Target Drive Up

I discovered Target Drive Up a couple of years ago while visiting my home state of Minnesota (which is also Target’s home state). I was able to save my precious time for visiting family and friends, swinging by Target for mere minutes while going from point A to point B.

It took Target a while to roll Drive Up out to other states, but it’s now available statewide and I use it all the time. Not only is it more efficient, but I end up saving money because I don’t get tempted by impulse buys. I can also just add to my list in the app as I think of things, and finally pull the trigger once I am ready to go pick up my items.

I’ve also used it while on vacation in Maui. You can place a food and supplies order prior to landing and swing by Target’s parking lot after picking up your rental car. They’ll bring everything right out to your car with snorkel gear, food, booze, and all the fixings for a Mai Tai. (Actually, in Hawaii I think you may need to go into the store to get the booze. But not in California!)

Now my primary reason for using Target Drive Up is keeping safe during the COVID pandemic. Because they’ve been doing Drive Up for a couple of years now, they are way ahead of the competition. Things go smoothly and quickly with a completely contact-free process. They also just added support for cold and frozen groceries!

One important thing to note: You’ll need to install (and use) their mobile app for Drive Up. While you can add items to your cart via any browser, you have to be in the mobile app to select Drive Up as your delivery method.

Which brings me to my last point: You can also pick up your order inside the store or have it shipped (or a combo of all 3, which makes it a breeze to get free shipping). With most items available via 2-day shipping, I’m opting to use Target rather than Amazon whenever possible. After watching all those Targets burn during the riots this summer, I want to give them as much business as possible. 🎯