TARGET has confirmed the expansion of a popular service in a copycat decision to some top competitors.
The major move will help consumers get the merchandise they want even faster this year.
Target is expanding a popular service this year (stock image)[/caption]
Same-day delivery through the chain will be available in 35 more cities (stock image)[/caption]
At least 35 of the top 60 metropolitan areas in the United States will soon be able to take advantage of Target’s next-day delivery service, per The Associated Press.
That’s a total of 22 new cities to get the delivery benefits from the retail giant, putting it in a position to compete directly with the likes of Amazon and Walmart.
According to Gretchen McCarthy, chief supply chain and logistics officer at Target, this expansion means that about 54% of the entire US population will have access to next-day delivery by year’s end.
McCarthy told AP that this is up considerably from 20%, and that the company would lean on fulfillment centers as much as possible to improve shipping speed without putting a dent in profits.
“I think about us moving from this national fulfillment model to this market-based approach,” she said.
This approach was tested in Chicago in August, where there are about 80 Target stores, two fulfillment, and two sortation centers.
MORE ON THE WAY
Cities like San Diego, Orlando, and Tampa are included in the 35 metropolitan areas, and another 20 are expected to be added to the list in 2026.
Target currently offers same-day delivery to 80% of the country through Shipt, the delivery subscription service it acquired in 2017 for $550 million, per a news release.
The same year, it also began transforming many of its over 1,900 stores to double as fulfillment centers.
Target will rely on Shipt to help complete some larger batch orders for delivery in the new metropolitan areas for the time being, but it’s also partnering with national carriers.
Amazon is still dominating with same-day delivery, however, as it expanded the service by over 60% last year for Prime members, serving more than 140 metropolitan areas.
Walmart has also delivered about 7.1 billion units through same-day delivery or next-day delivery in the past year, according to what a spokesperson explained to AP.
In August, the retailer also confirmed its expansion of next-day delivery through Walmart Marketplace, its third-party e-commerce platform, in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.
According to Walmart, at least 95% of the US population is reached with next-day or two-day shipping services.
TARGET RETURN POLICY
Here is Target’s updated return policy:
Target reserves the right to deny returns, refunds and exchanges including but not limited to prevent fraud, suspected fraud or abuse.
Target’s Return Policy
- Most items sold by Target that are unopened and in new condition can be returned within 90 days for a refund or exchange. The return period for items purchased from Target.com starts when the order is invoiced, which occurs when any part of the order is shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. Certain items have different return policies, as indicated on the receipt, packing slip, Target’s policy board (refund exceptions), Target.com, or within the item’s description. Refunds or exchanges may be refused for items that are opened, damaged, or lack a receipt.
Target Plus
Partner’s Return Policy
- Most items sold by Target Plus Partners that are unopened and in new condition can be returned within 90 days for a refund. The return period for Target.com purchases begins once the order is invoiced. Items sold by Target Plus Partners must be returned to Target, either in-store or by mail. Some items may have different return policies, which are outlined on Target.com. Refunds may be refused for opened or damaged items, and in-store returns without a valid receipt will be denied. Some items, like electronics, may have a shorter return window; please refer to the specific item description for details.
Source: Target
CONTINUED CHANGE
The expansion from Target also comes after some sales struggles, consumer blowback, and several other updates and changes in 2025.
It recently confirmed that it found a new CEO in Michael Fiddelke, who will succeed Brian Cornell in February 2026.
Fiddelke has promised at least three significant changes for Target in the coming year as the retailer battle stagnant sales.
For the past 10 quarters, Target has reported flat or declining same-store sales, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A recent companywide survey also revealed that about 50% of employees didn’t think the brand was making necessary decisions to compete with other top retailers.
Troubles with customers began earlier in the year, with boycotts starting in January after Target decided to roll back some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
A memo sent out to staff confirmed that Target’s three-year DEI goals would end, along with reports to external companies such as the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, per CNBC.
Additionally, a program designed to help the retailer carry more products from Black or minority-owned businesses was halted.
Controversy also came this summer over the changes to Target’s price match guarantee program.
Target also mutually ended its partnership with Ulta Beauty, which has around 600 pop-up sections within stores.
