Target, a retail giant based in Minneapolis, has announced a new collaboration with Shopify in an effort to bring fresh and trendy brands to its website. This partnership will allow companies working with Shopify to apply to join Target Plus, a third-party marketplace launched by the discounter.
In an interview with CNBC, Target’s Chief Guest Experience Officer, Cara Sylvester, revealed that this collaboration will enable the retailer to identify popular products quickly and offer them to online shoppers. With Shopify’s assistance, Target aims to introduce sought-after items to its e-commerce platform, and potentially on its store shelves as well.
Target has experienced a decline in sales over the past few quarters, struggling to keep pace with competitors in both the brick-and-mortar and online spaces. Despite efforts to boost its e-commerce business, digital sales growth has been limited until recently. The company is striving to reverse this trend and return to positive sales figures.
While Target Plus is a relatively small player in the third-party marketplace arena, it has been gaining traction. Brands joining Target Plus also have the opportunity to benefit from Roundel, Target’s advertising business, which has seen significant growth. This synergy allows for mutual benefits between Target, its marketplace sellers, and its advertising partners.
Unlike industry giants like Amazon and Walmart, Target Plus operates on an invitation-only basis for brands looking to join. This curated approach allows Target to maintain control over the quality and range of products available on its platform. With over 1,200 sellers currently on board, Target is positioning itself as a more exclusive marketplace compared to its competitors.
While the collaboration with Shopify represents a step in the right direction for Target’s online expansion, the company still faces challenges in a competitive retail landscape. By leveraging its partnership with Shopify and continuing to innovate its marketplace offerings, Target aims to attract more customers and drive sales growth in the coming quarters.
Target’s partnership with Shopify marks a strategic move to enhance its digital presence and provide customers with an expanded selection of products. By tapping into Shopify’s network of brands, Target aims to rejuvenate its marketplace and drive increased customer engagement. While challenges remain, this collaboration signals Target’s commitment to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving retail industry.