MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Target is introducing its small-format stores to the university scene on a grand scale. Recently, the burgeoning grocery retailer announced plans to open 30 new campus locations each year over the next couple of years in order to expand its small-format concept in a crucial market.

“Going off to college is a new life stage—students are making their own shopping decisions for the first time,” said Mark Schindele, Senior Vice President, Target Properties. “We want to help make students’ experiences fun and easy, serve up products and services they’ll love, and show them the best that Target has to offer, so they become lifelong guests.”

According to a press release, Target’s campus stores are like no other college-geared retail experience as each one’s designed for quick and convenient trips and stocked with locally relevant products at affordable prices. Products will include college-handy items like grab-and-go lunch and snack items—including bananas, apples, and more—as well as essentials and school supplies. The locations even offer online grocery services and pick-up.

“While all Target store teams strive to learn what local guests need and adapt accordingly, it’s particularly important for small-format stores near college campuses to get to know the unique needs of our student guests,” said Scott Timpani, Store Team Leader at Target’s University Center, University of California Irvine location. “We have four self-checkout kiosks next to the doors so [students] can quickly complete purchases and be on their way. And for guests who have more time to spend, we’ve created a cozy seating area near Starbucks complete with outlets for charging their devices.”

While this store concept is not new—in fact, Target opened 10 new campus stores in 2018, upping its footprint to two-dozen college locations nationwide—the kicker of the retailer’s latest plan is the rapid growth it’s hoping to achieve in the next few years.

Does Target have any more tailored store concepts up its sleeves it's planning on debuting as it tackles more markets? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

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