Duluth Target discount store opens in 1962

Duluth Target Store 1962

Built in 1962, the Duluth Target store was one of four Targets built in the company’s inaugural year. Roseville was the first store; the other two opened in St. Louis Park and Crystal. Target President Doug Dayton said the new stores would, “combine the best of the fashion world with the best of the discount world, a quality store with quality merchandise at discount prices, and a discount supermarket.”

In 1961 the Daytons announced the plan for new discount chain of stores. “Shopping at the new, currently unnamed store will be fun, delightful and welcoming to the entire family. The stores will include wide aisles, easy-to-shop displays, fast checkout and loads of well-lighted parking … for 1,200 cars.”

They had over 200 ideas for names and ended up choosing the bulls-eye logo because “as a marksman’s goal is to hit the center bulls-eye, the new store would do much the same in terms of retail goods, services, commitment to the community, price, value and overall experience.”

target roseville mn 1962 pleasantfamilyshopping

Evolution of the Target logo.


target-logo-history

Two television spots from 1970:

Photos of the old Target in Duluth before the 1982 remodel.

Photos courtesy of Tom Dyer

9 Comments

Paul Lundgren

about 9 years ago

Those are classic, but my favorite Target photo is still Barrett Chase's 2007 parking lot flood photo:

Target parking lot flood

Not to be confused with the Historic Summer Solstice Flood Disaster of 2012, the Target parking lot flood of 2007 was probably the result of clogged drainage or something ... correct me if you remember, anyone. The car was submerged because, purportedly, the driver couldn't see where the proper exit was and instead of staying on the pavement drove into a grassy culvert. 

Endion

about 9 years ago

I like to refer to it as the "Duluth Deluge" of 2012... Has a certain ring to it.

Also, was the first Target where it is now or where Saver's/Hobby Lobby is?

brian

about 9 years ago

The audio in those TV ads is fantastic.

Stacey Parker

about 9 years ago

I believe it was where it is now. If you look at the top photo, there is a one way sign. At that time, only Miller Trunk was divided in that area. Not Maple Grove.

TimK

about 9 years ago

I remember that going to Target was a special occasion in our household. If we were good, we got a long, skinny bag of popcorn to share.

pats

about 9 years ago

Ah yes!  The long skinny bags of popcorn!  I remember the counter, near the exit, that sold popcorn in those bags.  I'd never seen anything quite as wonderful in any other store.  Target was a big deal when it first opened here.

Shane

about 9 years ago

The store has not moved. It has been expanded and the entrance has been moved.

GTR

about 9 years ago

What are those things in the top photo, above the store? Almost look like military trucks? Or? I have interviewed old farmers from the Hermantown area and apparently that location was a potato field at one time. Quite the agricultural area.

rhumola

about 5 years ago

By any chance does anyone know who were the pharmacists at this Target in Duluth when it opened in the 1960s?  I just found out my biological father was one of the pharmacists and there is a possibility his name was Mike. 

Thank you! Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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