The newest West Loop retail tenant is now open for business. The Whitney M. Young High School band played “Superstition” to kick off the ribbon-cutting ceremony, as Alderman Bob Fioretti did the honors.

The mammoth Target Store at 1101 W. Jackson Blvd. is definitely impressive. It offers traditional dry goods along with a grocery section, even fresh produce, meats and bakery goods. There’s also a pharmacy and Starbucks.

An earnest staff is learning the terrain along with shoppers. As I searched for Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, a Target employee diligently led me to the snack aisle like a Sherpa guide.

I experienced a bit of nostalgia walking through the store, too. My first job was in a Target Store, during the summer of 1969 in St. Louis. I was hired to handle inventory—accomplished with a pencil and pad. It would have been nice if we’d had the advantage of barcode scanners. (For the record, gas was 35 cents a gallon and “Honky Tonk Women” by the Stones was number one on the charts.)

Julie Walz, the manager of the West Loop Target, probably hadn’t been born when my friends and I were listening to “Dizzy” by Tommy Roe (also popular in 1969), but she is an 18-year veteran of the retailer. In opening remarks during the ribbon-cutting, Walz presented a check for $5,000 to the store’s closest neighbor, the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.

“I’m proud of the commitment Target has made to the neighborhood,” Walz said.

During the planning stage for the store, Target was also willing to work with the West Loop and make design changes requested by Fioretti.

“When they first came to my office, I didn’t like the way it was laid out,” Fioretti said. “I wanted the architecture and the entrance to fit in with the neighborhood. Target listened to us and agreed to everything.

“This store reflects well on the community," he said. "This is a great thing for the neighborhood and the City of Chicago. We should all be proud of Target and support this store.”

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By Andrew Paik from South Loop
Posted: 10/20/2012 8:15 PM

Hello! My name is Andrew Paik and I am the managing optometrist for the Target Optical that just opened in the West Loop. My wife and I are independent doctors that perform comprehensive eye exams in a Target setting. We are South Loop residents but we are thrilled to be working in your neighborhood! Please stop by for your routine eyecare and eyewear needs! We would love to meet you and your family. Take care!

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By christina jones from west side
Posted: 10/13/2012 7:04 AM

I had a wonderful experience at this target on Thursday.I was greeted by an enthusiast and friendly staff and security guards as well. I went in to buy a few items, one being a some ear buds. I have to say that I was given a lot of help from one of their associates. He was very patient and helped me out tremendously. Again I was impressed by the staff during check out as well. I will definitely be planning another trip there in the near future.

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By Bill Motchan from West Loop
Posted: 10/12/2012 2:25 PM

I can report that the West Loop Target is fully stocked with merchandise and the staff seems very friendly and happy to be there. It has that new-store smell, too. Also--so far--it's not crowded. Just like the new Costco over on Ashland, you don't feel hemmed in by a gazillion other shoppers.

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By Katherine from West Loop
Posted: 10/12/2012 2:17 PM

@David - I agree with your sentiments! The cityTarget is not much better - every time I\'ve gone by, shelves are empty and sizes are continually out of stock. I\'ve stopped going for this very reason. But again, I don\'t think I\'m their target (no pun intended) as I don\'t work in the Loop, nor am I a tourist. I just went to the West Loop location yesterday, and it was pretty perfect. For now. I just hope this one doesn\'t have the inventory issues the other ones do.

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By David from Near West Side
Posted: 10/11/2012 11:58 PM

Note to Katherine in the West Loop: I been to the Roosevelt and Clark location more than once. I am glad it not the only location in the city and suburbs. Not keeiping items in stock. Some of shelves are empty. Employees having regular personal conversation, while ringing up your items. You have to be carefully when driving up the ramp to the parking lot. Even more carefully crossing the street to catch the east bound Roosevelt bus .

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By Tony form the West Loop Gate from West Loop Gate
Posted: 10/11/2012 5:08 PM

Love it!

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By Katherine from West Loop
Posted: 10/11/2012 4:29 PM

@George - I don\\\'t think the one on Roosevelt & Clark has to worry, that area has a ton of apartment buildings to cater to. And the cityTarget is much more geared towards tourists & city workers. Time to go check it out!

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By Anonymous from Near West Side
Posted: 10/10/2012 3:43 PM

"As I searched for Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, a Target employee diligently led me to the snack aisle like a Sherpa guide." -- Awesome. :) Very excited about this addition to our area! If the staff here are as friendly here as the staff down at the new Costco, it's going to be a great place to shop!

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By claudeah from united center
Posted: 10/10/2012 12:58 PM

Wahoo!!!!

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By George from Near West Side
Posted: 10/10/2012 10:24 AM

CityTarget on State Street and now a Target store in the west loop. So long Target on Roosevelt and Clark.