Target Unveils Plans For New Astoria Store

ASTORIA, QUEENS -- A brand new Target will open its doors in Astoria with goods specifically tailored to the Queens neighborhood's locals, the retailer announced on Tuesday.

Astoria is among three New York City neighborhoods - alongside Manhattan's Upper East Side and Staten Island - chosen to host Target's "small-format" stores as part of the retailers plan to reach more college shoppers and expand into key urban areas.

“As we continue to expand our footprint with small-format stores throughout New York, we strive to provide a convenient, one-stop shopping experience customized for locals, commuters and visitors in each unique neighborhood," said Mark Schindele, Target's senior vice president of properties.

The retailer is on track to open 130 small-format stores - designed for areas where traditional-sized Targets may not otherwise fit - nationwide by 2019, Schindele said.

He added that while the new stores will still offer "the best of Target in that borough," the sales assortment of each will differ slightly based on the needs of that neighborhood.

Astoria's location, for example, will sell more home decor, basic apparel and technology products, he said. The store, which is slated to employ 50-100 team members, will also include an in-house CVS pharmacy.

Target partnered with A&H Acquisitions to build the new 47,000-square-foot store near the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd subway station on 31st Street. It is slated to open between 23rd Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard by 2022.

"We're excited about our plans to develop a destination that will reflect the energy and personality of the neighborhood, while meeting many of the community's retail needs," said Alex Adjmi, principal of A&H Acquisitions.

Astoria will mark Target's third small-format shop in Queens, coming in behind its Forest Hills location and another slated to open in Jackson Heights by 2019.

Lead image courtesy of Target.