Happy Thursday, here are the top stories being discussed over our favorite adult beverages (or Starbucks item) tonight…
Target to add Starbucks orders and returns to their curbside service
I guess all the other retailers are really just playing for second place now, as Target is getting closer and closer to the retail unicorn for those who shop there. Now, you can handle returns via curbside service and get your Starbucks order while you wait.
Target is preparing a series of changes to make its curbside pickup service called Drive Up more appealing to consumers. The retailer announced on Wednesday it will begin testing an option that will allow customers to add Starbucks orders to their pickup as well as the ability to bring back items they want to return, among other changes.
The new additions are not yet available but instead are a part of a planned expansion of the Drive Up service in fall 2022 (Q3), Target said. When available, customers will see the new options appear with the Target mobile app, which today powers Target’s Drive Up service. Here, customers today can place orders for curbside pickup, then alert the store when they’re on their way. That real-time notification about the customer’s location could tie into the Starbucks ordering option, as the company will know when to begin preparing the drink orders.
Shipt announces partnership with Walgreens and 7-Eleven
Shipt announced on Thursday it has partnered with Walgreens and 7-Eleven, marking a large expansion for the Target-owned delivery company that increases the number of retail locations where its service is available by more than 40%.
The service will launch nationwide in more than 6,300 stores for the health and wellness retailer and nearly 6,450 of the convenience chain’s locations.
Shipt is bringing on the two retailers and growing its U.S. presence as rivals like Instacart diversify their retail offerings while gaining ground across the country.
Instacart to deliver DIY products via Lowe’s
Lowe’s and Instacart have joined forces to pilot same-day delivery for tens of thousands of home improvement products. In doing so, Lowe’s is making its mark as the first home improvement retailer featured on the grocery platform.
The two companies announced the partnership Wednesday to address a “growing consumer need as both home improvement product purchases and demand for online delivery continue,” Instacart said.
The partnership will first focus on delivering items in as fast as one hour in two markets before expanding to other areas in the coming months. Instacart users in Boston and Charlotte will be the first to get various items including small home appliances, building supplies, light fixtures, garden and outdoor essentials delivered to their door, Instacart announced.
Throughout the pandemic, home improvement retailers have had success as many people took on new projects and even moved into new homes. This newly established partnership will allow Instacart to capitalize on the success while giving Lowe’s another way to keep boosting its already strong sales.
Giant Co. drops online grocery pickup fees
Another major grocery retailer puts a stake in the ground as they make a play for online grocery orders, Giant Co. has eliminated the order minimum and pickup fees for GIANT Direct and MARTIN’S Direct customers who choose to pickup their groceries at a GIANT or MARTIN’S store.
“With today’s customers having more choices than ever before, it’s critical that we continue taking steps to differentiate our online shopping experience,” GIANT vice president of brand experience Matt Simon said. “Not only do these enhancements accelerate our omnichannel strategy, but they also provide our GIANT Direct and MARTIN’S Direct customers with greater convenience and value, uniquely positioning The GIANT Company as the online grocer of choice.”
The change announced on Thursday are the latest investments made by GIANT in support of its growing e-commerce business, according to the company. Last November, GIANT opened its new, state-of-the-art GIANT Direct e-commerce fulfillment center in Philadelphia to serve more customers in Philadelphia and, in a first for the company, in southern New Jersey.
