From the moment Target confirmed the opening of a new store in Bradenton in 2020, fans had questions.

Like “when?”

And: “What takes so long?”

Target has not commented on this.

What we do know is that when the paperwork was first submitted to Manatee County Development Services in December 2021 – amid the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues and a labor shortage – it was to renovate 49,000 square feet of space in a former Kmart at Beachway Plaza, 7350 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.

In April 2023, these plans were modified to increase the planned target to 76,000 square feet.

While Target has not disclosed how much retail space the store will have (most, if not all, Target stores carry groceries), permits indicate it will include a CVS pharmacy, a wine and liquor store and an order pickup area.

The most recent building permits included the installation of a video surveillance system, the laying of data cables and the removal of defective air conditioning units from the roof.

Target’s 1,956 stores come in a variety of sizes, from much smaller than the Bradenton Beach store to much larger.

“Sizes range from several thousand to over 200,000 square feet,” says the Target website.

Justin McDonald, an economics professor at the State College of Florida in Manatee-Sarasota, said there could be several reasons for Target to increase the size of its planned store.

“If it weren’t for population growth and demand, they wouldn’t have done it in the first place,” McDonald said.

With a larger presence, Target should be able to achieve economies of scale and reduce costs per unit, he said.

What to expect

In addition to Target’s signature red color and red and white rifle scope logo, shoppers can also likely expect local accents that reflect the Bradenton Beach name.

“Big or small, our newest stores reflect their neighborhoods through decorative accents and localized assortments. For example, our murals featuring The Notorious BIG and Aaliyah in Brooklyn’s Kings Plaza in New York celebrate the vibrant Inglewood neighborhood in Los Angeles,” says the Target website.

In 2023, Target opened 21 new stores in the US

“As we open more stores, we’re also improving our ability to deliver what you, our guests, need, when and how you want it. We’re doing this through improvements to our fast and free fulfillment services like Drive Up, Order Pickup and Same-Day Delivery – and by investing in our world-class supply chain network that brings next-day delivery to more neighborhoods,” Target says.

Regarding details about the Bradenton Beach store, a Target spokesperson said, “As we get closer to the store opening, we will be able to share more specific details, including how the shopping experience will be tailored to guests at the store and when the grand opening will take place.”

It is unknown whether Target has started hiring for its Bradenton Beach store.

Other Target stores in the Bradenton area

Target currently has only one store in Manatee County at 6150 14th St. W. in Bayshore Gardens.

In 2006, the company opened a Super Target at 101 N. Cattlemen Road in the University Town Center shopping district, south of the Manatee County line.

Last week, Target confirmed it plans to open its third store in Manatee County at 725 Lighthouse Drive in the Marketplace at Heritage Harbor shopping center.

The planned store at the northeast corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 64 East will have an area of ​​​​almost 150,000 square meters.

“At Target, we are constantly exploring potential locations for new stores. I can tell you that we are pursuing the opportunity to reach guests in the Bradenton Heritage (Harbor) area, but at this time we are not at a point where we can announce plans for new stores,” a Target spokesperson said in an email last week.