Community leaders, neighbors, and Target employees officially unveiled the retail giant’s newest location in Rogers Park Tuesday, with the open-to-the-public date now less than a week away.
Officials cut the ribbon on the store, at 6442 N. Sheridan, just north of Devon. It is the latest in the company’s strategy of opening “small format” locations in urban areas, particularly near college campuses.
The Rogers Park Target is 23,000 square feet, compared to the massive suburban “big box” stores, which can be nearly 10 times that size.
With newly stocked shelves as the backdrop, store director Noelle Engemann said the new outlet will feature “a lot of grab-and-go groceries and products for dorms.” She explained that the store has many of the typical items associated with Target, with the inventory more focused to urban consumers and students.
This Target will not have on-site CVS Pharmacy. But other merchandise will include fresh groceries including organic produce, dorm and apartment essentials, apparel for adults, tech and entertainment accessories, toys and sporting goods, and more, according to a release from the company. Services will include a Starbucks and “Order Pickup” – where guests can order online and pick up in a store within an hour.
Incoming Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) said she had mixed feelings towards the Target when it was proposed. But she’s hopeful it will be a good addition to the neighborhood, as well as a source of jobs.
About 70 people will work at the store, according to Engemann. Most of these will be neighborhood residents, she said.
