Target raised its fourth-quarter sales forecast Thursday after more consumers turned to its stores and website for holiday shopping — particularly on days known for deep discounts.

Target leaned in heavily toward promotions and sales during the holidays, a strategy that seems to have left it in the middle of the pack of retailers for the season. The Minneapolis-based retailer said Thursday its comparable sales rose about 2%,

Key Takeaways Core retail sales rose 4% YOY to a record $994.1 billion, surpassing the National Retail Federation's forecast. A strong holiday season surge saw Target lift its sales forecast to 1.5% growth from the previous year.

Target reported stronger-than-expected holiday sales, driven by record-breaking Black Friday and Cyber Monday performances, prompting an increase in its sales growth forecast for the holiday quarter to 1.

Target anticipates 1.5% growth in Q4 comparable sales and maintains its EPS guidance of between $1.85 and $2.45.

Shares of Target ($TGT) were in the spotlight as the retailer posted better-than-expected sales numbers for the holiday shopping season, lifting retail sentiment. The company said its total sales during the two holiday months grew 2.