Florida’s old Kmart is set to become a new Target store, ending a four-year wait

Photo byAyian Cinderwill

Florida’s never short on retail shake-ups, and Bradenton is the latest to get a makeover. After a four-year wait, an old Kmart on Manatee Avenue West is about to get a new lease on life as a Target store. This isn’t just any Target; it’s getting a significant upgrade!

Originally set to be 49,000 square feet, the new Target is expanding to a whopping 76,000 square feet. It’s not just about the extra space – the revamped store will feature a CVS pharmacy and even a wine store. If you’re a fan of Target’s one-stop shopping experience, this new location, opening on August 18, 2024, is set to be a game-changer for the area.

But Target isn’t the only new kid on the block at Beachway Plaza. The plaza will also house Five Below, a discount retailer that’s perfect for snagging those impulse buys and affordable finds. And it doesn’t hurt that the plaza is already anchored by some familiar faces like Publix, PetSmart, Beall's, and Staples.

Bradenton isn’t new to Target; there’s already a location on 14th Street West in Bayshore Gardens. It’s got a solid 4.3-star rating on Google, with many praising its cleanliness and friendly staff.

However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. Nancy, another reviewer, wasn’t thrilled about the shift to self-checkout and the lack of customer service she encountered, noting, “...They didn’t have any checkouts open, it was all self-checkout. Not one said 'Thank you' or 'Can I help you?' It all starts from management.”

Bradenton residents can look forward to not only this new Target but also a planned third location in the Marketplace at Heritage Harbour. So, if you’re a Target fan, Bradenton’s retail landscape is about to get even better!