Isophoric News · Thursday, October 22, 2026
Target plans an "Academy of Giftology" holiday campaign built around a fictional gift-giving school
Target will welcome holiday shoppers to the "Academy of Giftology," a campaign debuting in early November that was previewed Tuesday at an event for press and analysts, Retail Dive reported. Actor D'Arcy Carden plays the "Chief Giftologist," and Lucia Aniello, co-creator of "Hacks," directed the content, which will run across broadcast, streaming, audio, out-of-home and social media, with a bigger push around creators on TikTok and YouTube. Target Chief Brand Officer Michelle Mesenburg said the store is the company's most important marketing vehicle, and the academy's design will carry into stores, according to Retail Dive. A spokesperson said Target will not bring back its "Kris K." Santa this year, and Retail Dive described the campaign as part of an effort to keep up momentum for a turnaround plan.
