Santa Barbara Target store opening delayed until 2019

–UPDATE–

The targeted opening date for the new Target Store at the corner of State Street and La Cumbre Road has been pushed back by at least six months.

Back in January, Target officials expected to open the first Target store in Santa Barbara in October 2018.

Looking at the site of the former Galleria today, it is obvious that more work needs to be done.

George Buell, Community Development Director for the City of Santa Barbara, confirmed that he recently learned of a delay in the fabrication and delivery of the store’s elevators and escalators.

Buell said that a “scheduling delay” was to blame but that otherwise, “remodeling is going smoothly.”

The 34,000 square foot store is now expected to open in April of 2019, according to Buell.

“We’re committed to taking all the necessary steps to ensure each store is the right fit for the neighborhood and it’s not uncommon for timing to shift as part of that process,” said a Target spokesperson.

“While it is disappointing that Santa Barbara’s Neighborhood Target will not be open in time for the Holiday Season, we look forward to a continued good working relationship with their team and the opening of the store next April,” said Buell in a statement.

The Target Store slated to go in at the site of the former K-Mart business off Hollister in Goleta is also
slated to open sometime in 2019.

ORIGINAL STORY

Target plans to open its first store in Santa Barbara in October 2018, according to a news release from the company.

On Wednesday, Target announced that they will open a 34,000-square foot, small-format store in the Galleria at the intersection of State Street and La Cumbre Road.

Mayor Helene Schneider confirmed the news. Target signed a lease with Gryphon Capital for the Galleria store.

“We are building on the success of our longstanding partnership with Target with the Santa Barbara the Galleria store. The Galleria is a great fit for Target and our customers, who will benefit from a unique and convenient shopping experience,” said Chris Shane, Managing Partner, Gryphon Capital, LLC, according to the news release.

The store will include, among other things:

A grocery selection with a focus on wellness offerings, including fresh produce, grab-and-go items, snacks and meal solutions An adult beverage selection, including beer and wine A curated assortment of home decor and accessories A broad beauty assortment presented in a boutique-style setting Apparel and accessories for men, women and kids, including offerings from new Target-exclusive brands A New Day and Goodfellow & Co. Portable technology products and entertainment accessories A selection of toys and sporting goods Services will include a CVS Pharmacy and Order Pickup

Target has experimented with small-format stores in suburban neighborhoods throughout the country before and says that communities have responded well to these types of stores. The company is on track to operate 130 small-format stores by the end of 2019, serving communities and neighborhoods where a traditional-sized Target store may not fit.

“We are thrilled to be joining the Santa Barbara community in 2018 and look forward to providing guests with a convenient shopping experience that is uniquely Target. Our Galleria store will offer residents and visitors the ease and inspiration of a curated assortment of home goods, apparel and more as well as a pick-up point for online orders,” said Mark Schindele, senior vice president, Properties, Target.

The move is expected to bring dozens of jobs to Santa Barbara.