A new Target is opening in Waikiki inside the International Market Place — a welcome addition for local workers and residents who say it will improve their quality of life.
“Personally, I’m kind of excited because I feel like I can go over there and get the things I need. We only really have ABC stores, which are really expensive,” said Mia, an employee at local business Free People.
While workers and residents feel the new Target will be convenient for running errands, it could also increase business for other stores in the International Market Place by attracting tourists.
“A lot of the tourists don’t have a good convenience store besides ABC stores too. So I feel like it would bring more people over into the shopping center in general,” Mia said.
An opening date for the new Target has not been disclosed, and a guest services employee at the Target at Ala Moana says the corporation has not given out information to employees.
“They haven’t even shared anything with us at the store level… so I doubt they would share anything outside of the company at the moment,” said the employee, who asked not to be identified.
She doesn’t expect the new location to change the business of the Ala Moana Target, adding “I think it’ll just give a different option to the people who like to reside in Waikiki.”
Waikiki resident Olyvia said the new Target is “a positive” for people in the area who ride the bus or mopeds and have to travel far for groceries.
“I think it would be really great. You know, since there isn’t really a Target close to this area. No, it’ll bring a lot more access to my Target so that people don’t have to go too far and take the bus,” she said.
Anna • Aug 18, 2024 at 2:41 pm
any updates on the opening of the target at the international market place? we are coming to Hawaii in September and are excited to see this.
Bill • Sep 21, 2024 at 6:04 pm
I live in Waikiki and walk past the store several times a week. There has been a lot of activity at the location and lights indicate they are close to finishing the space as you can peek through corners of the wall papered windows to see nearly completed shelving systems and colorful life size department signage. They have also recently added signs showing job opportunities and a number to call. Now they need to fill the shelves with merchandise!