Is Target barking up the right tree?

Target is looking to get a leg up on competitors by expanding its pet supply assortment to include products from subscription service Barkbox.

Beginning this month, Target will offer the latest toys and treats from BarkBox, as well as 200+ new finds from the retailer's reinvented Boots & Barkley line and holiday finds from Wit & Delight’s first-ever pet collection. 

“Almost 70% of our guests have pets at home,” says Christina Hennington, senior vice president 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.”

The Target-Barkbox deal follows similar partnerships with men's shaving brand Harry’s and mattress startup Casper.

The move is part of Target’s larger effort to offer a differentiated assortment and stave off online competition. The deal also allows BarkBox to expand beyond its subscription roots and have a brick-and-mortar retail presence.

The BarkBox announcement was one of several pet-related changes that Target has in the works.

The retailer also said it would begin selling wet and dry foods from Connecticut-based Blue Buffalo Co. 

Target will also partner with style blogger Kate Arends of Wit & Delight for a pet clothing and accessories line. The Wit & Delight line will be available at select Target stores on Oct. 31. Target has teamed up with Arends in the past for a party-planning collection.