Oct 22 (Reuters) - Target ( TGT ) is reducing prices on

more than 2,000 items ranging from snacks to toys and cold

medicine in an effort to attract bargain-hunting shoppers during

the holiday season, the retailer said on Tuesday.

The price reductions will be across national brands and

Target's ( TGT ) own private brands, including food and beverages,

everyday essentials and holiday gifts, it said.

The move comes ahead of the shorter-than-usual key shopping

period this year, and against a backdrop of frugal consumer

behavior.

Rival Walmart ( WMT ) has also been pushing to keep prices

on essentials low as many Americans turn to discount shopping

amid sticky inflation.

In May, Target ( TGT ) lowered prices on at least 5,000 frequently

shopped products. It said on Tuesday that it was on track to

lower prices on more than 10,000 items by the end of the holiday

season.

In August, Target ( TGT ) raised its full-year profit forecast and

reported its first increase in quarterly comparable sales in

over a year, driven by price cuts.

The Minneapolis-based retailer has hired about 100,000

seasonal workers ahead of the holiday season.