Target Brings Local Crate Meal Kits To More Stores

Following a test of Local Crate in select stores, Target is bringing the company’s meal kits to over 200 stores in California and Minnesota. The retailer had also tested meal kits from Hello Fresh, Tyson Tastemakers, Chef’s Menu and Chef’d in select stores, the Star Tribune reported.

Target Spokeswoman Kate Decker told the Star Tribune in an e-mail, “Based on the results, we have decided to continue testing with a smaller assortment in various Minnesota, Texas, and California locations.”

With the Local Crate meal kits, Target is bringing them to 54 stores in Minnesota and 142 stores in California. Beyond its brick-and-mortar stores, consumers will be able to buy the kits through same-day delivery from Shipt in Minnesota. As far as other meal kit brands are concerned, the Tyson meal kits, are still available in some stores in Texas.

Target is hardly the only retailer to sell meal kits in its stores. Walmart has begun selling meal kits and “one-step meals” in more than 250 of its brick-and-mortar stores. The retailer plans to bring the meals to 2,000 of its locations in 2018, CNBC reported.

Tyler Lehr, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of deli services for Walmart U.S., said, “These delicious meals give the best or worst of cooks a fresh, easy option for dinner tonight or later this week.”

The meal kits are designed to serve two people and sell for $8 to $15. Walmart customers can buy them in the store or through the retailer’s online grocery pickup service.

And Blue Apron is already working with Costco, for example, to sell meal kits that were specifically designed for the retailer in its locations in the Pacific Northwest and the San Francisco Bay area. Blue Apron CEO Brad Dickerson said the on-demand meal-kit pilot program builds on Blue Apron’s existing relationship with Costco. (Blue Apron already has a gift card business with Costco).