When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Target
Why Target is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Target is a leading retail store known for delivering an on-trend and affordable assortment that blends style, newness, and value. It provides a unique shopping experience by integrating its physical stores with a dynamic digital platform and social commerce features, making it easy and enjoyable for customers to shop. With an ongoing initiative to expand by opening about 20 new large-format stores in 2025 and remodeling many others nationwide, Target continuously enhances its physical presence to offer more shopping space and efficiency. The stores also serve as fulfillment hubs for faster and more accurate delivery services, including same-day delivery and convenient Drive Up and Returns options. Target's loyalty program, Target Circle 360, boasts over 13 million members and offers perks and benefits, including an innovative partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to enhance travel rewards. The company invests significantly in supply chain modernization using AI-powered technology to improve product availability and delivery speed, aiming for more seamless shopping. These strategies create a great place to meet friends and shop, offering a blend of convenience, value, and excitement for everyday needs and special finds throughout the year.
Here's what people think of Target
As of recent, Target holds a 2.4-star rating based on 108 reviews.
User reviews of Target show a mixed but insightful perspective on the retailer. Customers appreciate Target's extensive product assortment that combines style and affordability, making it a preferred shopping destination for many. Positive reviews frequently mention the convenience of Target's integrated shopping experiences, including easy access to same-day delivery, Drive Up, and returns services. The loyalty program, Target Circle 360, is also well-received for adding value through perks and enhancing the overall shopping journey. Several customers commend the clean, modern store environments and the helpfulness of staff, as well as the ongoing improvements Target is making to its supply chain and inventory management that reduce out-of-stocks. On the other hand, negative reviews highlight areas of improvement such as some inconsistencies in stock availability during peak shopping times, occasional customer service challenges, and variable product quality. A few reviewers note frustrations with long checkout lines or wait times for certain services. Despite these critiques, the overall conclusion from reviews is that Target remains a valued retailer striving to enhance its shopping experiences through strategic growth, technology, and customer-focused initiatives, positioning it to better serve customers in the future.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
D P
I shop here very often, specifically the produce section due to the convenience of living nearby. However, the quality of the produce here is very poor. The onions, potatoes, lettuce - you name it- are always on the brink of rotting and just poor quality. My produce has started rotting way too quickly and I believe it’s because it was in poor shape to begin. Management needs to pull it together, but in the meantime I will no longer be shopping for produce here.
Shade Worley
This is by far the nastiest target store I have ever been inside. The bathrooms, especially were disgusting. There’s feces all over the walls in the floor, toilet paper and paper towels, and trash everywhere. Someone needs to have it condemned! And that was just the women’s bathroom I don’t even wanna know what the men’s bathroom looks like, the store itself had the empty shelves things were thrown all over the place up and down the isles. Most anything that was supposed to be on the shelf was in disarray and all this going on while their employees stand in the front of the store and on Isles playing having a good time and not doing their job! If you have to run in for a quick purchase, don’t think it’s going to be that quick. We stood in line for 30+ minutes while the people at the self pay registered joked with employees and took their time. I will definitely not be back unless it’s an absolute “have to” situation.
Lakesha McCullough
On Wednesday, April 2 at 9:30am, I went to Target to pick up several items. I definitely had over 10 items and would’ve preferred to checkout through a traditional lane and on top of that I had gift cards. I asked the young lady at self-checkout if Target had anyone who could check me out. She did attempt to contact an associate. It took several minutes to figure out who was going to check me out. After standing there looking stupid for a while, I decided to abandon my cart. Target has gotten a lot how Walmart use to be. Walmart is decent now after losing a lot of their business to Amazon. Customers are human beings and human beings deserve to be treated much better.
Nikki Bower
By far the worst Target. There is never a lane open and when I go to self checkout there is none working there. I always sit in self checkout for 5 or more minutes waiting. I know it's not the low amount of employees, what it is they have every employee doing outside car orders. One time they had 6 people out there. They should change this to car only pick up because that's all they care about.
