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MINNEAPOLIS – Target Corp. today unveiled a new prototype for its larger-format stores that offers a more open layout for shoppers while adding a dramatically larger backroom fulfillment space to support online delivery and pickup orders.
Stores with the new design will measure nearly 150,000 square feet, or more than 20,000 square feet larger than the chain average. Target said that while it will continue to open stores of all sizes, it will focus on this larger footprint in the next few years. Target also plans to bring the reimagined store design to future remodels as well as new stores across its chain.
“Target’s stores are at the heart of how we deliver for our guests, whether they browse the aisles, shop online or stop by for same-day services like Order Pickup and Drive Up,” Target executive vice president and chief operating officer John Mulligan said. “Guests and team members tell us they come to Target because they feel inspired, connected and welcomed. With our reimagined store design and larger store footprint that better supports our same-day services, we can give guests more of what they love while incorporating features that build on our commitment to sustainability, community and helping all families discover the joy of everyday life.”
The retailer said it leveraged years of research and learnings to create the updated store design, evolve its store strategy and introduce the new expanded footprint. These larger stores will offer guests Target’s wide assortment of merchandise offerings, support the retailer’s popular same-day fulfillment services and deliver on its stores-as-hubs strategy for digital fulfillment. The new store design and larger store format recently debuted at a new outlet located outside Houston.
While focused on the new larger footprint in the coming years, Target reiterated that it will continue opening stores of all sizes to serve guests in communities nationwide, as it has for years through its small-format store strategy.
Target pointed out that the new store layout delivers a backroom fulfillment space that’s five times larger than previous stores of similar size. This additional space will help support the model that relies on Target’s stores to fulfill more than 95% of the retailer’s digital orders, and which has seen same-day services account for more than 10% of its overall sales. The larger Target stores will offer the retailer’s full assortment of merchandise, including expanded food and beverage, exclusive brand partnerships and a curated mix of owned brands and national brands.
Target’s evolved store experience includes features such as:
- Increased light and natural elements: Larger windows and a more open layout will bring in more natural light. The design infuses elements such as plants and regionally sourced reclaimed wood to create a welcoming and inspiring space for guests and team members.
- Localized design features: Target will pull in community-focused elements to each store’s design, from native landscaping outside the store to localized product offerings within the store to foster an even more relevant experience for guests.
- Built-in sustainability: The retailer’s stores and operations play a pivotal role in its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. Its future new stores and remodels will include updates such as natural (CO2) refrigerants to help lower the retailer’s emissions and EV charging ports for its guests, with many locations including rooftop solar.
- Enhanced team spaces: Target considers its team members to be at the core of its success and the company has invested to better serve its team when off the sales floor. The modernized offices and team member spaces provide flexible rooms that can be rearranged to serve the team’s varying needs, the company says.
Starting in 2023, more than half of Target’s approximately 200 full store remodels and almost all the retailer’s approximately 30 new stores will include elements of the new design. Beginning in 2024, all of Target’s remodels and new stores will feature the majority of the reimagined store design elements.
