Attitude toward expansion adjusted

The recession changed consumers’ outlook on spending and retailers’ outlook on store expansion. Target was among the operators who curtailed expansion in 2008 and 2009, and that trend continued through the first half of this year. It now appears the pendulum is ready to swing back the other direction, at least partially, with the opening of 10 new stores slated for the third quarter. Next year, plans call for 20 new units, and in 2012 the company indicated it will open 30 or more stores.