This phrase refers to the availability of play food and grocery store playsets produced by the Melissa & Doug brand at Target retail locations. These products typically include miniature shopping carts, cash registers, play food items, and other accessories designed to simulate a grocery shopping experience for children. For instance, a child might use a miniature shopping cart to select play food items and then “purchase” them using a toy cash register.
The availability of these toys at a major retailer like Target provides widespread access for consumers. Such playsets can foster imaginative play, encourage social interaction through role-playing, and potentially introduce basic concepts of commerce and nutrition. Melissa & Doug, established in 1988, has a long history of creating educational toys designed to promote child development. Their presence in a mass-market retailer like Target significantly contributes to their reach and impact.