Big changes are on the horizon for Target fans in Wisconsin and other states, as the retail giant plans to expand significantly in the coming years. If you've ever found yourself craving a quick trip to Target only to discover there's no nearby store, get ready—your wait might soon be over. But here’s where it gets interesting — while many retailers and restaurants are shutting down locations, Target is actively working on opening dozens of new stores across the country.
According to the company's official website, nearly 40 potential sites are currently listed as future Target locations. However, a company representative clarified to Nexstar that this list represents a selection of upcoming store sites, not every store in their entire development pipeline. The timelines for these openings vary, and not all stores slated for 2026 are included yet. Still, Target remains committed to opening these stores eventually, and details about each location are typically announced closer to their opening dates.
Recently, some of these planned stores have already begun welcoming customers in their opening season. For instance, stores in Queen Creek, Arizona; Fresno, California; Wesley Chapel Grove, Florida; Grand Island, Nebraska; Indian Land, South Carolina; Stafford, Texas; and South Riding, Virginia all opened their doors in the past fall.
Looking at the broader picture, Target’s expansion is particularly strong in states like Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, which each are expected to see at least four or five new stores. In total, 19 states are slated to get at least one new Target, reflecting a strategic effort to reach more communities.
Here are some of the specific locations where Target plans to grow:
- Arizona: Buckeye and East Mesa
- California: Bakersfield and Perris
- Colorado: Denver and Firestone
- Florida: Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Nona, and Winter Haven
- Georgia: Covington
- Idaho: Chubbuck
- Kentucky: Frankfort
- Ohio: Lima
- Pennsylvania: Hermitage
- Massachusetts: Springfield
- Missouri: Springfield and University City
- Mississippi: Tupelo
- New Jersey: West Orange
- New York: Bridgehampton
- North Carolina: Fayetteville, Fuquay-Varina, Mebane, Myrtle Grove, and Selma
- South Carolina: Lexington and Seneca
- South Dakota: Brookings
- Texas: Dallas, Forney, Fort Worth, Katy, and Little Elm
- Utah: Herriman, Lehi, Logan
- Virginia: Norfolk
- Wisconsin: Brown Deer
Interestingly, five locations—Bakersfield, Springfield MO, West Orange, Fuquay-Varina, and Dallas—are already hiring staff with plans to open in Spring 2026. Additional stores in Delano, California, and Jersey City, New Jersey, are also expected to open in that same season.
Most of these new Target stores will serve as anchors in brand-new developments or expanding neighborhoods, with many slated for opening in 2026. Some projects, like those in Buckeye and Lake Nona, faced earlier expectations to open in spring but have been rescheduled to later dates, possibly summer or fall of 2026. For example, the store in Frankfort might open in the summer, while outlets in Hermitage could be ready by year's end.
Local news reports indicate that several stores in cities like East Mesa, Perris, Denver, Firestone, University City, Selma, Brookings, Katy, Little Elm, and Brown Deer may open within the next year or so, often within planned shopping center developments. Additionally, Target is leading new development projects in Winter Haven, Myrtle Grove, and Lexington—some of which are overseen by notable figures like former NFL star Emmitt Smith.
In some interesting cases, Target is taking over spaces previously occupied by outdated retail outlets, such as former Sears stores in Clearwater, an old theater and office complex in Fort Lauderdale, a vacated Macy’s in Lima, and a shuttered mall in Logan. In Norfolk, Virginia, officials announced that Target will be built on the site of a former Kroger.
Target is also partnering with the rapidly growing Covington Town Center, just outside Atlanta, although an exact opening date has not been announced. Similar updates are pending for Springfield Crossing in Massachusetts and a new location near Fayetteville, North Carolina.
In Idaho, construction at the redeveloped Pine Ridge Mall in Chubbuck is expected to begin next year, with some sources suggesting the new store might open as early as 2027. Likewise, in Tupelo, local reports indicate the store will likely open within the next two years, and in Mebane, it will be the city’s first Target.
And here’s a fun twist: many of these communities could soon be welcoming not just Target but also new Buc-ee’s locations—famous for their Beaver Nuggets and gas station snacks—adding extra excitement for local shoppers.
So, what does this all mean? - Are you excited about the expansion, or do you think Target might spoil small local businesses? Share your thoughts in the comments!
