* Target to test pilot service this summer
* Target Restock will offer one day delivery on select items
* The pilot will be tested in Target’s hometown of Minneapolis
As Amazon continues to expand on its burgeoning status as the fastest growing retailer available, other major retailers are taking action to remain competitive in the era of ultra-convenient services, competitive prices and rapid delivery times. Amazon Prime offers users who subscribe to the service free next day delivery on a wide range of merchandise, leaving other e-commerce retailers feeling pressured to upgrade their standard shipping services. In a blog post yesterday, Target announced it will be testing a new program called, “Target Restock,” to offer its customers a shopping experience with enhanced “convenience and personalization.”
Target Restock will offer next-day delivery to customers, following in the footsteps of other major retailers, including Amazon, Costco and Walmart. The company has signed a deal with delivery service company, Instacart, which will pick up orders placed on the Target website including groceries and household items, ranging from paper towels to granola bars. Orders will be delivered within one business day.
The pilot program will be tested in Minneapolis (where Target is based) and will be only offered to customers who are Target REDCard owners. There will a website dedicated to showcasing items available for the service, and guests will be able to check out and pay online as per usual. Orders placed prior 1:30 p.m. will be fulfilled by the next day for a “low, flat fee.”
According to the blog post, Target is busy “fine-tuning the experience and testing various enhancements,” so the service won’t be offered until this summer.
