Minneapolis, Minnesota — Retail giant Target is pushing forward with one of its biggest expansion efforts in years, announcing plans to open more than 30 new stores in 2026 while continuing its long-term goal of adding hundreds of locations nationwide.
The Minnesota-based retailer has already crossed a major milestone this year after opening its 2,000th store in March, and now dozens of additional communities across the United States are preparing to welcome new Target locations.
Target Expanding Across 28 States
Target confirmed that upcoming store openings are planned in 48 communities across 28 states, with some locations expected to begin operating as early as this summer.
Among the states seeing the largest expansion are Texas, Florida, and Utah, which are expected to gain multiple new stores in the coming months and years.
The company recently opened six additional stores in cities including Buckeye and Casa Grande, Arizona; University City, Missouri; Myrtle Grove and Selma, North Carolina; and Jersey City, New Jersey.
Now, even more locations are preparing to launch.
California Among States Getting New Stores
One of the most notable upcoming expansions includes Perris, California, which is expected to receive a new Target location this summer based on company job listings.
Other states seeing major growth include:
- Florida: Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Lake Nona, Winter Haven
- Texas: Dripping Springs, Forney, Fort Worth, Katy, Little Elm
- Utah: Farr West, Herriman, Lehi, Logan
- Colorado: Denver, Firestone, Monument
- North Carolina: Fayetteville, Mebane
- South Carolina: Lexington, Newport, Seneca
Additional stores are also planned in states including Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Many Stores Replacing Empty Retail Buildings
Several upcoming Target stores will take over former retail properties that have sat vacant for years.
In Clearwater, Florida, Target is replacing an old Sears location, while in Lima, Ohio, the retailer is moving into a shuttered Macy’s store.
Former Kmart properties are also being redeveloped into new Target stores in Bridgehampton, New York, and Round Lake Beach, Illinois.
Meanwhile, the new Norfolk, Virginia location is expected to take over a former Kroger building.
The strategy allows Target to expand quickly while also helping revive struggling retail centers and aging shopping malls across the country.
Summer Openings Already in Motion
According to job postings from Target, several locations are already on track to open during summer 2026.
These include stores planned for:
- Little Elm, Texas
- Firestone, Colorado
- Brookings, South Dakota
- Lake Nona, Florida
- Seneca, South Carolina
- East Mesa, Arizona
- Forney, Texas
- Frankfort, Kentucky
- Springfield, Massachusetts
- Logan, Utah
- Perris, California
Some additional locations, including Chelsea, Alabama, may not open until 2027 or 2028.
Target’s Long-Term Growth Strategy
Target previously revealed plans to add more than 300 new stores by 2035, showing the company’s continued focus on physical retail despite growing online competition.
The retailer says it already operates within 10 miles of most U.S. households, and the latest expansion is aimed at reaching rapidly growing communities and suburban developments.
Several of the upcoming stores are expected to anchor larger shopping centers and mixed-use developments, particularly in fast-growing cities across the South and West.
At the same time, communities receiving new Target stores may also soon see expansion from major chains like Buc-ee’s, Raising Cane’s, and Costco, signaling continued retail growth nationwide.
Do you think Target’s massive expansion will help revive shopping centers and local economies? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
