Shoppers at the Target store on University Parkway have probably noticed the big white tent in the parking lot.
It's all construction materials for the store's new Starbucks coffee shop and an expanded grocery department that includes additional produce and more packaged meats.
"There's a store in our parking lot, waiting to come inside," said Keona Francis, an executive manager of logistics for the University Parkway Target.
Overall, the grocery section will triple in size.
Francis said that Target Corp., based in Minneapolis, has been making the changes to its stores nationwide for the past two to three years.
"Now, it's the stores in our area," she said.
The University Parkway Target's Food Avenue snack area, which sold hot dogs, popcorn and frozen beverages, is being transformed into a Starbucks and beverage center.
The store is getting a new layout, as the toys and electronics departments move to different locations. The jewelry and accessories layout will include new fixtures and carpet.
"It's just to be more inviting to our guests," Francis said.
She said the store is about 15 years old, so it's time for an upgrade.
"Also, this is Target's 50th birthday, so it's a great time for the stores in our area to go through a change," Francis said.
The store plans to reduce the floor space in its clothing department to make the food additions, but the amount of merchandise will remain the same.
"We still want to give our guest that variety," Francis said.
Krystal Miller, an executive manager for the store, said that every Target in the local district is going through the changes in cycles.
"We're definitely excited about it," Miller said.
Three Target stores in the greater Triad area are currently being renovated — the one on University Parkway in Winston-Salem, one in Greensboro and another in Burlington.
Locally, the Target on Hanes Mall Boulevard in Winston-Salem will be renovated next, followed by the one in Kernersville.
The University Parkway Target plans to have a grand opening for its expanded grocery department and Starbucks on March 25.
Britt Beemer, the chief executive of America's Research Group, based in Charleston, S.C., said that Target keeps adding groceries in its stores so the program must be working.
"I think that it's good that they are making some changes," he said.
Some Target customers are excited about more product options.
"I'm a frequent shopper of both Target and Starbucks so it's convenient that they'd be in one store," said Amy Moulton of Winston-Salem.
Sisters Stephanie Atkins of Germanton and Brittany Talley of Walnut Cove said that the new grocery department will be convenient for them because they will be able to buy clothing and more food items in the same store.
Talley expects the changes to boost Target's sales.
Her sister believes the Starbucks is a good idea.
"I can stop and get a drink before I look around," Atkins said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement