Target’s AI-Powered Bullseye Gift Finder Simplifies Holiday Shopping

Target has introduced Bullseye Gift Finder, a generative AI-powered tool designed to help shoppers find the perfect holiday gifts for kids, tailored to their interests and age. Part of Target’s digital holiday experience, the tool promises to simplify gift-giving by offering personalized recommendations from Target’s extensive toy assortment.

What is Bullseye Gift Finder?

Bullseye Gift Finder is a new feature available on Target.com and the Target app. It uses generative AI to provide customized gift ideas based on the criteria you select, including:

• Age Groups: Choose from specific age ranges, for example, 2-4 year old.

• Hobbies and Interests: The Bullseye Gift Finder offers tailored options like creative thinking, with art supplies and building sets; sensory development, featuring tactile puzzles and interactive toys; and active play, including sports equipment and ride-on toys. These categories help deliver personalized gift recommendations based on a child’s unique interests and needs.

• Favorite Brands: Recommendations from popular toy brands like VTech or Melissa & Doug.

• Example Use Case: If you’re shopping for a 2- to 4-year-old interested in creative thinking and sensory development toys, the tool might recommend a VTech Stroll and Discover Activity Walker or Melissa & Doug Ms. Rachel Wooden Learning Blocks.

Target launched the tool with a focus on toys but plans to expand with thousands of additional gift ideas for kids throughout the holiday season.

GenAI-Powered Shopping Assistant

Another AI-driven feature available this holiday season is Target’s Shopping Assistant, designed to make online shopping more intuitive:

• How it Works: Found under the “About this item” section on select product pages, this chat tool answers specific questions about products in real-time. You can ask questions like:

• Example: “Will this shirt shrink in the wash?”

• Example: “Does this beauty product contain artificial fragrance or dye?”

• Availability: Accessible on owned-brand product pages for logged-in users on Target.com.

The Shopping Assistant acts as a savvy virtual companion, helping shoppers make informed decisions while browsing Target’s extensive offerings.

GenAI Beyond the Holidays

Target is integrating generative AI into other areas of its operations to enhance both guest and team member experiences year-round:

• Store Companion: A GenAI-powered chatbot to answer store team members's questions on job process-related questions, train new hires, and assist in store management.

• Digital Shopping Enhancements: Improved product display pages on Target.com for easier browsing and searching. Additionally, consumers can access summarized product reviews for faster decision-making.

Future Plans

Target is exploring dozens of new generative AI applications to improve both shopping and workplace efficiency in the coming years.

A Word From Target

“If you’re looking to wow the kids on your holiday gift list, you need to check out Target’s Bullseye Gift Finder, which pairs the power of generative AI with our incredible assortment to recommend just the right toy to make them smile at a price that will make you smile, too,” says Cara Sylvester, Executive Vice President and Chief Guest Experience Officer at Target.

Looking Ahead

Target’s Bullseye Gift Finder and Shopping Assistant showcase how generative AI can elevate the holiday shopping experience, making it more personalized and efficient. With consumers increasingly seeking tailored and convenient shopping experiences, Target’s tools align with the growing demand for personalized recommendations that simplify decision-making.

By combining advanced AI technology with its vast product offerings, Target is setting a standard for delivering thoughtful, customized solutions that cater to individual needs. These innovations not only enhance the holiday season but reflect a broader trend of retailers adapting to meet customers’ expectations for highly personalized and seamless shopping experiences year-round.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.