Heading into the 35,000+ square-foot building that previously housed Wang's in North Park is a third San Diego location of what was previously dubbed Target Express, a smaller format version from the retail behemoth.
The space at 3029 University Avenue in the heart of San Diego's North Park community has been dormant for over two years, ever since Wang's Chinese restaurant closed in May 2015. Target has signed a lease for the building and will soon start developing a scaled-down version of its department store for an anticipated November 2018 opening.
"Target’s newest San Diego small-format store in the North Park community will be customized to fit the unique character of the neighborhood and meet the needs of neighbors and visitors alike," said Target senior vice president of properties Mark Schindele. "Target has met with Councilman Chris Ward, leaders from the North Park Mainstreet Association, the North Park Planning Committee, the North Community Association and the North Park Historical Society and will continue to partner with local leaders to ensure the spirit of this community is reflected throughout the store assortment and design."
Target North Park will offer a large variety of merchandise, including men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, kids’ and baby care products, fresh groceries, health and beauty products, and a curated selection of entertainment and sporting goods. There will also be an onsite pharmacy and pickup window operated by CVS. The location will employ approximately 50 workers.
Target has already drawn pushback from small-business-forward community members in San Diego with its 2015 opening in South Park and has drawn fervent protest in Ocean Beach, where the mega-retailer plans to open at the space currently occupied by Newport Avenue Antique Center at 4864 Newport. Target hopes to operate at least 130 of its small-format-style stores by the end of 2019.
