In the endless march toward greater and faster convenience in shopping across channels, Target announced that 60 outlets in five major markets will offer a same-day delivery service on in-store purchases, making it easier to get bulky items home to an urban dwelling.
The service, which runs $7 per order (the cost of a taxi ride!), will be available at the end of April in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Guests can opt for the service at checkout, selecting a two-hour delivery window. Cashiers will notify shoppers of the service, which will also be indicated by signage.
“More than ever, we’re using our network of more than 1,800 stores and our enhanced supply chain operations and digital technologies to roll out more convenient shopping options for guests nationwide,” Target said in a blog post announcing the news, referencing its acquisition of logistics software firm Grand Junction in 2017.
The same-day service has been piloted at four New York stores since last year, with the home category proving the most popular; Target notes that especially bulky items like furniture come with a $25 handling fee.
In addition, Target offers free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items on Target.com, an obvious counter to Amazon Prime’s promise, as well as expanded curbside pickup and its Restock grocery delivery service. By the start of the busy holiday season at the end of November, the company plans to offer same-day delivery of online orders nationwide through its acquired Shipt unit.