Target to debut new cast of holiday characters

    After three years, Target Corp. is replacing the Christmas Champ, the crazed Target lady in a red jumpsuit played by Minnesota-native Maria Bamford, with the Deals Duet. The Business Journal reports the Minneapolis-based retailer will debut its holiday marketing campaign on Wednesday.
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    After three years, Target Corp. is replacing the Christmas Champ, the crazed Target lady in a red jumpsuit played by Minnesota-native Maria Bamford, with the Deals Duet. The Business Journal reports the Minneapolis-based retailer will debut its holiday marketing campaign on Wednesday.

    Target's online blog has a preview of the new ads. Watch below:

    The Star Tribune reports the Minneapolis-based retailer also created new holiday ads featuring Bullseye the Dog called "Dream Big, Save Bigger."

    Target has confirmed its doors will open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving — three hours earlier than a year ago -- to give "guests a more convenient way to create an after-dinner shopping event that the entire family can enjoy.”

    A Target employee in California is among those criticizing Target's decision to open on the national holiday. She started an online petition on Change.org that has already garnered nearly 180,000 signatures as of 9 a.m. Tuesday.

    Jeff Jones, Target's chief marketing officer, joined the retail company in April.

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