Target revives free holiday delivery to edge past Walmart

New York

TARGET Corp is bringing back free delivery for the holidays - a strategy it hopes will give it an edge over Walmart Stores Inc, which is eschewing special shipping offers and encouraging online shoppers to pick up items at brick-and-mortar stores.

Target.com is offering free shipping and returns on all items starting Nov 1, an enticement to get shoppers to buy holiday gifts on the site, the company said on Thursday. At Walmart.com, customers who spend less than US$50 will either have to pay for shipping or arrange to have their items sent for free to a physical store.