Target is opening a new store next to the University of Cincinnati. The retailer signed a lease for nearly 18,000 square feet of space at U Square @ the Loop, a mixed-use development just south of UC’s main campus. Towne Properties, along with AI Neyer Unc., Castellini Management Co. and Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corp., is the owner and developer of U Square. The UC store will be Target’s first “flexible-format” location in Cincinnati. “Target is focused on providing convenient shopping experiences for guests, and we’re doing so by adding flexible format stores in urban markets and near college campuses across the country.” Mark Schindele, senior vice president, properties for Target, said in a news release. “We look forward to providing the University of Cincinnati with a quick-trip shopping experience and offering a product assortment that is unique to Target.”
The UC Target will sell an assortment of dorm and apartment essentials, fresh groceries as well as grab-and-go items such as sandwiches, beverage and snacks, health, personal care and beauty products, men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, select sports team apparel, and portable technology products. The retailer will move into spaces formerly occupied by Altar’d State, Smoothie King and Body Central at U Square, at the corner of Calhoun and Market streets. Smoothie King will relocate to the former FIrehouse SUbs space at U Square. With the addition of Target, the retail space at U Square is now almost completely full. Target operates 23 flexible-format stores and will continue adding locations including 18 stores that have been announced to-date for 2016 and 2017. Arn Bortz, principal at Towne Properties, said this is a welcome addition to the development. “Its arrival will enhance the quality of life for the university community, the hospital community and the Uptown neighborhood for years to come,” Bortz said in a release. Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate Inc. is the retail leasing agent for U Square. Mark Fallon and Emily Bevis represented the development in the deal. The new store is scheduled to open in July 2017.