MINNEAPOLIS – After a successful pilot in the Twin Cities, Target Corp. is now offering curbside returns at about a quarter of its stores, with plans to be nationwide with the program by this summer.

Customers will be able to start a return order online or in the Target app, the company says, and then notify the store when they are on the way. Upon arrival at a Drive Up spot, the customer can hand off the return item to a Target team member. A confirmation email will confirm the transaction, Target says.

Customers can return most unopened items within 90 days of purchase for free, and up to a year for Target-owned brands.

Allowing guests to process a return from the comfort of their car underscores the retailer’s commitment to helping guests shop — and return — however they choose, according to a Target spokesman.

Target introduced its Drive Up service five years ago and had the program in place nationwide around the time the SARS-CoV-2 virus was identified in the United States late that year. Like other retailers’ click-and-collect programs, Target’s curbside pickup program helped the company attract and retain customers during the pandemic.

Target reported that its same-day services (in-store pickup, Drive Up, Shipt), accounted for about 10% of total sales in the fiscal 2022, which ended January 29.

Comparable digital sales declined 3.6% in the fourth quarter compared with a year earlier.

Target says its nationwide rollout of Drive Up Returns provides a no-stress option for guests with kids or pets in tow, those with disabilities, or anyone who wants or needs to stay in the comfort of their car and keep moving to their next destination.