can do more shopping without making multiple stops.
• Personalized wish lists for teachers and college students help them organize their must-haves and prep for school.
• School List Assist simplifies supply shopping right in the Target app with three easy steps: Consumers can find their child's class, choose their delivery method and check out their items.
• Value bundles on Target.com and the Target app help guests get more of what they need for less — including back-to-school and college essentials like shampoo, skin care and everyday snacks.

Whether shopping in-store or online, guests can also take advantage of Target's fast and reliable fulfillment services, including Drive Up and Order Pickup. And with the Target Circle Card1, members save an extra 5% every day, helping families stretch their budgets even further during back-to-school season and beyond.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at nearly 2,000 stores and at Target.com, with the purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website and press center.

1. Restrictions apply. Subject to application approval and identity verification. See Target.com/CircleCard for program rules and details.

 

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SOURCE Target Corporation

FAQ

What is Target's back-to-school price strategy for 2025?

Target is maintaining its 2024 prices on key back-to-school items, including 20 must-have supplies for under $20 total and $5 backpacks.

When is Target Circle Week 2025 and what are the deals?

Target Circle Week runs July 6-12, 2025, with early access for Target Circle 360 members on July 5, offering major deals on back-to-school and college essentials.

What is Target's (TGT) student discount for 2025?

Target offers verified college students a one-time 20% off storewide discount through Target Circle, starting June 29.

What new brands is Target introducing for back-to-school 2025?

Target is introducing Champion for Target in August, Herschel x LEGO collection starting July, and a Studio McGee teen collection.

How much is Target's teacher discount for 2025?

Teachers receive a one-time 20% off storewide discount through Target Circle from July 20 to August 30.