Target Launches Curbside Returns in Select States

Target is making it easier for customers to return products, launching curbside returns last week that allows people to make returns from the comfort of their cars. The retailer's goal is to roll out the service to all stores by the end of the summer, but for now it's available in a quarter of Target's stores, CNBC reported. Target first announced the service in February 2022 and launched a pilot program in fall 2022.

"Drive Up Returns is the newest way Target is improving upon our convenient and painless return policy: Guests can return most new, unopened items within 90 days of purchase — and up to a year for Target-owned brands — for free," the company said in a press release.

Total Retail's Take: Curbside services like buy online, pick up curbside took the retail world by storm when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented people from mingling in stores. At the same time, returns ballooned as consumers could no longer try on apparel and other products in-store.

Now, retailers like Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart, Nordstrom, and DSW have rolled out curbside returns as a way to stay relevant in the same-day-fulfillment space, especially as it became clear that consumer shopping habits emerging from the pandemic are here to stay. For Target, the addition of curbside services has proven to be a growth driver for its digital business. Case in point, Target's same-day services, including its drive-up services, accounted for more than half of digital sales as of late January, CNBC reported.