Express-Format Target Now Open on Hillsborough Street

I had the chance to attend a preview of the new express-format Target that is now open on Hillsborough Street last week and was quite impressed with the retail offerings, especially the grocery and produce items. Check out the pictures and my quick thoughts below!

: You can’t miss the bright red exterior along Hillsborough Street. On brand for both Target and NC State. *Insert howl here.*

: Wall art unique to this location.

: This two-story format provides elevators for accessibility and ease of shopping.

: Walking into the main entrance drops you into beauty and personal care land.

: Love the throwback reference to The Alley, the bowling alley that previously called this location “home”.

While you enter on the ground level, you immediately take stairs or the elevator to the second-level shopping area.

: “Bullseye” was on hand to greet us – and do a little dance – for the preview event.

: Howling Cow ice cream was also served, but I’m told this won’t be a regularly-stocked item.

: Lots of NC State gear on the racks and shelves at this location.

: Back up another half-level to the checkout area and quick-serve convenience items.

: I get it – tailgate supplies. But I’m not sure it’s the most socially-responsible merchandising for a Target right along a college campus street. (Especially when the majority of those living on campus are not 21.)

The store was decked out in NC State gear and notable items (Howling Cow Ice Cream served at the event, although it won’t be a regularly-stocked time. You’ll still have to head to a campus c-store for that.

: LOTS of tech supplies and a nice setup for the consultative area of purchasing and item stocking.

A varied assortment of merchandise – from hosier to office supplies – it’ll be interesting to see how this mix changes once this store has sales data to merchandise against.

What was particularly impressive was the fresh produce and grocery merchandising. I told my other half who joined along with me for the visit that this is the best stocked these shelves will ever be! Hat tip to the beer merchandising folks who have local brew Lonerider front and center in the beer cooler. 👍

: A full-service pharmacy is on site.

: Hair ties – most likely to be my most common purchase at this Target.

: LOTS of tech supplies and a nice setup for the consultative area of purchasing and item stocking.

: Bullseye sporting his Wolfpack colors. (If this guy goes missing, he might be at my office. I kid! Maybe…)

: Grab a cart, you’re gonna need one.

What do you think? Have you stopped in and shopped yet? Located at 2512 Hillsborough Street, this store is open:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Maybe they’ll adopt an online shopping and curbside pick-up service, that would ensure a weekly visit from yours truly!