American department store chain Target, will begin to offer Starbucks products for its curbside pickup offering later this year, with testing in two cities to begin in summer.
Target’s DriveUp service allows customers to shop online and using the Target app, add a Starbucks coffee, which will be delivered to them curbside as they drive up to collect their order, without the need to leave their car. Instead, when the customer arrives at the store, a Target employee will deliver the order to the vehicle.
Customers who choose the pick-up service through the Target app, can then indicate that they’re “on their way” so that the coffee is fresh when they arrive.
According to Target, this has been a top request from customers. Target has a longstanding licensing partnership with the coffee giant that grants them a license to offer Starbucks drinks, as well as allowing the coffee chain to set up branded coffee shops within Target stores.
The cities where test projects are set to commence in summer, include Target’s hometown Minneapolis while the other city has yet to be chosen.
On top of that, the option to make returns through the Drive Up service will also be available later this year. These enhancements are part of Target’s strategy of using their locations as fulfilment hubs. Currently, the company is focusing its efforts on enhancing its same-day services through what it calls, its “easy, differentiated shopping experience”.
