After a long wait, Brookings shoppers are finally seeing the top choice on their wish list taking shape.
Construction on the Target store in the Marketplace development has been moving quickly, and the area is looking more like a Target store, said Mike Struck, community development director for Brookings.
“You can see construction is moving along rather quickly,” Struck said. “The roof is on, and once it’s fully enclosed, things will move fast inside with plumbing, electrical, flooring, all of it.”
Residents can expect noticeable progress in the coming months as the project moves from structural work to interior development, bringing the store closer to its opening date.
Retail giant Target will anchor the new Marketplace development, with an expected opening in spring 2026. It is currently being built east of Interstate 29 and north of Sixth Street, making it accessible to residents and travelers.
The Marketplace area also will include an Aldi grocery store, scheduled to open Nov. 20, and a Kwik Star convenience store that is set to open no later than next summer.
The Aldi store was originally planned to open its doors next summer, but the new opening date was announced by Deputy Mayor Nick Wendell at a city council meeting on Oct. 14. The announcement was met by a round of applause from those in attendance.
“That is the sound of a community very excited about Aldi opening,” Wendell said during the meeting. “We are thrilled with that development — we’ll be able to celebrate Aldi coming together.”
Stephanie Mason, vice president of economic development and operations with the Brookings Economic Development Corp., said the city was in a perfect position to acquire Target.
“Brookings checks the big boxes for a national anchor: interstate frontage at I-29/Highway 14, a regional trade area that extends well beyond the city, a year-round consumer base fueled by SDSU, major employers and visitors,” Mason said.
The high demand for a Target by community members played a key role in securing it. Surveys dating back to 2013 ranked Target, along with Aldi, as their top stores.
Brookings also stood out as an attractive market for retail expansion because of its population growth over the years, officials said.
The city has seen steady population increases year after year and is projected to surpass 25,000 residents by 2026, Mason said. This stands out to major retailers as proof that a community can support larger commercial investment.
For the Brookings community, getting a Target is about more than just the shopping experience; it’s about growth.
“Anchors like Target don’t just hire — they catalyze growth,” Mason said. “Their presence attracts complementary retailers and services, strengthens the district’s market draw and reinforces Brookings as a regional shopping destination.”
Local leaders anticipate that Target’s arrival will not only create new jobs for the community but also will boost the overall economic activity in the area in hopes that locals will remain in town to shop — and new people will come from out of town for Target.
“The draw may be Target or Aldi, but they may also venture down Sixth Street and see some of our other businesses and maybe head downtown to do a little dining, a little shopping, and see what Brookings has to offer across the board,” Struck said.
That increased traffic and spending will be matched by new hiring efforts. Target’s opening will create many retail jobs offering new careers and income opportunities for people across the area.
Target features jobs ranging from management and logistics to part-time cashier and sales roles. These positions will offer flexible hours and schedules to people applying who may be balancing school and work. That may be a high school student or someone attending college here.
Miyla Sitzmann, a student at SDSU, said she thinks Brookings getting a Target will be a big thing for students and the community.
“I know that I am personally going to shop there over Walmart and might even apply for a part-time job knowing that Target would be a great experience for a student like me,” Sitzmann said.
