BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shipt, a leading online grocery marketplace, and Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) today announced they will begin same-day delivery of more than 55,000 groceries, essentials, home, electronics, toys and other products across twelve Southwest cities. Beginning February 15, 2018, Shipt will deliver from Target stores in the following metro areas:

• Arizona: Phoenix metropolitan area
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Tulsa
• Texas: Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, greater Houston, Killeen, Temple, and greater San Antonio

Cumulatively, the new partnership gives more than 8.5 million households across the Southwest access to Target products delivered by Shipt in as little as one hour. To celebrate the addition of Target to the Shipt marketplace, new members who sign up prior to expansion will receive an annual membership for $49 (regularly $99).

“The addition of Target stores to Shipt’s online marketplace across the Southwest allows us to deliver on our promise to offer quality products at great prices by making Target’s wide assortment available to our dedicated members,” said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Shipt. “We know Shipt members in the Southwest will enjoy the convenience of having their Target run delivered within an hour by our growing community of Shipt shoppers who are known for offering personalized, highly-tailored service.”

Founded in 2014, Shipt is committed to simplifying its members’ lives by offering a new, convenient same-day shopping experience. Shipt’s marketplace gives customers the ability to browse, search and shop the in-store assortment online. Adding to Shipt’s marketplace of existing retail partners, Target will be the newest delivery option in these markets.

“Same-day delivery was at the top of our list when we were thinking about ways to make shopping at Target even easier,” said John Mulligan, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Target. “Shipt’s personalized, customer-focused approach fits perfectly with our commitment to deliver a convenient, exceptional experience and we’re excited to begin offering same-day service in the Southwest.”

Leading up to the expansion, Shipt plans to hire more than 3,000 shoppers throughout the Southwest. They will be a part of the team responsible for ensuring complete, accurate fulfillments of each order. To apply to be a Shipt Shopper, visit Shipt.com and click “Get Paid to Shop.”

Through this partnership, Target plans to offer convenient, same-day delivery of the in-store assortment of groceries, essentials, home, electronics and other products from approximately half of stores by early 2018. The majority of Target stores will offer the service by the 2018 holiday season, and by the end of 2019, same-day delivery will include all major product categories at Target.