The original Target store, which debuted as a discount retail experiment, first opened its doors in Roseville, Minnesota.
Understanding Target's Foundational Roots
While the very first Target retail store was located in Roseville, Minnesota, it's important to understand the broader corporate origins. The Target Corporation itself has its deep roots and current headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The strategic decision to launch the Target division originated from the Dayton's department store chain, established in Minneapolis.
The First Target Store's Location and Opening
- Location: The inaugural Target store was situated at 1515 West County Road B in Roseville, Minnesota. Roseville, a suburb just north of St. Paul, was chosen as an ideal test market due to its growing population and accessibility.
- Opening Date: The doors to this pioneering discount store officially opened on May 1, 1962. This marked a pivotal moment for the Dayton Corporation, signaling its entry into the rapidly expanding discount retail sector. The goal was to offer customers a new concept: high-quality merchandise at more affordable, discount prices.
Corporate Genesis in Minneapolis
The conceptualization and initial establishment of the Target brand emerged directly from the corporate offices of the Dayton Company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The decision-makers and strategists who envisioned the future of this new retail format operated out of Minneapolis, making it the place founded for the Target Corporation. Although the first physical store wasn't within the immediate downtown Minneapolis area, the corporate entity, its leadership, and strategic direction were firmly based there from the outset.
Key Milestones in Target's Early Journey
The evolution of Target from a department store division to an independent retail giant involves several significant steps:
| Year | Event | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1902 | Dayton Dry Goods Company founded | Minneapolis, MN | Precursor to Dayton's department stores and Target |
| 1962 | First Target store opens | Roseville, MN | Launch of the innovative discount retail division |
| 1967 | Dayton Corporation renames to Dayton Hudson Corporation | Minneapolis, MN | Reflected diversification and broader retail ventures |
| 2000 | Dayton Hudson Corporation renames to Target Corporation | Minneapolis, MN | Consolidated focus under the universally recognized brand |
From its humble beginnings in Roseville, driven by its corporate foundation in Minneapolis, Target has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable retailers worldwide, celebrated for its unique blend of style and affordability.
