The scaffolding is down, the shelves are stacked, the sidewalk is cleared — and Target has confirmed they are open today in Hell’s Kitchen.
The store on 10th Avenue between W44/45th Street, opened earlier than planned (it was originally scheduled for Sunday). If you don’t want to form a socially distanced line to get the first peek inside… we’ve got pictures! There is still a Grand Opening scheduled for this Sunday, October 25.
The store hours are from 7am to 10pm during the week and will open one hour later, at 8am, at the weekend. It’s part of a push by Target in New York, as they simultaneously launch two other stores on the Upper West Side and Staten Island. Target will create 350 new jobs with this initiative.
The company now has 19 of these small-format stores in New York and plans to add at least 10 more in the near future.
The retail space occupies the site where the Hess Gas station used to be and is underneath the new luxury condo development, Bloom.
There’s been excitement, and concern, in the neighborhood about the opening. New mom, Elisha Ortiz, said: “Timing for us could not be better. See, 2020 isn’t the worst.”
“This makes me SO happy,” said chef Sean Patrick Gallagher.
Dennis Barbosa, who has lived in the area for 30 years, reminded us to not forget our local businesses: “I’m a little worried for the mom and pop shops. Let’s do our best to not turn to Target for everything. For example, the Big Apple Meat Market just relocated to that larger storefront. Show them some love too.”
“Simultaneously excited for the convenience and annoyed at how “un-hell’s kitchen” it all feels,” said Michael D’Angora. “I will shop there for my basics and probably complain and bitch and moan about it every time.”
Finally, a word of warning from JC on W42ST’s Instagram: “So close! You’ll never leave without spending $100.00.” Let’s be careful out there…
Will there be a celebration 🎉 Sunday during the grand opening ceremony Sunday?
As a 40 year HK resident, I wasn’t pleased when Target was announced for this spot. I was pleasantly surprised when I went by on Wednesday. There were things in the food section that I haven’t seen at FE or Big Apple and most prices were really affordable. It is very easy to maneuver and I noticed sales assistants wiping carts down w/disinfectant as I came down the escalator. A nice selection of many different products. Welcome to HK,Target!