Target reveals initial locations in Canada

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has unveiled the first wave of the Zellers sites it will be taking over in Canada, representing 105 locations in all 10 Canadian provinces.

The vast majority of the sites will become Target stores after securing the necessary construction approval for extensive renovation. The stores will open beginning in 2013.

The majority (45) of the locations are in Ontario, with 19 in Quebec. The other Canadian locations include 15 in British Columbia; 13 in Alberta; five in Manitoba; two each in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador; and one each in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

Each selected site is subleased to Zellers and will continue to operate as a Zellers store for some time. Six to nine months prior to opening as Target stores, the majority of stores will be closed for significant remodeling. On average, about $10 million will be invested in remodeling each location.

“We look forward to completing our selection process during the next several months, moving us one step closer to delivering the Target-brand shopping experience to our Canadian guests," said Tony Fisher, Target Canada president.

Target also announced that its Canadian headquarters will be located in Mississauga, Ontario. The company will occupy about 180,000 sq. ft. in a building that was built to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards and is owned by Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan. After some remodeling, the majority of Target's Canadian corporate team will begin occupying the space in early 2012.