Target extends delivery facility in Atlanta

Target’s latest supply chain and ecommerce facility is rolling out an extension to reach even more shoppers in Atlanta. 

The delivery fulfillment extension facility opened in Smyrna, Ga., and expands next-day delivery reach to 500,000 more online customers. Target said that its first fulfillment extension opened near the Smyrna location at less cost than a full-size sortation center. So far, it reports an immediate impact of over 30% more customer reach — making next-day delivery possible for a total of more than 3 million in the Atlanta area. 

Target said the extension supports its “stores as hubs” strategy, which uses its stores as shopping destinations and fulfillment facilities, packaging online orders and shipping them to a growing network of sortation centers for next-day delivery.

It also comes as part of Target’s plan to invest $100 million to expand its supply chain sortation network to more than 15 facilities by the end of 2026, bringing next-day delivery capabilities to customers across major U.S. markets.

Target said this is a “stepping stone” that extends the sortation center to deliver outside its delivery radius. 

Drivers with Shipt are now delivering up to 1,500 packages per day with plans to ramp up even more, Target said. DaVion Ezell, operations director for Target’s Atlanta sortation center and extension, added that as the company gets closer to the holiday season, the retailer should be able to achieve and exceed demand. 

Related:Target wants to grow grocery revenue

In line with its test-and-learn approach, Target will continue to review expansion plans for these types of facilities as it works to reach more customers.