I don't see any of these express locations in NYC, but there is an "express" type Target relatively close to me in Brooklyn, and it's abysmal.
It doesn't really do anything for them. I saw that Target logo over by Barclays Center and thought, "Oh thank god! A real store where I can buy a variety of things and consolidate shopping trips. And it's on my way home from the work commute. Great!"
Nope. It's not any better than a RiteAid or some mom and pop dollar store or "grocery" shop.
When I found out that there was another Target even closer to me, I almost didn't bother going. I'm glad I did because it was a genuine (from my perspective as a Texan) Target store.
If Wal-Mart had these express stores in my area, I wouldn't bother. If I can't find what I need in your store anyway, I'd rather deal with a local and have the relationship with the business owner where I can at least say, "Hey, I shop here all the time. I am really frustrated that I can't find X. Would you consider placing an order for it if I promise to buy X of them every month?"
That works.
Good luck doing that at a Wal-Mart or a Target.
As much as I absolutely despise shopping in Brooklyn, I appreciate the locals. They really will help you out if you make it a point to develop a relationship with them.
And I'm not talking about the hipster-run artisanal crowd. I'm talking about the immigrants who bust ass and deal with hate speech and accusations of terrorism every time something goes down.
I hate the fact that they are good businessmen and stock only the junk food and cheap crap that people buy. It makes my life more difficult. But they are responding correctly to their market.
The difference between these guys and the shitty Target store at Barclays is that I can build a relationship with them. The goods for sale are pretty much the same.
And plus, when you are alone and single and new to the city and shit happens in France like it did a couple months ago, you can go hang out with a bunch of Muslims who know your name and drink free beer while they say 'Vive La France' and condemn that terroristic bullshit and support their community.
Try that at a Wal-Mart Express or a gimped up Target store.
I don't think the big stores like that can really succeed competing with the locals in a place like NYC. I would guess it's the same in other dense population centers like DC.