Target Will Test New Curbside Options for Returns and Starbucks Pickups

Retail giant Target will be doing something that may elate customers. Starting this fall at select stores, the company is offering shoppers a way to return items and poick up Starbucks orders without leaving their cars.

Target is adding the new features to Drive Up, its popular curbside pickup service. The company declined to identify store locations or give a more specific timetable.

The company has additionally been adding more merchandise and convenient features to the service, including fresh and frozen groceries and alcohol.

A company spokeswoman said Target will begin testing with employees and then serve customers. The company plans to scale the features across the country according to the spokeswoman.

Shoppers can also pick up online purchases inside Target stores or get them dropped them off by Target-owned home delivery service Shipt. Those same-day online services grew nearly 60% in the third quarter, on top of 200% growth in the year-ago period.

The company said in a news release that customers requested Starbucks pickup and returns. Shoppers will not need to use a pickup window to get a drink or make a return.

Target will report fourth quarter financial results on Tuesday.

Comparable sales in the third quarter grew 12.7%, as shoppers made more trips to Target’s stores and visits to its website. That exceeded the 8.2% increase that analysts expected, according to a StreetAccount survey.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.