I have written before about the growing number of businesses that are offering pick-up services and special drive-up spots for customers to acquire their online orders at the store. In New York City, Target is taking this a step further and offering home delivery.
Signs proclaiming “Buy a cartful and we’ll deliver it” are plastered all over the subway stations – appropriate marketing for the consumers who don’t want to schlep bundles of paper towels or heavy laundry detergent on the A-Train.
I suspect that Amazon’s door-to-door delivery is taking a bite out of Target’s market. Especially in inclement weather, who wants to drag “a cartful” even to your car, let alone via subway or bus.
But at what cost is all this convenience?
Goods and services are delivered to your door. More people are working remotely. Many have opted for streaming services instead of movies. You can even visit the doctor via the web.
Organizations must provide new levels of value just to get people to leave their homes. In an era where civility is being tested, perhaps it is because we have fewer and fewer face-to-face encounters. On any given day we could see the UPS or Target delivery person more than our neighbors or even coworkers.
At least while the sun is shining, leave your house to soak it in. Chat with people along your path. Buy your shampoo in a brick and mortar store. Let your face see other faces that aren’t in delivery uniforms or on a screen.
