Dive Brief:
-
Target Corp. Monday said this year it will open nine new Target Express and CityTarget stores — smaller stores in more urban areas — and six big box stores.
-
It’s the first time the retailer is opening more of its smaller format stores than suburban big boxes.
-
Chicago, Washington, DC, St. Paul, MN, San Francisco, and San Diego will see new TargetExpress stores and Boston and Brooklyn, NY will see new mid-size CityTarget stores.
Dive Insight:
Similar to this move, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. last year opened more smaller format stores than big ones, and both retailers will now likely help accelerate the trend even more. Target says it’s eyeing further expansion of its smaller formats in more cities, including Philadelphia and Portland, but says it’s taking things slow and easy after its failed expansion into Canada.