Target’s Big Bet on Bigger Stores Begins in North Texas
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex continues to be a hotbed of retail development, and Target is the latest chain to expand its presence in North Texas.
Recently, the Minneapolis-based mass merchant opened a 147,000-square-foot store in Denton. The location, according to Target, is one of the retailer’s largest new builds and offers a glimpse into the company’s future as it focuses on large-format stores. The added space accommodates larger-than-average sections for fresh and frozen foods and beverages, highlighted by organic product options, a bakery and deli.
Beyond consumables, the additional square footage at the Denton North store also provides room for an Apple at Target shop-in-shop, a Starbucks café, and a large assortment of school supplies and sports apparel for local students.
More space has also been allocated for backroom fulfillment, which is about five times larger than older Target locations of similar size. This will support digital orders and the retailer’s Drive Up and Order Pickup services.
The Denton North store is an example of Target’s new strategy in the Lone Star State. Two additional locations are slated to open this year, with at least five more planned for the Dallas metro area in the coming years. Companywide, Target plans to open 300 new stores similar to the new Denton store in the years ahead.
Target’s strategy to open larger stores, in the range of 150,000 square feet, was launched in late 2022. The goal is to improve support for same-day services while allowing for a larger product assortment across store departments. The newer locations also feature increased lighting, natural elements, localized design features, and built-in sustainability.
Target is not alone in its desire to expand across the Dallas metropolitan area. Earlier this year, Kroger acquired land in Little Elm, Texas, about 20 miles east of Denton. The site, located at US-380 and FM-2931, will place the grocer’s new store adjacent to the yet-to-be-constructed, 225,000-square-foot Target-anchored Bates Towne Crossing.
Additionally, San Antonio, Texas-based H-E-B also continues to expand across its home state, with the Dallas region a target for new store development.
