Target has officially introduced its highly anticipated paid membership program, Target Circle 360, allowing customers to sign up for exclusive benefits. The membership was unveiled alongside the upgraded Target Circle loyalty program, which offers additional perks for shoppers.

With Target Circle 360, members gain "unlimited access to Target's same-day delivery with Shipt, with no delivery fees on orders over $35," as stated in a recent press release by the retailer. This means that customers can receive their purchases within 60 minutes of ordering. Furthermore, members now have an extended 30-day return window for merchandise, giving them extra time to make up their minds. Another attractive feature of the program is the free 2-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items.

To avail these benefits, customers are required to pay an annual fee of $99 for the Target Circle 360 membership. However, as part of a promotional offer running until May 18, the retailer is slashing the price to $49 for the first year for those who sign up early. Additionally, this reduced price is not limited to one year but applies to a longer period for Target Circle Cardholders.

Last month, Target had announced its plans to revamp the Target Circle program and add a paid membership tier, aiming to provide more value and convenience to customers. The free Target Circle membership still grants users automatically-applied deals, personalized bonuses, and access to free trials from partner brands. Target Circle Cardholders will now receive additional benefits as well.

Chief Guest Experience Officer, Cara Sylvester, expressed excitement over the Target Circle relaunch, explaining that the new experience was designed to deliver a personalized and rewarding shopping journey for guests, regardless of their preferred method of shopping.

To celebrate the launch and the changes in the program, Target has organized a week-long event called Target Circle Week, filled with discounts and promotions available exclusively to Target Circle members. This promotion will run until Saturday and encompasses various categories, including apparel and outdoor living.

To further promote Target Circle Week and the enhanced loyalty program, the popular retailer collaborated with actress Kristen Wiig, who has reprised her famous "Target Lady" character from "Saturday Night Live" in a series of a dozen ad spots.

Target Circle 360 is expected to redefine the shopping experience for members, offering convenience, savings, and flexibility to loyal customers. With its upgraded loyalty program and addition of a paid membership tier, Target aims to strengthen its relationship with shoppers in an increasingly competitive retail landscape.