Target Remodeling To Sell Fresh Food

Santa Fe’s Target store is being remodeled to incorporate an expanded grocery section with fresh produce and meats, as well as pre-packaged baked goods.

The work, which is being done within the current footprint of the store, is expected to be complete March 24, and a tasting event is planned that weekend to celebrate the change, according to Target spokeswoman Jamie Bastian.

The store remains open while the work is under way, she added.

“We’ve heard from guests requesting more fresh food,” Bastian said in a telephone interview Monday. “That’s the biggest reason we did it. … It will offer more convenience and one-stop shopping.”

Nationwide, 1,130 of the Target stores offer the fresh food layout, she said, including four Albuquerque stores. Another 100 stores, including the one in Santa Fe at 3550 Zafarano Road, are being remodeled this year to incorporate the fresh foods, she said.

Overall, Target has 1,781 stores in 49 states. Its shoppers have a median age of 40 and median household income of $64,000, according to the corporation’s website.

At Santa Fe’s store, other areas are being remodeled, including those for beauty, home, shoes and baby goods. To make room for the expanded grocery area, the home and fashion areas will be reduced somewhat, Bastian said. Of 135,000 square feet, about 10,000 square feet will be devoted to the grocery section.

“The layout won’t look much different, except for the grocery area,” she continued. The beauty section will be more visual, with updated signs offering beauty tips. Fixtures in the home area will be improved to make the products more easily visible, Bastian added.

Target carries its own food brands, including Archer Farms, Market Pantry and Sutton & Dodge for meats.