Target catches up in retail delivery wars

Minneapolis-based Target Corp. is expanding its same-day delivery program to reach more customers to keep up with Walmart and Amazon.

The company announced that Target.com shoppers in 47 states will now be able to have items delivered the same day — in as soon as an hour in some instances. The service will be done through its member-based delivery platform, Shipt, which the company acquired back in 2017.

With this latest expansion, some 65,000 items are now available for same-day shipping, according to the company. The eligible items are all located in a dedicated area on the chain’s site. Shoppers who use Target’s credit card will receive 5% off on purchases.

“With same-day delivery now available directly within the Target.com experience, we’ve made it even easier for our guests to shop at Target — while still getting the great value, curated product assortment and helpful guest service they’ve come to expect,” said Dawn Block, senior vice president of digital.

Although Target customers were already able to get goods delivered on the same day through their $99 per year Shipt memberships, all customers can now opt to pay a flat fee of $9.99 for each individual order without having to sign up for a Shipt membership.

The announcement comes shortly after both Walmart and Amazon announced their latest delivery moves. Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart is trying to keep up with Amazon’s garage delivery program by offering deliveries inside customers’ homes and garages.