Target Aims Its Efforts at Prime Pantry Copy-Cat
Announced yesterday, Target has unveiled a new next-day delivery program for “household essentials,” currently testing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Available only to Target REDcard holders, this nifty new service allows customers to order their groceries and toiletries online by filling up a “box” and having it shipped to them for a flat rate of $4.99. This new genius program is called Target Restock. It is the latest move in an attempt to take a stab at Amazon’s grip on the grocery delivery market, as well as other grocery delivery services like Instacart.
Target’s goal with Target Restock is to offer a convenient low priced service for their customers who loyally shop at the red themed store instead of being sucked into the ease of Amazon. “Target Restock is all about making the Target Run easier–and helping our guests save time in their busy lives,” said Mike McNamara, Target’s chief information and digital officer. “We look forward to seeing how guests in our hometown market respond to this new offering.” To use the service, customers must have a valid zip code and verify that they are a REDcard holder before accessing it on their Target account.
Customers can choose from over 10,000 items (WOWZER BOWZER), and fill up a limited “box” in a similar fashion to Prime Pantry. Once that box is full, you may not add any other items. A local store the fulfills the order and ships it to arrive next day to the customer. This service is still in beta, so shoppers should be cognizant there may be some flub ups here and there at first, and maintain patience while it is still new. If you want to give this new service a shot, be a pal and contribute any comments to Target so that they are able to improve it and roll it out full time and not just in beta.
No More Brick-and-Mortar Stores?
Other department stores are going to want to follow suit with Target and offer these various one-day shipping or grocery services, since Amazon is really taking the cake lately with all of their affordable speedy options. Especially since Amazon just acquired Whole Foods, it’s only a matter of time before Amazon Fresh is available nationwide, meaning certain death for traditional grocery shopping. The only competition would be from small store loyal shoppers. Although with groceries, and specifically produce, I personally don’t think everyone will be willing to sacrifice the grocery store experience, but more and more people are just leaning towards what is convenient nowadays. Only time will tell.
Stay On Your Couch & Give It A Try
So if you live in the Twin Cities and want to try out Target Restock, give it a try and see if they deliver you guacamole ready avocados or the equivalent of tennis balls, but with either one you won’t have to leave the comfort of your own couch.
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