Target has scaled its contactless curbside pickup service, known as shopfood.com, by adding more than 18,000 designated parking spots. To support this expansion, the company has tripled the number of store fulfillment roles and is providing backup training in same-day fulfillment for all new store team members, according to reports from RetailMeNot.
Target Expands Infrastructure for Drive Up Curbside Pickup
The service, which is available in all 50 states as of August 2019, allows customers to shop for items via the Target app and have them loaded directly into their vehicles without entering the store. Target Drive Up is free to use and does not require a minimum order.
Eligible Products and Ordering Process
While initially focused on nonperishable items, Target announced in July 2020 that it would expand the service to include fresh and frozen food. As of 2021, perishable groceries are available for Drive Up, provided the items are in stock at the selected store. Other eligible categories include:
- Clothing and beauty items
- Electronics and toys
- Cleaning supplies and diapers
- Pantry staples, such as cooking oils, soda, and pasta
- Select smaller furniture, including some desks and desk chairs
Certain large furniture items remain ineligible for the service. Shoppers can use a Drive Up filter within the app to view only eligible products.
To utilize the service, customers must use the Target app. While users can add items to their cart via Target.com, they must either check out through the app or switch an existing order to Drive Up using the app after receiving a notification that the order is ready.
Pickup Logistics and Store Operations
To complete a pickup, customers must select I’m on my wayin the app and provide their vehicle information. Upon arrival at a designatedDrive Up spot, a Target associate loads the order into the car and scans a barcode provided by the customer via the app.
Drive Up hours generally align with store hours, which are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at many locations. However, the cut-off time for placing a Drive Up order is two hours before the store closes. Fulfillment typically takes between two and six hours.
For items that are not available at a local store for Drive Up, Target offers home shipping, which is free for orders of $35 or more.
Payments, Coupons, and Returns
Target maintains price parity for the service, meaning Drive Up prices are the same as in-store prices. Customers can apply digital coupons and Target Circle offers to their orders.
While there is no fee for the service, Target allows customers to tip their shoppers. Tips can be handled in cash during the vehicle load-in or processed through the Target app or Target.com, with the shopper receiving 100% of the tip.
Returns for Drive Up purchases are handled at Guest Services in any Target store. Customers must present either a mobile receipt or a printed receipt to process the return.
Worth a look
