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The past few years have been unquestionably tough for retailers.

The shopping landscape has changed in the wake of rampant inflation. Consumers don’t have the spending power they once did to shop on a whim, now that everything from food to utilities to shelter costs more than it used to.

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Not surprisingly, a general pullback in consumer spending has caused many big names in retail to struggle.

For some, that’s meant seeking out Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to shed debt and reorganize. For others, it’s meant closing underperforming stores and rethinking operating strategies.

Target makes announcement consumers will love.

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Target has not had an easy run

You’d think a big-box giant like Target would be well-positioned to thrive even at a time when consumers are cutting back on spending. But like many of its smaller competitors, Target has experienced its share of financial woes.

In 2023, Target suffered a big blow when consumers boycotted the store over its Pride collection. More recently, Target made the decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion program. That, too, caused an outrage.

Not surprisingly, foot traffic has been down at Target stores. And with consumers as a whole spending more cautiously, the company has faced its share of financial challenges.

Now, with the threat of tariffs looming, it’s unclear as to what’s in store for Target. Not only might tariffs force Target to raise prices, but they might also shrink the company’s margins.

And let’s not forget that many retailers could face inventory shortages as tariff policies come to a head.

While Target does source some of its products domestically, like many of its competitors, it also relies heavily on foreign countries to stock its shelves. If some of Target’s suppliers are forced to shutter due to declining orders caused by tariffs, the company could be in serious trouble.

Target has good news despite looming tariffs

While many retailers are worried about how they’ll procure inventory in light of tariffs, Target is making plans to boost its inventory. Between now and August, the company plans to introduce 10,000 new products online and in stores.

Target’s new products will run the gamut from outdoor entertainment items to home goods to apparel.

Target also plans to add a number of beauty items to its lineup. This aligns with its long-standing strategy to position itself as a big name in the beauty space, which is apparent from its partnership with Ulta.

Not only is Target expanding its inventory, but it’s also introducing “Hello Summer Saturdays.”

Every Saturday during the month of June, Target stores will host events that include free giveaways for Target Circle members.

“Millions of families have been counting down the days to summer, and the Target team is excited to help them make the most of the season,” said Rick Gomez, Target’s executive VP and chief commercial officer.

“With more than 10,000 new items across our assortment, and many starting at just $1, we have something for every celebration — and it’s all fresh, fun, inspiring and incredibly affordable.”

Target has been making a concerted effort to introduce new products that are competitively priced. Of the 10,000 new items it’s bringing to stores between now and August, thousands will be priced below $20.

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It’s the perfect way for Target to clap back at tariffs while doing its part to entice customers and perhaps recapture some of the goodwill it’s lost due to recent events.

Maurie Backman owns shares of Target.