Target Stores Evolving into Larger, Reimagined Stores with New Design Elements

November 23, 2022  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

While the retailer will continue to open stores of all sizes, it will focus on this larger footprint in the next few years. Target also will bring its reimagined store design — which features a more open layout and localized elements to inspire and serve its guests — 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," said John Mulligan, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Target.

"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 leveraged years of research and learnings to create both the updated store design and evolve its store strategy to debut a 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.

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.

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.