"Push until alarm sounds door can be opened in 15 seconds"

It says this at the local Target store on the emergency exit on the side of the store in the clothing section. Should you really have to wait 15 seconds in an emergency to open the door?

Here’s a discussion on the same topic: emergency exit doors. - Fire Alarm General Discussion - The Fire Panel Forums

A lot of the time, these doors are tied into the store’s alarm system so that they can be opened immediately if the system is in alarm mode, so it theoretically doesn’t create an issue for an emergency. The 15 second delay is to prevent shoplifting.

It’s called a “delayed egress”, they’re common on exits that are required to be put in by code, but are not meant to be used as a normal exit. The delay and audible alarm or countdown prevents people from using the door as a normal exit, however it gives them the option to do so in an emergency. You see them a lot on stairwell doors for instance, when you push and hold the door it starts beeping, employee’s can come around and see what the deal is, and in 15 seconds you can leave if you want. It’s safer than keeping the door locked until the fire alarm unlocks it (which is also common).

The fire alarm system is usually tied in and drops the door immediately whenever a true emergency exists, so there is no delay.