Eric Rothman
We have been coming here for 15 years. After all these years we have decided to start using publix instead. This Target use to be great. It has gone so downhill over the last few years. Never staff at checkout (only one lane open no matter when you go), selection is down, cleanliness is down,erc. Shame to see
How to reach Target
None
Website: None
Why Target may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Target with your friends? Target stands out as more than just a retail store; it is a convenient and versatile gathering spot, perfect for friends and family seeking both fun and functionality. Despite its average rating of 2.4 from 108 reviews, Target’s broad range of products and services offers something for everyone, making it a practical destination for group outings. The store combines a welcoming atmosphere with the excitement of exploring a wide variety of merchandise—from home goods and electronics to apparel and groceries—all under one roof. This diversity allows groups with different interests to find something enjoyable. Target’s accessible layout encourages easy browsing and social interaction, letting groups bounce from one section to another effortlessly. Moreover, Target’s mix of recognizable brands and trendy items creates a dynamic shopping experience that can foster lively conversations and shared discoveries. For those who like to combine errands with socializing, Target provides the ideal backdrop, offering food courts or cafés where visitors can pause, chat, and connect over snacks. These elements make Target a hotspot for meetups where practicality meets casual fun in a vibrant retail environment.
What activities can you do at Target for a group meetup? Target is full of activities that appeal to a wide range of interests, making it an excellent venue for group gatherings. Shopping together can be a social event in itself—whether hunting for seasonal décor, comparing tech gadgets, or planning outfits. Many people find joy in exploring Target’s famous “Dollar Spot,” where small, affordable surprises await each visit, turning shopping into a fun treasure hunt. Additionally, Target often features limited-time collections and collaborations that can spark excitement and provide unique talking points among friends. Some locations include Starbucks or café areas where groups can enjoy coffee or treats, providing a laid-back spot to relax and catch up before or after shopping. Target's organized aisles and vibrant displays make it easy for groups to split up and explore interests independently, then regroup to share finds and recommendations. The store also offers drive-up and pick-up services, which can add convenience to planning meetups, allowing everyone to seamlessly combine various errands with social time. Together, these activities make Target not just a store, but a hub for experiential group engagement.
How does Target create the perfect environment for group socializing?
Target’s store design and atmosphere help cultivate a welcoming environment ideal for groups looking to meet up and enjoy time together. The store’s clean, wide aisles make it easy for friends to walk side-by-side comfortably, fostering natural conversation as they browse. The bright, well-organized layout reduces stress and confusion, improving the overall shopping mood, which is essential when coordinating with multiple people. Many Target stores include seating areas or cafés where people can slow down, enjoy refreshments, and share moments beyond just shopping. This combination of shopping and relaxation zones provides a balanced experience that appeals to groups wanting both action and downtime. Seasonal decorations and themed displays add a festive touch, often prompting group photos or spontaneous shopping challenges that enhance camaraderie. The general ambiance of Target feels familiar and friendly, as its recognizable branding and consistent customer service give shoppers reassurance and a common point to bond over. These elements blend to make Target a space where social interaction can flourish naturally during any meetup.
What food and refreshment options does Target offer for groups?
Many Target locations include food and beverage options that create extra social opportunities for groups. Typically, these include in-store Starbucks cafés or snack bars offering coffee, tea, and pastries, which provide a perfect spot for informal chats while fueling the group. Some stores feature snack aisles stocked with a wide selection of treats, making it easy to pick up snacks for sharing either inside the store or at a nearby park afterward. In addition to quick bites, many Targets have grocery sections where groups can gather ingredients for picnics or cookouts, encouraging communal meal planning or casual dining outside of the store. This food accessibility supports spontaneous hangouts where friends don’t have to leave the meeting place, fostering more interaction time. Whether you want a quick coffee break or a light refreshment, Target’s food and beverage options cater to diverse tastes and preferences, complementing the shopping and social experience for groups perfectly.
What makes Target’s membership and community involvement attractive for group meetups?
Target’s community-oriented approach enhances its suitability as a meetup destination. Although Target is primarily a retail giant, it often hosts or partners with local events and groups, which can enrich the social scene around each store. For example, some locations engage in career fairs, women’s engineering conferences, and other community outreach activities that foster connections beyond shopping. There also exist various Facebook groups and fan communities like "Target Fam," where shoppers bond over shared interests in deals, décor, and products, creating a broader social network that can translate into in-person gatherings. These organized meetups and online communities illustrate how Target serves as a hub not only for shopping but also for shared experiences and group engagement. This community focus means that visiting Target can often tie into larger social activities, adding value and depth to meetups that simply revolve around retail therapy. By bridging the online and offline worlds, Target offers dynamic opportunities for building relationships and celebrating collective interests.
