Target in new partnership with hot online subscription company

Target is getting more pet-friendly as it extends its partnering initiatives with popular online retail brands.



Starting August 13, Target will sell toys and treats online and in its stores from Bark, the company that operates subscription-based online pet supplies retailer BarkBox. It's the first time Bark products will be available in retail stores.



Based in New York City, Bark launched in 2012 and has shipped over 50 million products to date. The brand, which reached profitability in the first quarter of 2017 and will surpass $150 million in revenue by the end of the year, is known for its fun and quirky toy and all-natural treat lines.



Target already has several partnerships with online brands, including most recently Casper, the mattress-in-a-box start-up.



In addition to its partnership with Bark, which includes seasonal collections, Target is bolstering its pet assortment in other ways. The company will be unveiling its revamped in-house brand for pets, Boots & Barkley. The line will feature 200-plus new items for cats and dogs.



The discounter also announced it will carry wet and dry from specialty pet food brand Blue Buffalo. Target is one of the first mass retailers to offer the line, which uses only natural ingredients. Target will also partner with style blogger Kate Arends of Wit & Delight for a pet clothing and accessories line.



“Almost 70% of our guests have pets at home,” says Christina Hennington, senior VP of essentials and beauty, Target. “So we saw an opportunity to become their ultimate pets destination by offering new and exclusive pet brands they can only find at Target, alongside everyday must-haves they need, saving guests time and money with every Target run.”



Target's expanded pet assortments are scheduled to start rolling out on August 13, and continue throughout the fall.