Anyone who has ever been to Target has likely walked by those large red balls on their way into the store. You might think that the spheres are placed there as a decoration or perhaps as a unique seat for shoppers, and while they can be used for both of those things, that isn’t their main purpose.
With over 1,800 stores across North America, Target has set itself up to become the second largest discount retailer in North America, second only to Walmart. Maybe it’s because customers can’t buy just one thing at Target or that the retailer has so much to offer — either way, the store has made a splash.
Target is known for its bright red bullseye and the adorable white bull terrier that is the star of its commercials and the face of the brand. But have you ever been on a Target run and noticed those big red spheres outside of the store? They may look like decorative objects meant to fit the aesthetic of the bright red retailer, but those spheres actually serve an important purpose.
The giant concrete balls, called bollards, serve as safety precautions for keeping cars from driving into the storefront doors and potentially harming shoppers.
Many stores use bollards for safety purposes. For instance, Wal-Mart uses bollards which tend to be long and yellow. Target bollards are two-ton balls placed in front of the stores to prevent cars from driving on the sidewalks and into the store. So, while these giant red balls are lovely, their primary use is for safety.
The spheres have been the subject of controversy for years. In 2016, a New Jersey mom hit Target with a $1.6 million lawsuit claiming they are a “nuisance that attracts children to play” on top of them. Her then five-year-old son was playing on top of a ball when he fell and shattered his right elbow. And in 2017, a woman, whose vehicle was struck by a runaway 2-ton concrete ball outside a New Jersey Target store, sued the retailer.
So, next time you’re walking by a Target and see the big red balls, you can now tell your kids (or anyone else who happens to ask) that they are there for safety reasons. And who knows, maybe knowing their purpose will help you feel better about all the money you end up spending inside!
The video below shows a lady who drove over Target’s red balls:
Source: AWM
