These heavy concrete structures are called bollards. They are designed to stop vehicles from accidentally driving onto the sidewalk or crashing through the store entrance, protecting shoppers and employees.
Their bright red color also strengthens Target’s branding and makes them easy to see. They can serve as recognizable landmarks when people arrange to meet outside the store.
Although children may be tempted to climb or play on them, the spheres are extremely heavy and are not playground equipment. Their main function is to create a strong protective barrier between traffic and the storefront.
