Regina’s who haven't experienced shopping at Target stores in the U.S. or Canada will get a chance to see what the fuss is all about when Regina's first Target opens 8 a.m. today at the Northgate Mall at 489 Albert St. N. What they'll see is a brightly lit, full-line department store, with lots of name brand and house brand items, including grocery and house wares, fashion and accessories, clothing and sports gear, electronics and mobile devices, home decor and seasonal items, toys and baby products, garden and stationery supplies. Target also boasts a Starbucks coffee shop, a full-service pharmacy and iPhone store.

Derek Jenkins, senior vice-president of external relations for Target Canada, said Regina area residents should be impressed by the array of products and services on offer at the former Zellers store, which is one of 124 to be converted to Target stores in Canada this year.

"If you're a fan of Target, even if you're not, I think this store has all the offerings that you should come in and take a look at. I think you'll be impressed by the assortment of merchandise we have. I think you'll be very impressed with the service that our team has ... We look forward for you to come out and shop us. We want to be a good neighbour and partner.'' Jenkins said Target, a Minneapolis-based retailer with 1,784 stores in the U.S. and 48 in Canada, is bringing to Canada all of the features that set Target apart from the competition, plus some features available only in Canadian stores.

"We have a lot of designer partnerships that you can't get at any other retailer. In addition, what we've prided ourselves on is the service that you get, the layout of the store and the feeling you get when you come to Target. That really differentiates our brand from what other people have to offer."

For example, each store has a large aisle, called the "racetrack," that enhances the "one-stop-shopping'' experience Target aims to provide busy shoppers. Target also features in-house brands that cater to the discount shopper, like Market Pantry basic food items from soup to nuts, or upscale consumers, who might prefer Archer Farms spinach and goat cheese gourmet pizza.

Target also has exclusive partnerships with Champion (C9 sports gear), limited time partnerships with Roots clothing and Sam & Libby footwear and ongoing partnerships with Shaun White apparel, among others.

Jenkins said the Northgate Mall location at 118,000 square feet, with a sales floor of 94,000 square feet, is larger than most of the 20 Target stores opening this month in Canada. Saskatoon will

see two stores opening today at Centre Mall at Circle and 8th Street and The Mall at Lawson Heights, along with two in B.C., two in Alberta and 11 in Ontario. Two more stores in Ontario will open later this month.

Jenkins added the 150 or so staff at the Regina store is geared up for a busy first day of business.

"If we have a really big turnout, we will not be complaining about that. We know there's always going to be interest in the new kid on the block. However, our focus is more about sustainability. We want to make sure we not only enter the Regina market right, we want to make sure we continue to do things that make you want to come and shop at Target.''