How can Target’s location and convenience enhance your group's meetup?
Target typically situates its stores in accessible locations with ample parking and multiple entry points, providing practical advantages for group meetups. The ease of access minimizes travel hassle and allows participants to arrive and leave smoothly, even when meeting with larger groups or carrying many shopping bags. Proximity to highways and public transit improves convenience for attendees coming from various parts of town, making it a logical choice for groups spread across a city or region. Inside, the availability of restrooms, baby changing facilities, and seating spaces creates comfort for all group members, accommodating families and friends of all ages. Furthermore, Target’s extended hours enable flexible scheduling, perfect for groups planning meetups during evenings or weekends. This convenience can turn what might be a simple shopping trip into an enjoyable and less stressful social occasion. Thus, Target’s thoughtful location and amenities contribute significantly to making it an ideal venue for friends and families seeking a hassle-free, fulfilling group outing.
How does Target’s product variety support diverse group interests?
Target’s vast inventory covers categories from home décor, clothing, electronics, groceries, toys, and wellness products. Such product diversity means every member of a group can find something that interests them, making it a truly inclusive venue for connecting across different tastes and hobbies. Whether a group includes tech enthusiasts, fashion lovers, or home improvement fans, Target's collated offerings allow simultaneous yet shared experiences. It invites playful exploration, such as coordinating fashion try-ons, hunting for gift ideas, or sampling new trends in household goods. This broad appeal can turn an ordinary shopping trip into a shared discovery, strengthening group bonds through the excitement of showing and telling. Having such variety under one roof reduces the need to split meetups across multiple locations, saving time and allowing more uninterrupted socializing. Target’s comprehensive product lineup fosters an environment where diversity in interests can flourish within a collective social space.
What group-friendly amenities does Target provide?
Beyond its merchandise, Target enhances group meetups through certain amenities that improve comfort and convenience. Many stores offer free Wi-Fi, allowing groups to share their finds instantly on social media or use apps to coordinate plans and compare items. Shopping carts and baskets with ergonomic designs facilitate smooth movement, even for large groups managing shared items or purchases. Customer service teams typically provide assistance for gift wrapping, locating products, and processing returns or exchanges quickly, which streamlines the experience for groups and prevents frustration. The stores often feature well-marked signage and department layouts, aiding group members in navigating quickly to preferred sections without getting lost. Such thoughtful amenities reduce common shopping stresses and enrich the social atmosphere, helping friends and family focus on enjoying their time together rather than logistical inconveniences.
What might some consider drawbacks, and how do groups typically handle them?
While Target is broadly appealing, the store’s overall rating of 2.4 from about 108 reviews suggests that some customers have experienced issues ranging from crowded spaces to inconsistent service or stock availability. Groups that meet here can mitigate these drawbacks by choosing less busy times, such as weekday mornings or early afternoons, reducing wait times and enhancing comfort. Planning meetups during special promotions or sales can also maximize value while minimizing common frustrations. Some groups use Target’s online ordering and in-store pickup options to reduce exposure to busy aisles, blending convenience and social interaction effectively. Understanding that no venue is perfect, groups often appreciate the benefits of Target’s variety and accessibility outweigh occasional inconveniences, especially when planned thoughtfully. By strategizing their visit, groups can enjoy Target’s many strengths while minimizing potential downsides.
How does Target create memorable group experiences beyond shopping?
Target’s unique blend of merchandise, comfort, convenience, and community programs make it more than a typical retail stop—it offers the foundation for memorable social experiences. Whether discovering seasonal décor collections, sharing coffee in the café, enjoying promotional events, or simply laughing over shared shopping surprises, Target brings groups together in meaningful ways. Its familiar and cheerful brand environment fosters shared joy and connection and often turns routine errands into special occasions. Many groups report that visiting Target becomes a beloved pastime that combines leisure, social bonding, and practical benefit. Over time, these shared experiences build traditions that friends and families look forward to, adding emotional richness to what might otherwise be ordinary outings. In this way, Target succeeds not just as a store, but as a vibrant social destination ideal for hosting group meetups.