Feb. 02--Target on Monday announced plans to open 15 new stores this year, including eight small-format TargetExpress stores meant to offer quick-trip convenience to urban shoppers.
One of the new TargetExpress stores is opening in Chicago, the company said, though it declined to provide an address. Crain's previously reported Target was considering the former Fox Obel space at 401 E. Illinois St.
Matthew O'Kane, property manager at Group Fox, which owns the building, said Monday "there is nothing official to report at this time" but "we hope to be able to announce a new tenant for that space soon."
TargetExpress stores, which typically measure about 20,000 square feet, are the company's smallest stores, and are meant to cater to growing city populations by offering items in smaller package sizes geared toward instant consumption, like grab-and-go sandwiches. Other retailers also have been testing the small-format concept, notably Wal-Mart, which has Neighborhood Markets and Express stores.
The first TargetExpress opened in July in Minneapolis featuring "everyday essentials" in beauty, pharmacy, grocery and household items. Based on customer feedback, the assortment has expanded to include baking supplies, belts, sunglasses, jewelry and some clothing, the company said.
Target also plans to open six new general merchandise stores this year, including one at 975 Rockland Road in Lake Bluff in July.
Target's CityTarget concept also is expanding, with plans to open one this year near Fenway Park in Boston and another in Brooklyn in 2016, adding to the eight CityTargets that have opened since 2012.
CityTarget, which typically measures 80,000 to 160,000 square feet, offers an edited assortment of the retailer's big-box stores for a city audience. Chicago's CityTarget opened in the former Carson Pirie Scott building on State Street in 2012.
Minneapolis-based Target has 1,790 stores.
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