SuperTarget - Shoreview, MN

Welcome back to the Shoppes. We return to the great northern state of Minnesota, where we pay a visit to their hometown retail hero right in its habitat!

Store info

• Store number: ST-619
  
• Address: 3800 Lexington Ave N, Shoreview, MN 55126
• Opening date: October 9, 1991
• Renovations: 2001-02 (S01/expansion to SuperTarget), 2012 (S09), 2018 (S17)
• Features: Deli, Bakery, Wine & Spirits, CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks Coffee, Optical

The store started as an early Target Greatland, then Target's premier retailing concept tailored to high-volume sites. The concept had been introduced the year prior in nearby Apple Valley and bestowed features then rare within their store base, such as pharmacies, dual entrances, and grocery options.

A SuperTarget expansion was complete by mid-2002, adding a complete assortment of groceries and becoming one of the first stores under said moniker in the Twin Cities. Since then, two further remodels have been conducted; one circa 2012 and the latest in 2018. The latter renovation brought the store into a new era of retailing, complete with ornate displays and fresh design across the board.

Photos taken on July 31, 2019 by The Battery Mill

Our first photo for today is at the entrance leading up to the center. The center the store is co-inhabited with several other outparcels. Isn't that one large sign?

The left-hand grocery entrance is likewise clad in wood and stands out among a newly minted grayscale facade.

While the curved vestibule windows are a trait of the P01 era, the steel girder running out front seems to be something exclusive to this store.

One of the last bastions of P09 decor within the store resides within the grocery vestibule. Odd to see how they hadn't managed to change said decor out, but I'm sure it'll a nice treasure while it lasts.

Now we take a look at the frozen coolers, with accenting located under the upper wall portion. The new grocery decor differs slightly from that of the rest of the store in comparison to previous packages, featuring a wood-clad design, lush lattices and gray flooring.

Here is a typical Target CVS Pharmacy branch, once having been a Target Pharmacy before the 2015 acquisition. The remodel's definitely making it glow nicely.
 
This is especially an image where you may notice the store's high ceiling. This is a feature present in older Greatland/SuperTarget stores like this one, which used the given headroom for decor and exposition in contrast to regular Target stores. Additionally, the bar is even raised higher at the front end - an extra level opens up to the mezzanine area, commonly placed above the front wall in early 90s Targets.

Next we tab to a quaint selection of books and home video located within Target's electronics department. Surpisingly, these two-three aisles mark the extent of such sales. Wonder why? I'll have the answer below.

In response to the decline of physical media, Target has decreased their CD/DVD and book selection to these few aisles. This follows a general decree made chainwide stating the chain would only request CDs to be distributed to their stores based on demand.

Also, if by chance any of you may be fans of X Ambassadors: their latest album, Orion, takes center stage on the ad screen as pictured. I myself don't care for this kind of music, however it's a nice treat to see if you do care.

Where imagination comes to life! This LEGO slide proves itself to be the hallmark of said department at Target.

The new remodels have brought extravagant toy displays to stores, including immersive sculptures like these and dynamic lighting. It's something to see in a post-Toys R Us retail landscape!

Thanks for reading my post; as usual, hope you enjoyed it! More is to come soon. In addition to my regular retail features, I will continue to post extra content from my Minnesota visit.

Hy-Vee - Brooklyn Park, MN

Hello readers! Today we will be taking an unorthodox grocery trip to Minnesota, taking a look at what may be the region's latest retail success story. And yes, this expedition will sure be packed with sights by the dozen.

Hy-Vee - Brooklyn Park, MN (#1516)

Store info

• Address: 9409 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
• Opening date: July 26, 2016
• Store number: #1516
• Features: Pharmacy/Drive-Thru, Allina Health EverydayClinic, Market Grille, Bakery, Deli/Charcuterie, Seafood, Chophouse Meats, Asian, Italian, Cocina Mexicana, Hickory House Comfort Foods, ShortCuts, Juice & Smoothies, Chef's Creations, Wine & Spirits, Starbucks Coffee, USPS, Dry Cleaning, Joe Fresh (former F&F), Hy-Vee Gas/Starbucks Coffee (co-located), Car Wash (geez, gotta wonder if there's more! I'm exhausted... :P)

Photos taken August 1, 2019 

Hy-Vee first entered the Twin Cities grocery market in 2015, fresh of the heels of Rainbow Foods' bankruptcy and tumultous times at Cub's owner SuperValu. With this, they have brought their employee-owned principles and large stores to the suburbs of Minneapolis - and they have quickly become a fan favorite. Today I'll be looking into a store in Brooklyn Park just outside of town.

These large-format stores can be most directly compared to the likes of Kroger's Marketplace marquee and Wegmans. It however competes more directly with the former, considering the wide general merchandise and service department sections. It's even enough that, besides having a Starbucks inside... it has a convenience store outparcel with their own Starbucks! Talk about that... (and a car wash too)

While not the most inviting approach to the store, this side of the front facade lists the numerous extra departments featured within Hy-Vee's walls. Additionally, diverse parking spaces are provided for quick access to the store and its features.

Above the produce department, Hy-Vee has four banners commemorating their partnerships with local pro sports teams. In order, the four teams represented are the NFL's Vikings, NHL's Wild, NBA's Timberwolves, and the WNBA's Lynx. The local MLB team, the Minnesota Twins, remains sponsored with rival Cub; while Minnesota United FC, and the MLS in general, have been backed by Target.

Chef's Creations, probably the most diverse food counter of Hy-Vee's Market Grille area, featuring everything from sandwiches to salads.

Next in line, we have two views of the bakery. While it's great, it just doesn't seem as fleshed out as at Wegmans back home! Still something I would shop at... they are excelling at bagels here with such a carryout menu present!

In the distance are some of Hy-Vee's other grocery and general merchandise deparments, such as those of dairy products and pet supplies. One section that stands out from the crowd, however, is the store-within-a-store F&F department. A brand of English chain Tesco, the partnership between Hy-Vee was first struck in 2016, concurrent with the store's opening. The concept, however did not last long as several age demographics were not considered. As of the taking of the photo, the department was stocking excess goods and was being repurposed into a Joe Fresh-branded area.

Looking backwards into the middle actionway, we once again witness some of the main market departments.

 

The Packaged Meats row of coolers takes time to inform shoppers of the different types of meat products and recipes. Quite simple, eh?

Here's a simple aisle of beverages for your viewing pleasure. The Seafood and Meat departments are in the distance.

Hy-Vee's corner pharmacy designed for quick shopping alongside a wide selection of health & beauty products. The clinic on the left is a later addition, opening in early 2019. Gotta wonder what was there before...

Closing out this photoset, we look at a large, glass-clad exterior exit area showcasing some of Hy-Vee's present architectural elements.

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In any case - thanks for joining me on this cross-country retail adventure! While it may have only been one stop today, I am   - and I'll certainly have more to share from outside Greater Washington. Toodles!

Sources

• http://www.startribune.com/hy-vee-brings-back-clothing-dropping-one-brand-for-another/513381562/ 
  • https://www.hometownsource.com/press_and_news/allina-health-opens-th-everyday-clinic-in-brooklyn-park-hy/article_a08d081c-0eb9-11e9-b2e5-d3fc227c86b5.html