Target’s mobile app and website experienced an outage on Friday (Dec. 19), leaving thousands of customers unable to place or track orders, according to outage tracker Downdetector.
Reports of problems began to emerge early Friday morning, with users reporting problems accessing apps, tracking orders and online checkout.
Thousands are reporting problems on Downdetector
Downdetector data showed complaints started coming in shortly after 6:00 a.m. ET. By 8:30 a.m. PT, more than 8,000 users reported problems with Target’s digital platforms.
Some shoppers said they were unable to view order confirmations or access their purchase history, while others reported problems with pickups and returns.
Target acknowledges “systemic problem”
Target’s customer service team confirmed the breach and described it as a “systemic issue.”
In a separate statement released by the retailer, it said it is “aware of the issues you are having and is actively addressing them. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue.”
Customers report charges without confirmation
A recurring complaint on social media involved customers who claimed they were charged for online pickup or orders, but saw no confirmation or order history in the app.
Some users have reported that they are unsure whether their purchases will be fulfilled or refunded.
Social media erupts in frustration
Frustration over Target’s app outage spilled onto social media Friday, with customers describing payment glitches, missing order confirmations and suspended pickups.
One user reported that he placed a ride order and was charged, but never received a confirmation email. The app later displayed an error message that said “something went wrong,” prompting the shopper to request a repair or refund.
Another customer noted that he couldn’t tell if a $125 order had gone through because the part of the app showing order details wasn’t working.
Another user asked how long Target would hold pickup orders if its systems were down, calling the disruption “a real inconvenience.”
One shopper said they placed an online pickup order but were unable to retrieve it or even cancel it because the app wasn’t working.
Another customer complained that Target accepted payment for an order, but there was no confirmation email and the app doesn’t show purchase history, so they can’t track the order.
Several users expressed general frustration, with one stating that the app crashing was “driving me crazy”.
In harsher criticism, one user flagged Target’s customer service account, accusing the retailer of letting orders go through despite knowing about the system problem, charging customers without providing proof of purchase or clarifying whether orders would be fulfilled.
Another shopper echoed that sentiment, saying Target’s systems were down for several hours but were still processing her payment, offering no confirmation email, order history or support options.
