A BELOVED retailer is continuing to expand its reach this autumn with some new locations.
The store openings come as part of decade-long goal to serve more consumers in different parts of the country.
A prominent retailer that’s ‘better than Walmart’ is opening seven stores (stock image)[/caption]
Starting October 12, Target is bringing seven new and “larger” locations to shoppers in seven states, per a press release.
They include Arizona, California, Florida, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
At least six of the seven stand at more than 140,000 square feet.
The retail giant said that the stores represent the first wave of what will be over 300 similar additions in the next 10 years.
Eight others already opened this summer, with an expected total of 20 new stores for the chain in 2025.
Target currently has 1,989 stores in the US, so the new ones would bring that number to about 2,296 when they’re complete.
These locations will also feature its “stores-as-hubs” model, which means that they’re both a store and fulfillment center in one.
Target emphasized that its stores fulfill about 95% of all digital orders made on its website.
That includes same-day delivery from Target Circle 360, which “currently reaches about 80% of the population,” per the release.
JOB BENEFIT
It was also noted by Target that each of the seven incoming locations and the more than 300 by 2035 would make way for far more jobs.
“We have long invested in our teams, with a starting wage range of $15 to $24 per hour (depending on the role and location) and tuition-free education assistance,” the retailer noted.
The Target store openings are likely music to the ears of many consumers who have dubbed the chain “better than Walmart” in posts on social media platforms like X.
Still, it’s been a challenging year for Target for several reasons.
It’s been trying to overcome about 10 quarters of flat or declining same-store sales, according to The Wall Street Journal.
A companywide survey in June also found that about half of all Target employees didn’t think that the company was making necessary choices to compete in the industry.
What is Target Circle 360?
In April, Target launched its first-ever paid membership program, Target Circle 360.
For $99 a year, members get access to the following perks:
- Unlimited, free same-day delivery on orders over $35
- An extra 30 days to return your items
- Free two-day shipping on 100,000s of items
- 5% off in-store and online
- Automatic deals and exclusive partner perks
CONTROVERSIAL CHOICE
Target is still dealing with mass boycotts that were sparked nationwide in January after it decided to roll back some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives earlier this year.
In a memo sent out to staff, the retailer confirmed that its three-year DEI goals were no more, along with any reports to external companies like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, per CNBC.
A program designed to help Target carry more products from Black or minority-owned businesses was also scrapped, according to the memo.
“Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping this next chapter in our strategy,” said Target chief community impact and equity officer, Kiera Fernandez.
“And as a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future — all in service of Target’s growth and winning together.”
MATCH MAYHEM
This summer, Target also decided to change its price match guarantee program to only apply to items that are sold within its purview, something shoppers argued marked the “beginning of the end” for the retailer.
“Since most price matches happen within Target, we’re adjusting our price match policy to exclusively match our in-store, app and Target.com,” a leaked memo explained.
Executives still promised continued value to longtime Target customers, noting the change would only make the shopping experience more efficient.
For some, it was too late.
“If they don’t price match, I’ll just go to the store that has the cheaper prices,” a consumer fumed in a Reddit thread.
“It also effects loyalty. The moment we have to tell them we can’t match something, they’re going to remember that,” an employee argued.
Target also confirmed it would be ending its partnership with Ulta Beauty recently after several years.
It’s even found a new CEO after a brief search, who has promised three crucial changes in 2026.
