Target just announced a 2-day sale to compete with October Prime Day - USA Today

If you're already thinking about holiday shopping, Target wants to help you save before the season kicks into high gear.

Target announced that Target Circle Deal Days will return Oct. 6-7, offering up to 40% off thousands of items across categories including fashion, beauty, home, toys and tech. The two-day sale is exclusive to members of Target Circle, the retailer's free loyalty program, while Target Circle 360 members can unlock select deals a day early starting Oct. 5.

For shoppers looking to maximize their budgets, it's an opportunity to score discounts on both fall essentials and holiday gift picks well before Black Friday arrives.

The retailer announced that Target Circle Deal Days will return Oct. 6-7, the same dates as Amazon's recently announced Prime Big Deal Days sale.

While the sale includes thousands of discounts across Target's site and stores, several standout offers could make this one of the retailer's biggest savings events before Black Friday.

Shoppers can save up to 40% on select clothing for the whole family, including fall styles from Target-owned brands like A New Day, Universal Thread, Cat & Jack and Goodfellow. The retailer is also advertising up to 65% off Vera Bradley products and discounts on family footwear, including select Crocs styles.

If you're planning a seasonal home refresh, there are plenty of savings there too. Target says shoppers can score 30% off Threshold furniture and Hearth & Hand with Magnolia bedding, bath items and home décor. Select Dyson vacuums will be up to 40% off, while seasonal outdoor decorations and lights will also be discounted by up to 40%.

"Helping guests celebrate the season with great style, thoughtful design and incredible value is what we do best. Target Circle Deal Days is our way of saying thank you to members while helping them save even more on the styles and brands they love," said Sarah Travis, executive vice president and chief digital and revenue officer, Target.

Target is also using the event to entice new loyalty members.

Customers who join Target Circle between Sept. 27 and Oct. 5 will receive 15% off their first purchase, according to the retailer. Meanwhile, shoppers approved for a Target Circle Card during the promotional period can earn $75 in Target Circle Rewards, while eligible customers who sign up for an annual Target Circle 360 membership can receive $50 in Target Circle Rewards.

For shoppers who haven't joined Target Circle yet, the free loyalty program is required to access Deal Days pricing. Target Circle 360 members, meanwhile, get early access to select deals beginning Oct. 5, one day before the event officially starts.

The event is available to members of Target Circle, the retailer's free loyalty program. Shoppers who subscribe to Target Circle 360 can access select offers a day early, beginning Oct. 5.

Target Circle 360 is a paid membership that costs $99 per year or $10.99 per month. However, if you're already a Target Circle Card (formerly Target RedCard), this paid membership will only cost you $49.

If you'd like to give this paid membership a try but aren't sure if this would be worthwhile for your household, Target does offer a free 14-day trial. Plus, you may also be able to score an additional 50% off this membership cost if you're a verified college student or are a government assistance recipient.

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