Target embraces special needs community with a Caroline's Cart at each store

MINNEAPOLIS - Target is rolling Caroline’s Cart out to all of its stores nationwide beginning March 19, the retailer announced Thursday. The vast majority of Target locations, with the exception of smaller format stores where there are no full-size carts, will have at least one Caroline’s Cart, and many will have more, depending on their guests’ needs, Target said. 

 

The cart has a fascinating history. It's named after Caroline, daughter of Drew Ann Long, an inventor and stay-at-home mom from Alabama. Drew Ann came up with the idea after realizing her daughter, a 7-year-old with Rett syndrome, would outgrow a standard shopping cart. So she and her husband David founded Parent Solution Group. In 2008, Parent Solution Group partnered with Technibuilt to manufacture the carts for retailers to use worldwide. 

 

“We’re thrilled that Target is our largest retail partner,” stated Long. “We hear from so many families asking specifically for the carts at Target because they love shopping there, so it’s exciting to know thousands of families will now have an easier shopping experience."

 

The idea to bring Caroline’s Cart to the Bullseye came from a Target team member with a child who has special needs who suggested the idea to Target's store operations team. 

 

“Caroline’s Cart can be a game-changer for families, and we’re excited to offer this for our guests across the country,” commented Juan Galarraga, SVP store operations. “Target is always looking for new ways to make guests feel welcome in our stores and give them a more comfortable shopping experience. We’re always listening to both our guests and team members and making changes based their feedback.”