They waited in the cold for a Target swag bag. Some say it wasn’t worth it.
"I feel like Target could have really done better," TikTok user Stacia Brant said in a video. "I think we could have had more coupon codes, we could have had more samples."
Greta CrossTarget is receiving backlash from customers who waited hours in line on Black Friday to receive a free swag bag they claim didn't reach the mark.
As part of the retailer's Black Friday deals, the first 100 customers at each store received a free giveaway bag "packed with holiday favorites," according to a Target news release. Details of the items were not released ahead of time. Ten customers at each store also received a take-home prize with a retail price between $99 to $350, including $100 Target gift cards, Beats Solo 4 headphones, Laifen hair dryers and Ninja Slushi machines, according to a Target statement obtained by USA TODAY.
As of Dec. 3, Target has not confirmed the contents of the giveaway bags, but videos shared by social media users showed the same five key items, including a pack of Uno cards, lip oil and a single pouch of candy.
'Target could have really done better'
TikTok user Stacia Brant said in a video that she arrived to her local Target around 11:45 p.m. on Thanksgiving and got in line around 3:45 a.m. on Black Friday. Brant said she was disappointed in the giveaway bag selection, especially considering how early she arrived to the store.
"I feel like Target could have really done better," Brant said in her video. "I think we could have had more coupon codes, we could have had more samples. It just feels like not worth sitting in line for even an hour, 30 minutes, honestly."
But not everyone was too upset, especially those who took home bigger prizes.
TikTok user Ebony Influences was one of the 10 customers at her store who received a take-home prize. The content creator walked away with the Ninja Slushi, a frozen-drink maker that retailed for $270 at Target as of Dec. 3. Another TikTok user, Gerilynne Mendez, won a Laifen High-Speed Hair Dryer SE Lite, which retailed for $100 at Target as of Dec. 3.
"Worth it or not?" Mendez said in her video's caption. "Happy I won though."
What did the Target swag bags hold?
According to social media videos showing the contents of the giveaway bags, the key items and their prices at Target were:
- LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolyte Drinks, 3 count ($5)
- Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters, single pouch (not sold individually)
- Gemz Smoothing Shampoo ($8)
- Uno Card Game ($7)
- e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil ($9)
In total, the giveaway bags contained about a $30 retail value.
Though these five items were a staple across the board, some social media users received a few other freebies. Ebony Influences also said she received an iridescent piece of fabric, a Target greeting card, a holiday sticker and a miniature Target bag keychain.
What did Target say about the Black Friday swag bags?
In a statement shared with USA TODAY on Dec. 3, Target did not directly respond to questions about the Black Friday bags.
"We loved seeing everyone who visited Target on Black Friday, including the tens of thousands of shoppers who were first in line at our stores that morning," the statement read. "Throughout this season, our team is focused on delivering outstanding deals, great gift selection and festive holiday experiences, and we value all feedback from our guests on what will make the holidays even better for them and their families."
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].