Target begins nationwide cart redesign after years of guest research

The real test of Target’s new cart rollout is whether cart attendants and front-of-store teams spend less time wrestling with carts and more time keeping the entrance, lot and checkout flow moving. The Series 3 All Plastic Cart is already showing up in select stores, and Target plans to replace about 500,000 carts over time.

Target said the redesign was shaped by years of guest feedback and testing, a process that began in 2020 under the store design team. Sarah Deuth, Target’s vice president of store design, said the new cart reflects years of research, guest feedback and engineering. The company has framed the cart as one of the most-used parts of a shopping trip, which helps explain why it treated the project as a nationwide overhaul rather than a minor equipment refresh.

For workers, the change matters because cart design affects daily labor in ways guests do not always see. Front-of-store roles include cart collection and keeping carts available for guests, so a cart that steers more smoothly, nests better or breaks down less often can change how much time team members spend corralling carts at the entrance, in the parking lot and near the checkout lanes. Reported updates include ergonomic handles, larger cupholders, increased basket space, a deeper and more secure child seat and a flat front shelf for a phone. Some coverage also said the carts are modular, with individual parts replaceable to extend lifespan.

The redesign also has implications for the pace and physical feel of the shift. A cart that is easier to maneuver can make it simpler to clear the lot before a rush, keep the front end stocked with enough carts for guests and reduce the stop-and-start friction that comes with damaged or awkward equipment. For team leads and executive team leaders, that can translate into fewer headaches during cart audits, less scramble around peak traffic and a smoother handoff between front-of-store coverage and the rest of the building.

Target is also tying the cart project to its broader sustainability push. The company has said its circularity strategy focuses on designing products and packaging to reduce waste and keep materials in use longer, and some coverage said the new carts are fully recyclable at the end of their life. With more than 2,000 stores in the United States and more than 400,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal team members, even a change that starts with one piece of equipment can ripple across the chain quickly.