Target Launches Curbside Pickup In Two New Markets

Target is expanding its curbside pickup to two new markets: California and Colorado.

With the service, customers order products through Target’s app and drive to the store. When they arrive, employees deliver the goods to customers’ cars. Orders are usually ready within an hour after customers place them.

Earlier this year, the retailer announced its plans to introduce the service to nearly 1,000 of its brick-and-mortar stores, which the company says is on track to happen by the holiday season. Currently, it is available at locations in dozens of states.

The service is seen as a way to compete with eCommerce giant Amazon. Target is already experiencing a 10 percent rise in orders with the new service, which has been particularly popular with families, as diapers and household supplies are top sellers.

Target isn’t the only retailer to launch curbside pickup: Walmart has its own version, giving consumers around 35,000 items to choose from. Customers simply select a local store that offers the service, pick out the items they want and then select a time — including later that same day — to meet up with a Walmart personal shopper and pick up their orders.

And Amazon and Whole Foods Market earlier this month announced the launch of curbside grocery pickup in Sacramento and Virginia Beach. Amazon said the service will come to more cities throughout the remainder of the year. With curbside delivery, Prime members can shop at Whole Foods Market online and pick up their order in 30 minutes without having to get out of their cars.

To take advantage of the new service, a Prime member places an order via the Prime Now app and chooses the pickup option when they are checking out. There is the choice between free pickup in an hour or more on orders of $35 or greater, or pickup in 30 minutes for $4.99. Once the customer arrives at the store and parks in a reserved spot, a shopper from Prime Now will place their groceries in the car. For customers who alert Prime Now that they are on their way, the groceries will be ready upon their arrival.