As one of the most recognizable retail brands in the United States, Target has built a loyal following with its unique blend of affordability, quality, and style. With nearly 2,000 stores across the country, Target has become a go-to destination for millions of shoppers looking for everything from groceries to clothing to home goods.
But among all of Target‘s locations, one store stands out as a true retail behemoth: the Annapolis, Maryland store. At over 200,000 square feet, this massive Target is the largest in the entire country, offering a truly unparalleled shopping experience.
A Closer Look at the Annapolis Target Superstore
Located inside the Westfield Annapolis Mall, the Annapolis Target first opened its doors in 2002. In 2008, the store underwent a significant expansion and remodel, bringing it to its current size of 204,000 square feet – that‘s nearly 5 acres of retail space!
To put that in perspective, the average Target store is around 130,000 square feet, while the largest Walmart Supercenter tops out at about 260,000 square feet. So while the Annapolis Target isn‘t quite the biggest of the big box retailers, it‘s still a massive store by any standard.
So what does over 200,000 square feet of retail space look like in practice? Here‘s a breakdown of some of the key features and departments of the Annapolis Target:
- A 50,000 square foot grocery section with fresh produce, deli counter, bakery, and more
- A Starbucks cafe and Target Cafe serving hot meals and drinks
- An in-store CVS Pharmacy for prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Extensive clothing departments for men, women, and children
- A large beauty department with prestige cosmetics brands
- Expansive home decor and furniture showrooms
- A sizeable seasonal department for holidays and special events
- A state-of-the-art electronics and gaming section
- Dedicated toy, sporting goods, and pet care aisles
- Guest Services, Target Mobile, and Target Optical centers
- Ample parking with over 1,200 spaces surrounding the store
With such a wide array of departments and services, the Annapolis Target essentially functions as a hypermarket or superstore. Shoppers can easily spend hours browsing the aisles and still not see everything the store has to offer.
By the Numbers: How the Annapolis Target Stacks Up
To get a sense of just how massive the Annapolis Target really is, let‘s take a look at some key statistics and figures:
- Store size: 204,000 square feet
- Grocery section: 50,000 square feet
- Team members: Over 400 employees
- Parking spaces: 1,200
- Annual sales: Over $100 million (estimated)
- Daily visitors: Approximately 10,000 shoppers per day
These numbers paint a picture of a store that is not just physically large, but also a significant economic engine for the region. With hundreds of employees and tens of thousands of shoppers each week, the Annapolis Target is a major contributor to the local economy.
But how does the Annapolis location compare to other large-format Target stores? For many years, Target operated a number of "SuperTarget" branded stores that featured expanded grocery sections and other amenities. At their peak, there were 239 SuperTargets averaging around 174,000 square feet each.
However, in 2015, Target began phasing out the SuperTarget brand and remodeling these stores under the main Target name. Today, the largest former SuperTarget still in operation is a 191,000 square foot store in Hoover, Alabama.
Another notable large Target is the 165,000 square foot location inside the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania. With two levels and features like a CVS Pharmacy and Starbucks, this store is one of the biggest Targets on the East Coast.
So while the Annapolis store is undoubtedly Target‘s largest location overall, it has some close competition from other major stores in the chain. These massive Targets represent the retailer‘s big bet on the superstore format, offering shoppers a one-stop destination for all their needs.
The Pros and Cons of Shopping at a Mega Target
So what‘s it like to actually shop at the biggest Target in the country? To find out, we talked to several frequent shoppers at the Annapolis store to get their take on the mega Target experience.
"I love shopping at this Target because I can always find what I need," said Sarah K., a mother of three from nearby Severna Park. "With such a huge selection, I rarely have to make multiple stops to get everything on my list. Plus, the prices are great and the store is always clean and well-organized."
But not every shopper is a fan of the store‘s massive size. "It can be overwhelming trying to navigate such a huge store," said John S., a college student at the nearby United States Naval Academy. "I feel like I‘m always getting lost in the aisles and it takes forever to find what I‘m looking for. I prefer shopping at smaller Targets where everything is more compact and easier to find."
These differing opinions highlight some of the key pros and cons of shopping at a megastore like the Annapolis Target. On the plus side, the sheer size and selection can‘t be beat – you can truly find just about anything you need under one roof. And with so much buying power, Target is often able to offer very competitive prices on popular items.
But the flip side is that navigating such a large store can be daunting, especially for shoppers who are short on time or who prefer a more curated shopping experience. With so many aisles and departments, it‘s easy to get lost or distracted, leading to longer shopping trips and potentially unnecessary purchases.
Behind the Scenes: How Target Keeps Its Biggest Store Running
Managing a 200,000 square foot retail space is no easy feat – it requires a complex network of logistics, supply chain operations, and dedicated team members to keep the store running smoothly.
According to Target spokesperson Erin Conroy, the Annapolis store receives daily shipments from several nearby distribution centers to keep its shelves stocked. "We have a team of over 50 individuals who work overnight to unload trucks, stock shelves, and get the store ready for the next day‘s shoppers," Conroy said.
In addition to the logistics of keeping such a large store supplied, the Annapolis Target also employs a number of sustainability initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. These include recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and a stormwater management system that collects and filters runoff from the store‘s massive parking lot.
But perhaps the most important factor in the store‘s success is its team of over 400 employees, many of whom have worked at the Annapolis Target for years. "Our team members are the heart and soul of this store," said Conroy. "They are passionate about delivering excellent guest service and creating a welcoming shopping environment for everyone who walks through our doors."
The Future of Big Box Retail: Is Bigger Always Better?
As impressive as the Annapolis Target may be, it represents a retail format that is increasingly at odds with changing consumer preferences and shopping habits. In recent years, many shoppers have gravitated away from massive superstores in favor of smaller, more specialized retailers and e-commerce options.
In response to these trends, Target has actually been doubling down on small-format stores in urban markets and college towns. These flexible-format stores average around 40,000 square feet and feature curated product assortments tailored to the needs of local shoppers.
As of 2023, Target operates over 140 of these small-format stores, with plans to open up to 200 in the coming years. These stores are seen as a key growth driver for the retailer as it aims to expand its presence in dense urban areas and capture a larger share of the coveted millennial and Gen Z consumer groups.
So while megastores like the Annapolis Target may continue to draw shoppers in search of selection and value, they are increasingly being complemented by smaller, more nimble store formats. As consumer preferences evolve, it seems likely that the retail landscape will continue to shift toward a more diverse mix of store sizes and formats.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Annapolis Target remains a remarkable example of the sheer scale and ambition of modern big box retail. With over 200,000 square feet of shopping space, this store is a testament to Target‘s enduring appeal and its ability to offer something for everyone.
But as impressive as it may be, the Annapolis store is also a reminder of the challenges facing retailers in an increasingly fragmented and competitive marketplace. As Target and other big box chains navigate the shifting tides of consumer preferences, it remains to be seen whether the superstore format will continue to thrive or give way to newer, more flexible retail concepts.
One thing is certain, however. For shoppers in search of an unparalleled selection and a truly immersive retail experience, the Annapolis Target will continue to be a must-visit destination. With its sprawling aisles, endless product assortment, and dedicated team members, this store offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of American retail – all under one very large roof.
