TikTok users are calling out Target for their Black Friday deals, claiming that the discounts are fake. In a viral trend on the app, Gen Z’ers are recording themselves at the popular big box store to prove that the Black Friday deals may not be as good as they seem.
The videos show users removing “Black Friday Deals” signage from products to reveal the regular prices on the background. In some cases, the prices are the same, implying that Target may have just used new cardstock to create the illusion of a sale. Other users have also discovered that some products have actually been marked up from their original prices.
One TikToker filmed a pallet of TVs that were supposedly discounted for Black Friday at $429. When she removes the Black Friday sales sign, the regular price behind it is the same. This suggests that there may not be any real deals at play and that Target is just using clever marketing tactics to attract customers.
A woman is going viral for showing the Black Friday deals at Target are misleading and the same prices they have been advertising all month pic.twitter.com/S6Xdmc00sG
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) November 26, 2023
Another user found a pair of pants that originally cost $25, but with the Black Friday discount, they were priced at $30. This could mean that Target has upped their prices for the holiday sale, rather than offering genuine discounts.
While this might not come as a surprise to many people who are familiar with the practices of companies during holiday sales, it seems that Gen Z’ers are eager to expose what they believe to be deceptive marketing. Some of them even suggest that they have “uncovered Watergate” by revealing Target’s tactics.
going viral for showing the Black Friday deals at Target are misleading and the same prices they have been advertising all month pic.twitter.com/P496Nn0bcL
— World Latin Honey (@WorldLatinHoney) November 26, 2023
Target has not yet responded to the criticism, but it’s not clear if there is much to say besides acknowledging that this is a common practice in the retail world. As consumers, it’s important to be aware of marketing tactics and always check product prices and compare them to the regular prices before making purchases.