Listen to this articleTarget is adding a second location in Essex County.
As part of an upgrade of West Orange Plaza in West Orange, the big box retailer is taking over anchor space that was once a Kmart and expects to launch a new, state-of-the-art store next spring.
Under the proposal recently approved by the local planning board, the Prospect Avenue shopping center will see landscaping changes; the addition of a pollinator garden; construction of pedestrian-friendly, accessible sidewalks; and installation of 16 EV charging stations, with a total of 48 units over three years, according to the municipality.
Once open, Target will join a lineup at West Orange Plaza that includes big chains, such as Jersey Mike’s Subs and Whole Foods Market, as well as several mom-and-pop businesses.
A media representative from Target did not immediately respond to a request for more information about the new store.
Within New Jersey, Target’s 51-store footprint includes only one other location in Essex County – Fairfield.
In a statement, West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney said, “We’re beyond excited for the addition of the new Target location right here in West Orange.”
“In an era when other communities are seeing stores close, we are excited to have this long-awaited, large-scale investment in brick-and-mortar retail in our community. Supporting and growing our local businesses remains one of our top priorities,” she added.
Veronica Bruzzese, whose family owns plaza tenant Frank’s Pizzeria, said they’re “very excited to be a part of the Target expansion in West Orange Plaza.”
“We are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year and are proud to be a part of West Orange’s bright future,” she stated. “We appreciate the support that the local community has given us throughout the years and look forward to the infusion of new businesses into the complex.”
