Target rivals Costco food court with in-store snack bar

Target is officially taking on Costco in a bid to become the ultimate go-to snack supermarket by installing a bar in one of its flagship stores.

Anyone who has visited Costco will already know how tasty and wallet-friendly its cult food court offerings are. Hot dogs come in at $1.50; pizza slices start at $1.99; there’s a limited-time $2.99 dessert customers cannot get enough of, and much more to choose from.

Buc-ee’s, like the warehouse club, is famed for its in-store food offerings—and now it seems like Target wants a slice of the pie.

Earlier this week, the New York Post reported that the Minnesota-based company had officially rebranded one of its stores in New York to include a grab-and-go snack bar.

The result is a ‘bodega-style’ selection in SoHo, aiming to bring a ‘New York-inspired food market’ to hungry, Bullseye shoppers.

(Target)

The food-focused remodel is designed to look like a neighbourhood grocery store and will help position Target as ‘not just a place to shop, but a destination for busy families’, according to the outlet.

Shoppers won’t be able to sit down inside the SoHo snack bar to enjoy hot dogs and fountain drinks; they can instead purchase a rotating selection of food and drinks from new and emerging retailers.

This includes products from Wilde and Cadootz, presented in a ‘series of neighbourhood-inspired stops’.

They will also be able to browse a seasonal shopping bar featuring sweet and savoury products from Target's Favorite Day brand.

Moreover, the brand will offer buyers an ‘entertaining experience, keeping consumers in stores and exploring all the aisles’.

(Target)

In a press release regarding the newly transformed space, Michelle Mesenburg, chief brand officer, Target said: “Our guests want more than just a place to shop — they want to feel inspired, discover something new and find great style, design and value in the products they shop for every day.

“With Target SoHo's transformation complete, we're bringing that joy of discovery to every corner of the store, turning everyday essentials into moments of inspiration and giving guests something new to love with every Target run.”

Other highlights of the SoHo Target include the Bullseye Loft, a ‘reimagined home destination where guests discover products through inspiring, shoppable living spaces featuring Target's home brand Threshold’, and the Balance Mart.

(Target)

The latter is described as a ‘wellness destination featuring expanded men's grooming, trending wellness brands, Korean beauty products and more’.

Shoppers after toys and entertainment can head to the new Explorers’ Lab, an ‘interactive destination inspired by imagination, storytelling and New York culture’.

Will Target successfully overthrow Costco with its in-store food offerings? We will have to wait and see.