Target opens Glenville store in grand style (with photo gallery)

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

The new Target Store in Glenville had it’s ribbon cutting Tuesday.

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Target literally rolled out the red carpet for the first customers at its new Glenville store.

The carpet, and red-and-white balloons with bull’s-eyes on them, greeted customers as they entered the new 135,000-square-foot facility on Route 50. It was a festive atmosphere, with people being treated to free pumpkin and cream cheese muffins and a small pumpkin spice latte courtesy of the Starbucks inside Target. They also offered Halloween cookies and cupcakes with red bull’s-eyes on them.

“I think it was nice of Target to open on my birthday and have cake for me,” quipped Scott Payne of Schenectady.

The store is opening to the public today, but special guests and relatives of employees got a sneak peek on Tuesday evening.

There are also a Pizza Hut and pharmacy located in the store, along with clothing, home goods, electronics and grocery items including fresh produce, meat and bakery selections.

“It’s huge,” said Michelle Powers of Scotia, adding that she hoped the food prices would be competitive.

Her 11-year-old daughter, Alexa Powers, was anxious to buy something: “I wish I brought my purse,” she said.

The two were guests of Michelle Powers’ son, Tyler Merrihew, who was nearly oblivious to a cart heading his way before he stepped aside.

“I’ve got to get used to people being in here,” he said good-naturedly.

Merrihew said he likes working at Target because of the helpfulness of the staff.

Fellow employee Christina Giammusso said it is a fun atmosphere.

“I don’t feel like I’m at work when I work. I get to engage with the guests and meet locals,” she said.

Joan Estes of Clifton Park was also impressed with the new store, which fills the lot once occupied by a long-vacant Kmart that closed in 2006.

“It improves Route 50 a lot. They got rid of that big empty building,” she said.

Glenville Supervisor Chris Koetzle said the redevelopment has been a long time coming.

“It’s just the beginning. We’re seeing much interest now in our commercial corridor,” he said.

Panera Bread will be opening a 3,800-square-foot restaurant in the plaza next year. There is also 32,000 square feet of available retail space adjacent to the Target building.

The redevelopment by RD Management cost roughly $17 million.

Target officials also made a $2,000 donation to the Glenville Police Department as part of its Target & Blue program. Eddy Maurice, executive team leader of asset protection, said they want to build a strong partnership with local police.

Councilwoman Gina Wierzbowski did a little shopping during her visit.

“I have tights for my daughter, shoes for my husband, and isn’t this skirt adorable?” Wierzbowski said.

Team leader Nikki Reilly said the store offers one-stop shopping.

There are 200 employees, and Reilly said the store anticipates hiring another 50 for seasonal positions. She added that the store is a prototype with energy-saving fixtures and coolers to increase its efficiency by 35 percent.

Target will be open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a grand opening celebration on Oct. 14.

Matt Near of Glenville said he and his wife Jenn weren’t special guests but just walked in to buy diapers and baby clothes.

“It’s awesome. We’ve been waiting for it to open. We like Target. It’s a little bit cleaner and nicer than other stores,” he said.

Jenn Near loves Target.

“You come in here looking for one thing and come out with $200 worth of stuff,” she said.