Report: Target to Build Bigger, Greener Stores

New York City Target Stores will launch two store prototypes this year that are larger than existing Target stores, are green certified and add more space for food and electronics, according to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Target plans to roll out the new prototypes at more than 100 locations nationwide next year, starting in March.

The retailer will test its new general-merchandise store—which it calls P2009—in Waconia, Minn., and its new SuperTarget store —S2009— in Otsego, Minn., the newspaper reported. Both are scheduled to open in October. (SuperTarget stores include full-service groceries; the general-merchandise stores do not.)

Both store models were developed as part of the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) new Portfolio certification. The pilot program allows prototypes, as opposed to individual stores, to be certified under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

The new general-merchandise stores will span 132,400 sq. ft., roughly 6,000 sq. ft. larger than the current model. The new SuperTarget stores will be 186,000 sq. ft., about 12,000 sq. ft. larger than existing locations and pushing closer to the average size of Wal-Mart Supercenters.

A key component of both of the prototypes is more floor space for food, especially Target's house brands, Archer Farms and Market Pantry. The new SuperTarget stores also will have more space for pre-prepared food items at the front of the store.

In other changes, Target's pharmacies will be more front and center in the new stores whose facades will feature brick and stone instead of the retailer’s standard painted concrete block.