Target offering free shipping on more online orders

Target
Shoppers arrive at a Target store in Los Angeles on Dec. 19, 2013.
Damian Dovarganes | AP, File

In the face of stiff online competition, Target is expanding its offer of free shipping for items ordered online.

The Minneapolis-based retailer says starting Monday, it will pick up the postage for online purchases of $25 or more. Until now, the threshold had been $50.

"We're very focused on digital and wanted to make our online offering as compelling as possible and really beat the industry," said company spokesman Eddie Baeb.

Target offers free shipping for nearly all online purchases using a Target REDcard debit or credit card. Baeb says the retailer saw a strong consumer response to a temporary offer of free shipping on every order over the holidays.

Walmart — Target's biggest competitor — still requires a $50 minimum purchase to qualify for free shipping.

Amazon and Best Buy each have $35 thresholds.