TARGET is taking big steps to differentiate itself from the competition and draw in new customers.
The popular retailer is going full speed ahead with updates to enhance customer experience and offer a wider inventory.
Last year 23 stores opened across the country, implementing new practices to help over 2million guests who shop there every year.
In a press release last month, Target announced it will be continuing and expanding celebrity partnerships like the one with social media star Tabitha Brown.
There will also be new partnerships with brands like Starbucks and Disney.
We rounded up all the changes you can look forward to at Target.
1. NEW STORE DESIGN
Target’s plan for bigger stores – measuring about 150,000 Square feet – will offer more options for in-store and online shoppers.
The larger-format stores will have backroom fulfillment spaces that are nearly five times bigger than the current ones.
This extra space will allow stores to fulfill over 95 percent of digital orders and same-day services.
Over half of the 200 remodeled stores will be large-format.
The new location in Katy, Texas, is one of the first of many of these bigger stores that will open in the coming years.
Target is making these changes with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040 in mind. There will be “built-in” sustainability, including CO2 refrigerators and electric vehicle charging points for customers.
2. NEIGHBORHOOD FOCUS
Target said that each new location “fits into a community like a puzzle piece, filling its needs while fitting in with its vibe.”
In downtown Pittsburgh, that meant making sure the location stocked essentials to eliminate the food desert that existed in the community.
A food desert is an area that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
These locations “embrace the neighborhood spirit” with unique architectural design as well.
3. NEW MERCHANDISE
Another benefit of the large-format stores is that they’ll carry more merchandise.
Stores will offer more grocery options, exclusive brand partnerships and a mix of private-label and national brands.
Target is adding over 250 Ulta Beauty centers to stores and hopes to open 800 in total.
4. ACCEPTING SNAP
Target now accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as payment on its website for select eligible grocery items.
Shoppers can also use SNAP for drive-up and pick-up orders as well.
Recently, Amazon, Walmart and Aldi have also added SNAP payment options for customers.
5. CURBSIDE PICKUP
During the pandemic, Target’s drive-up services became incredibly popular.
The retailer’s digital business more than doubled and now they hope to continue the trend.
Target will offer new same-day pickup services including being able to add a Starbucks order to the curbside services.
Customers will also be able to make returns without leaving their vars, and there will not be a pickup time window or membership fee.
These features have already rolled out in Minneapolis, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
6. NEW IN-STORE COUPON POLICY
Unfortunately, this change has not had a warm welcome from guests.
The company recently updated its coupon policy in an effort to reduce fraud through people using fake coupons.
Most paper coupons will not be accepted, and instead, cashiers will have a master file of barcodes provided by manufacturers.
This comes as several other retailers fall prey to the “retail apocalypse” and shutter stores.
Plus, make sure you don’t have this recalled product from Target that’s led to a death.
