Target Just Undercut Amazon On Free Shipping For Online Orders

When you think online shopping, we bet you don't really consider Target. The big-box retailer might be your go-to for — well, everything ever — but when you're shopping online, you're likely looking to Amazon. That might change, though, as Target just stepped up their online shopping game in a big way. Now, all orders of $25 or more ship for free. That's $10 less than Amazon's threshold, and half of Walmart's $50 minimum purchase amount for free shipping. Target is also offering free returns.

It's a huge step forward for Target, and also offers one thing Amazon can't: free, same-day in-store pickup for items that are available at a store location.

To better support their blossoming online order business — which should only grow with this news — Target is planning to open up tow more distribution centers in the United States.

The free shipping is 'standard', which arrives in 3-5 days. Target is also offering upgraded shipping, where you can have your item in as little as one day.

While the free shipping spend threshold is half of what it was, Target still has a few deficiencies for those dedicated to online shopping. Daily cutoffs for same-day shipping preparation pale in contrast to Amazon's nearly 24-hour processing, and the lack of a membership that gives users 2-day shipping on most orders (like Amazon Prime) could leave some wanting. Target also doesn't have the scope Amazon does when it comes to item availability.

The ability to pick-up in-store is still really handy, and returning an item you purchased online to a store should be equally attractive for many. The update is effective now, so get shopping!

Source: Target