Target Remodel in Full Swing

When driving past  lately, you might have noticed the addition of several crates of construction materials in the parking lot and a sign that states "Open during remodel" draped on the outside of the building.

The store is in the process of undergoing a major renovation, which most notably includes the addition of fresh groceries--vegetables, fruit, bakery, dairy and meat--to the products available at the Florissant location.

"Our guests continue to ask for groceries that expand to fresh items," said Kristin Jahnke, a spokesperson for Target.

Liz Wassell, the Florissant store's executive team leader for the remodel, said the changes to the store are coming in waves. Already completed are the new Target Café and the new electronics department.

The café remains in the same location, while the electronics and entertainment (movies, music, books and games) departments have been relocated to the rear of the store. The sporting goods department has also been relocated to where the electronics used to be, while pet and automotive supplies have been moved to a more central location in the store, near children's clothing. The kitchen section has also been moved to where the entertainment products were.

The new "Home Innovation" section should be done this week, while the new shoe department, "Stack the Shoe," should be completed in the second week of June. A new baby department is also scheduled to be finished that week.

The new "Destination Beauty" section, a revamping of the personal care and cosmetics area, should be finished in the third week of June. Finally, the addition of the fresh groceries should be completed on July 21.

"I think it's great for the local community--one-stop shopping," Wassell said.

Community leaders agreed that the Target remodel is a positive growth opportunity for Florissant.

"I think that it will be great for the city of Florissant," Mayor Tom Schneider said.

"To see any business investing funds to develop and grow their business in Florissant, in today's environment, is simply an amazing sign of the strength and stability the North County area has proven to have," Scott Schneider, chairman of the board of directors at the , said. "I am excited at seeing the development process take place and will look forward to visiting Target to celebrate their completion."