Target has flagged concerning customer behavior as it heads into the holiday season, reporting sluggish spending and a significant earnings miss that has led to a 21% drop in its stock. This disappointing performance contrasts sharply with rival Walmart, which has reported a stellar quarter, hitting new highs as consumers flock to better deals. Analysts suggest that consumers are spending cautiously, and Target’s CEO acknowledged that shoppers are waiting until the last moment to make purchases. The retailer has downgraded its holiday expectations and warned of challenges such as supply chain issues and shifting consumer loyalty towards value-oriented competitors. As Target navigates these difficulties, its stock performance reflects broader weaknesses in the retail sector.