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Target is the first major retailer to announce its own sale to compete with Amazon’s Prime Day 2026. In a press release today, the company revealed that its “Circle Deal Days” will take place from June 23 to June 26, which happen to be the exact dates Amazon has staked out for its own major annual sale. Here is everything you need to know about Target’s upcoming sale.
What is Target Circle Deal Days?
Circle Deal Days is Target’s new name for its biggest sales of the year. In 2025, its sales (held in July and October, again at the same time as a pair of Amazon events) were called Circle Week, but starting with this spring’s sale (which happened around the same time as Amazon’s Big Spring Sale), it seems Target has pivoted to calling the event “Circle Deal Days.” Aside from the fact that it doesn’t last a full week, it’s the same concept as a Circle Week sale. Like Prime Day, this sale used to happen once a year, but, much to the dismay of Target workers, it now occurs multiple times a year.
When is Circle Deal Days for summer 2026?
This year, Circle Deal Days will take place from June 23 to June 26; however, Target Circle 360 members will get access to the sale a day early, on June 22. Prime Day, which has historically offered better deals, will also take place from June 23 to June 26.
Do you need to be a member to shop the sales during Circle Deal Days?
Like Amazon’s Prime Day sale, you will need to be a Circle member to take part in the sale, but unlike a Prime membership, joining Target Circle is free. You can sign up for an account on the Target app or Target.com.
You can also pay for a Target Circle 360 membership, which grants you early access to the sale, plus other perks, like same-day delivery. If you’re a teacher, college student, military member, or receive government assistance, you can save 50% on the one-year Circle 360 subscription; otherwise, it starts at $10.99 per month. But again, a paid membership isn’t necessary to get all the best Circle Deal Days deals.
What deals can I expect during Circle Deal Days?
Circle Deal Days will focus on back-to-school items, outdoor products, and tech products. You can shop in person or online, and there will be a “Deal of the Day” for every day of the event.
What do you think so far?
Here is a list of deals you can expect:
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40% off back-to-school and college essentials, including: JanSport backpacks, select writing tools from BIC, Expo, Paper Mate and Sharpie, and Casaluna and Threshold bedding and bath items
You can also get a pretty good idea from past Target sales. Here are some of the deals they had at the tail end of the Circle Week last fall.
What competitors are also hosting summer sales?
Amazon’s Prime Day will take place between June 23 and June 26, so all the other sales tend to revolve around these dates. Walmart hasn’t announced its Walmart Deals sale yet, but it’s likely coming soon. Best Buy is likely cooking something as well, and I’ll update this article once it announces its own sale.
