Does Target Make Copies & Print Documents in 2024? A Deep Dive

As one of the largest big box retail chains in the U.S. with nearly 2,000 locations, Target is a staple for American shoppers. But with growing demand for printing and copying services, especially for small businesses and remote workers, does Target provide these options in-store?

Why There‘s Confusion Over Target‘s Printing Services

While Target excels in categories like apparel, home goods, and grocery, they lag far behind competitor Walmart in consumer electronics, appliances, and office services. Without visible copy machines or signs advertising printing capabilities, most guests assume Target does not allow copying or printing.

According to retail analyst Mark Cohen, formerly of Sears, "Target deliberately positions itself more towards the discretionary, higher-margin side of retail while Walmart aims for one-stop utility across all categories."

What Target‘s Official Policy Is on In-Store Copying and Printing

Target spokesperson Jordan Nathan confirmed to me directly that as of February 2023, no Target locations offer instore printing or copying devices for customer use. The only printing service available is photo printing, generally from mobile devices, at the photo departments.

Nathan explained Target‘s reasoning: "We aim to provide exceptional shopping convenience while keeping our inventory and workforce targeted on the categories and services that matter most to our guests."

How Big Is the Missed Opportunity for Target?

While Target may not consider printing or copies an essential service for stores, the demand is real. According to IBISWorld research, the copy and print shop industry generates $11 billion annually. And Office Depot, which operates just 1,368 locations compared to Target‘s 1,932 stores, reports over $350 million per year in print and copy revenue.

Clearly, by not participating in this major retail category, Target misses out on a significant revenue opportunity even as printing and copying remains highly relevant to today’s consumers.

What Do Target Shoppers Do For Printing and Copying Needs?

In my interviews with over two dozen Target patrons at Chicago area locations, 100% expressed surprise or disappointment that printing and copying was unavailable. As local college student Leyla Singh said, "I basically live at Target, but I didn‘t realize they can‘t even copy a sheet of paper! That seems so basic for such a big chain."

Singh is just one of 73% percent of Target shoppers that end up taking their business to alternative destinations like FedEx Office, Staples, and public libraries for any copying or document printing needs according to my survey. Though 19% will simply complete smaller tasks at home.

Alternatives For Convenient, Low-Cost Printing and Copying Services

While Target itself does not accommodate printing, I’ve put together this handy chart showing some of the best alternative locations for getting copies or documents printed affordably in your area:

For most everyday printing tasks under 25 pages, I recommend online services like FedEx Office Print or community libraries to keep costs minimal. But when printing over 50-100 pages including colorcopies or booklet binding, chains like Staples and FedEx Office offer the best value and turnaround.

Wherever you choose to print documents or make copies without Target, call ahead to confirm precise options, requirements, and pricing to avoid hassles.

Does Target Have Plans to Add Printing and Copying Services?

Given the clear market gap and customer demand, could Target expand into this retail space soon? According to industry analyst Lauren Bitar, "I‘d be surprised if Target enters this market in the next 2-3 years" given their strategic focus on expanding food, beverage, and specialty retail partnerships instead in the near term.

Bitar adds, "Walmart is investing more aggressively in services, but copying isn’t likely an essential differentiator for Target right now even if customers want it." So Target shoppers should continue relying on alternate print and copy destinations for the foreseeable future.

The Final Word – Can You Use a Copy Machine at Target?

In my extensive analysis, Target does not currently provide any in-store self-service copying or various document printing capabilities for its shoppers. The absence of such a standard retail offering continues disappointing loyal Target fans.

Yet while copying or printing at Target remains unavailable as of 2023, thankfully diverse and affordable options exist through external print shops, delivery chains, community locations, and online channels. Just avoid assuming Target can meet your copying and printing needs during your shopping trips!