A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday night for the new Target in Bishops Corner in West Hartford.

By Ted Glanzer

The much-anticipated ribbon cutting for the small-format Target at Bishops Corner took place Aug. 13, with numerous store officials and employees along with local dignitaries on hand.

The 59,000-square-foot store, the first of its kind in Connecticut (there are 20 full-scale Target stores in the state, with six in the Hartford area), features much of the same stock as a large-scale store, but with fewer of the individual items on hand.

“We still have everything that a large format store offers, but it’s more intimate,” Store Director Sarah Woodcock said in an interview last week.

As highlighted in the We-Ha.com’s Business Buzz, items for sale include grab-and-go food items, fresh produce, dairy, deli, school supplies, clothing for men, women, and children, health and beauty items, electronics, toys, seasonal items, and a full-service CVS pharmacy.

Many of the people at the ribbon cutting were ebullient, with Woodcock and Mayor Shari Cantor speaking before the town councilors in attendance – including Leon Davidoff, Ben Wenograd, Dallas Dodge and Liam Sweeney – had to depart for their regular meeting at Town Hall. Also in attendance at the ribbon cutting was State Sen. Derek Slap.

“It has been a wonderful past few months for the team, seeing this team come to life has been amazing,” Woodcock said. “We are excited to be here and a part of the Bishops Corner community. Thank you Bishops Corner for having us.

“As the first small format in the state of Connecticut, this is super exciting to be in the West Hartford community especially. We look forward to having all you guys as guests in our store.”

“There is so much excitement and anticipation [for this store],” Cantor said. “We’re really thrilled to have her here as well.”

A group of people lined up outside the store during the ribbon cutting and took advantage of the store’s soft opening.

“Target is a great brand, with a really loyal following in town,” West Hartford Community Services Director Mark McGovern said. “They have something in West Hartford and in Bishops Corner in particular to complement all the great stores and shops in this area. I think they’re going to be very successful and I’m looking forward to coming here for years to come.”

The official grand opening of the store, located at 333 N. Main St., is Aug. 18 at 8 a.m., with an in-store celebration for guests. Early arrivers will receive complimentary reusable bags.

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