Target couldn't wait more than a day to one-up Amazon's announcement of the official dates for Prime Big Deal Days with its announcement of Target Circle Week. "Oh, Amazon's having a huge sale that runs for 48 hours on Oct. 11 and 12? We're conveniently having a huge holiday kickoff sale that runs for the entire week of Oct. first through seventh." Best Buy has similar plans.

How often is Circle Week at Target?

This is Target's second Circle Week of the year, and yes, of course the first one happened near Prime Day in July. The whole weeklong thing diverts from Target's previous Prime Day opposition: a 72-hour event called Deal Days that was open to everyone, not just Target Circle members. Circle Week has also been timed much more closely to Prime Day, typically getting an edge with a head start.

Needing to be a Target Circle member to access the glory of Circle Week isn't a big deal since joining Target Circle is free, unlike Prime.

What will be on sale for Target Circle Week?

Target Circle members will be treated to up to 40% off in categories like on-trend gifts, seasonal items, and everyday essentials. Past Circle Week's official dates (through Dec. 24), members should keep a close eye on the Deal of the Day spotlight — brands like Apple, Nespresso, Dyson, and Nintendo will be making appearances.

Target also isn't one to shy away from giving away free money to encourage customers to shop more. Similar to Amazon's promotion that trades a sign-up to Amazon Photos for a free $15 Prime Day credit, Target is known for tacking $5 or $10 gift cards onto purchases of a certain amount or from a certain category.