Target Corporation has announced plans to open more than 30 new stores in 2026 as part of a broader investment strategy designed to support long-term growth across the United States.
The retailer said the Target store expansion 2026 programme will include the opening of its 2,000th store, located in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. The milestone location is scheduled to open this year and will feature Target’s newer open-layout store design aimed at improving navigation and the overall in-store shopping experience.
The expansion forms part of a wider capital investment strategy. Target plans to invest around $5 billion in 2026, funding new store openings, remodels and operational improvements across its retail network.
The company said seven new stores will open during March alone, with additional locations launching throughout the year.
The Fuquay-Varina store will cover 148,000 square feet and reflects Target’s newer “food-forward” store concept. According to the retailer, the food and beverage section will be 30% larger than the chain average, offering a wider assortment of grocery products and household staples.
In addition to expanded grocery ranges, the store will include a number of convenience services such as Drive Up collection with 24 pickup lanes, Order Pickup, same-day delivery and next-day delivery options across the Raleigh market.
The location will also include several in-store partnerships, including a CVS Pharmacy, a Starbucks café, and a Disney Shop at Target concept area.
Target said the new store will become its 55th location in North Carolina, where the company has operated since 1995 and also runs a regional distribution centre.
Beyond the North Carolina opening, six additional stores are scheduled to open in March in California, Missouri, New Jersey and Texas. These locations form part of the retailer’s plan to open more than 30 stores and remodel more than 130 existing locations during 2026.
Target is also expanding fulfilment capabilities. The company plans to introduce next-day delivery in more than 20 additional metro areas, including Indianapolis, Memphis and Cincinnati. Once implemented, the service is expected to reach around 60% of the U.S. population.
The investments support a broader strategy focused on strengthening physical stores while improving digital order fulfilment and service speed.
Target currently operates around 2,000 stores across the United States, supported by its e-commerce platform Target.com.
Why it matters
Store investment remains a central strategy for retailers competing in the evolving **US supermarket sector and broader retail market.
While online shopping continues to grow, large retailers are increasingly investing in physical stores that can serve both traditional shoppers and digital fulfilment needs.
The Target store expansion 2026 programme highlights how retailers are combining grocery, general merchandise and fulfilment services within the same store network to support omnichannel retail operations.
