Target Just Upgraded Drive Up-and Shoppers Could Benefit
Target shoppers may not notice the company's latest update at first, but it could help make Drive Up orders arrive a little faster.
The retailer has rolled out a new technology upgrade designed to streamline one of the most common delays its Drive Up team members face, which will end up speeding up the order fulfillment process behind the scenes.
According to Business Insider, employees previously had to unlock secured Drive Up doors with a key fob or assistance from another coworker every time they returned to the store after delivering an order. "We've all stood at home digging for our keys. Now imagine you know you've got a cart in front of you," Ashley Daniels, Target's head of product management for internal software, told the outlet on Friday, July 3. "We saw this was a frequent, very real pain point for our stores."
Target's solution was simple. The company added a feature to employees' handheld devices that allows them to unlock the doors with a tap while connected to the store's secure Wi-Fi network-no fumbling for keys required.
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While saving roughly 30 seconds per trip may not sound like much, the impact quickly adds up. Target estimates the update will save more than 350,000 labor hours annually across its nearly 2,000 U.S. stores.
The update comes as Target invests billions into its stores
Earlier this year, Target announced plans to invest approximately $5 billion into its business, including remodeling more than 130 stores and opening 30 new locations.
Many remodeled stores will feature expanded grocery departments, refreshed displays, upgraded checkout areas and larger spaces dedicated to Drive Up, Order Pickup, and Returns. Guests can also expect brighter layouts, updated signage, renovated restrooms and, in some locations, more energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems.
All these behind-the-scenes improvements could mean getting back on the road just a little bit faster on your next Target run.
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This story was originally published July 4, 2026 at 5:17 PM.