Last week, Target’s website and online systems went down, leaving shoppers and employees scrambling. In response, the retailer sent out $20 gift cards, but the fallout included unexpected charges and missing receipts.
Online Outage and Customer Impact
Customers first reported problems after 6 a.m. ET on Friday, saying they could not place orders or review order histories. In many cases, payment methods were still charged. Employees also posted frustrations online, noting issues with returns and fulfillment systems.
Gift Card Response
A Target representative did not disclose how much each gift card was or how customers were selected. However, some shoppers received an email apology that included a $20 e-gift card for a future purchase. Reddit and X posts reported that several users got the same email, asking if they were legitimate.
Company Statements and Resolution
Target acknowledged the problem but did not explain the cause or extent. The company said, “We’re aware of intermittent issues with our digital experience and a fix is underway. In the meantime, our stores continue to be open and ready for holiday shopping. At Target, our top priority is offering a great guest experience. We apologize for this disruption.” Service was later confirmed to be fully restored, but customers complained that they were charged for expensive items and received no receipt or confirmation. On Saturday, Target said it was working to address any impacted orders and instructed affected customers to contact guest services.
Key Takeaways
- $20 gift cards were sent to some customers after the outage.
- Customers reported unauthorized charges and missing receipts.
- Target apologized, confirmed a fix was underway, and stores remained open.
The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining a seamless digital shopping experience during high-traffic periods and the importance of clear communication with customers.
