The Big Red Target Is Coming Soon

First, it was the Bronx, then it was Brooklyn, and now it seems that Target’s latest new business venture is making its way to Astoria, Queens. While LIC was the first Queen’s neighborhood to experience an explosion of new restaurants, luxury buildings, and national chains, Astoria seems to be quickly following suit. The large corporate chain plans to call 22-11 31st Street, in Astoria Ditmars near the Astoria Ditmars NW subway stop, it’s new home by 2023. 

Located adjacent to TJ Maxx and the brand new Krispy Kreme, this 97,314-square-foot construction has already started the process with the removal of the former Key Food supermarket back in 2020, according to NewYorkYIMBY.com, which first reported the news earlier this month. The brand new retail space will err on the smaller side, as opposed to its upstate counterparts, with three floors filled with households needs, décor, men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, baby and children’s apparel and toys, an adult beverage section, a CVS Pharmacy and Order Pickup, as well as tech and fitness accessories.

Working in tandem with the neighborhood, the building plans to leave the ground floor available for four retail spaces—which we all hope will be leased to local businesses. Naturally, with the growing expansion of national chains and mainstream companies, the community stands divided on the pros and cons of living in one of NYC’s most incredible hidden gems. According to NY1, “There was public outcry and even rallies last year to keep the supermarket open on 31st street, between Ditmars Boulevard and 23rd Avenue.” While the attempts were futile, keeping the balance between corporate and small business remains an ever-growing topic in an ever-growing neighborhood.

According to NewYorkYIMBY, Construction will be complete, with the official opening slated for January 2023. The newly released rendering depicts a sleek and sophisticated storefront with floor-to-ceiling windows and metal panel coverings. In addition to adding retail space on the ground floor, the location plans to hire around 100 people at a competitive wage with added benefits such as discounts on products, services, and merchandise, as well as possible medical, retirement, and paid time off for local residents. From the California coast to the Big Apple and in between, you can find new upcoming target locations opening in Flatbush, Harlem 125th St, Long Island City (court square), and of course, Astoria, Queens.