Target Corp. is offering shoppers in its U.S. stores a 10 percent discount Saturday and Sunday, plus free credit monitoring, as the retailer struggles to address the fallout from a massive security breach.
Seeking to reassure rattled customers, Gregg Steinhafel, CEO of the Minneapolis-based retail heavyweight, issued a statement of apology Friday.
"It was a crime against Target, our team members, and most importantly, our guests," Steinhafel said. "We're in this together, and in that spirit, we are extending a 10 percent discount — the same amount our team members receive — to guests who shop in U.S. stores on Dec. 21 and 22."
"Again, we recognize this issue has been confusing and disruptive during an already busy holiday season. We want to emphasize that the issue has been addressed and let guests know they can shop with confidence at their local Target stores."
Steinhafel went on to reassure customers that they won't be held financially responsible for fraud on their cards. "And to provide guests with extra assurance, we will be offering free credit monitoring services. We will be in touch with those impacted by this issue soon on how and where to access the service."
Target has been inundated with phone calls and web traffic since the extensive security breach became public Wednesday. The attack, which involved malware on the point-of-sale terminals at stores where customers swipe their cards, exposed the credit and debit account information of 40 million customers who bought merchandise in U.S. stores between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. Authorities are investigating the attack.
Jennifer Bjorhus • 612-673-4683
