Why Finding the Right Target Near Me Makes All the Difference
Finding a target near me is easy, but finding the best one takes a little strategy. This guide walks you through six smart tips that turn an ordinary Target run into a streamlined, stress-free errand.
Quick Answer: How to Find Target Near Me
- Use Target’s official store locator at target.com/store-locator
- Search by ZIP code to see nearby locations with hours and services
- Filter by services like pharmacy, fresh grocery, or Starbucks
- Choose your shopping method: in-store, Drive Up, Order Pickup, or Same Day Delivery
- Check store hours (usually 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
Not every Target is identical. Some ZIP codes host 20+ stores ranging from compact city spots to spacious suburban superstores with full grocery, CVS Pharmacy, and Ulta Beauty counters. Picking the wrong one can mean cramped aisles, picked-over shelves, and wasted time.
Research shows most locations offer at least 16 in-store services, operate 14–16 hours daily, and support four main shopping methods. Using a few proven filters lets you pinpoint the branch with the best stock levels, shortest lines, and conveniences that matter to you.
Find more about target near me:
1. Master the Official Target Store Locator
When you’re wondering “Where’s the best target near me?”, the official Target store locator should be your go-to resource. Think of it as your personal shopping assistant that works 24/7 to help you make smarter decisions before you even grab your car keys.
The beauty of using Target’s official tool lies in its simplicity and accuracy. Head over to Find a store near you and you’ll find just how easy it is to search by ZIP code or city. Simply type in your location details, and you might be amazed by what you find. For example, enter a ZIP code like 60804 in the Chicagoland area, and you could see up to 20 different Target locations pop up! That’s a lot of options to choose from.
Each search result gives you everything you need to plan your perfect Target run. You’ll see the store’s phone number right there – perfect for calling ahead to check if they have that specific skincare product you’ve been eyeing. The store hours are clearly displayed too, which is crucial since typical operating hours run from 7am-11pm, though some locations may vary slightly.
One of my favorite features is being able to view the store on a map. This isn’t just about finding the quickest route – it helps you understand which location might have better parking or be more convenient for your other errands. Plus, you can see at a glance which stores are in busy urban areas versus more spacious suburban settings.
Checking store hours before you leave home is honestly a game-changer. While most Target stores operate for 14 to 16 hours daily, opening between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM and closing between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM, there can be variations for holidays or special events. A quick check saves you from that disappointing moment of arriving at locked doors!
This official locator is your first step toward a more intentional, stress-free shopping experience – and who doesn’t want that kind of self-care in their routine?
2. Choose Your Perfect Shopping Method
The beauty of finding the perfect target near me isn’t just about location—it’s about finding which shopping method works best for your lifestyle. Target has completely transformed the traditional retail experience, offering four distinct ways to get what you need, each designed with your convenience in mind.
In-store browsing remains the classic Target experience that so many of us cherish. There’s something genuinely therapeutic about wandering those bright, clean aisles with a red cart in hand. You can touch fabrics, test product textures, and stumble upon those delightful findies that make Target runs so enjoyable. For beauty enthusiasts especially, being able to examine packaging and read ingredient lists in person is invaluable. Plus, you might just find yourself enjoying a coffee while you shop, turning errands into a mini self-care moment.
But what happens when time is tight or you simply want to streamline your shopping experience? That’s where Target’s modern convenience options truly shine.
Order Pickup bridges the gap between online convenience and in-store reliability. You can browse Target’s full selection from your couch, add everything to your cart, and then simply swing by your chosen store to collect your order. No wandering aisles when you’re in a hurry, no worrying about items being out of stock. You’ll get a notification when your order is ready, and you can head straight to the designated pickup area inside the store.
Drive Up might just be the most brilliant innovation in retail convenience. Picture this: you shop from your phone, drive to your target near me, park in a designated spot, and within minutes, a friendly team member brings your entire order directly to your car. You literally never have to unbuckle your seatbelt. The service is completely free and surprisingly fast. Here’s a fun bonus—you can even add a Starbucks order to your Drive Up request through the Target app, so your morning latte arrives right alongside your skincare essentials.
Same Day Delivery takes convenience to the ultimate level. When you absolutely cannot make it to the store but need items today, a trusted shopper will handle everything and bring your order straight to your door. With a Target Circle 360™ membership, you’ll get free Same Day Delivery on orders over $35, making it perfect for those busy days when your wellness routine can’t wait.
Each method offers its own unique advantages, and the best part? You can mix and match based on what your day demands. Whether you’re savoring the full Target experience in-store or maximizing efficiency with Drive Up, you’re in complete control of how you shop.
3. Filter for the In-Store Services You Need
Here’s something that might surprise you: not all Target stores are created equal. When you’re searching for a target near me, taking a moment to check for specific features before you go can transform your shopping trip from ordinary to extraordinary.
Target offers over a dozen distinct services across its locations, but here’s the catch—these services vary dramatically from store to store. A compact urban location might feel worlds apart from a sprawling suburban Super Target, and understanding these differences can save you time, frustration, and even multiple trips.
The smart approach? Use Target’s store locator to filter for exactly what you need before you leave the house. This simple step ensures your chosen target near me actually has the services that matter most to your shopping goals.
What Services to Look for in a Target Near Me
Let’s talk about the game-changing services that can make your Target run so much more efficient and enjoyable.
Pharmacy services through CVS are absolute lifesavers for busy schedules. Imagine picking up your prescription while grabbing your weekly essentials—it’s the kind of multitasking that actually works. Many shoppers don’t realize how convenient this combination can be until they experience it firsthand.
Fresh Grocery sections are another major differentiator. While every Target carries some food items, locations with full grocery departments featuring fresh produce, meat, and dairy can handle your entire weekly shopping list. This means fewer stops and more time for the things you actually enjoy.
For those who need their caffeine fix, Cafe services (typically Starbucks) offer the perfect pre-shop coffee ritual. There’s something wonderfully indulgent about starting your Target run with a favorite drink in hand. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, some locations even deliver your Starbucks order right to your car through Drive Up—talk about convenience!
Optical departments at Target Optical locations let you handle eye care alongside your regular shopping. It’s particularly helpful for families managing multiple appointments and errands in one efficient trip.
The Health and wellness sections deserve special attention, especially if you’re focused on clean beauty and natural personal care products. These expanded departments often feature extensive supplement selections, organic personal care items, and those coveted clean beauty brands that align perfectly with a wellness-focused lifestyle.
Other valuable services include EV Charging stations for environmentally conscious shoppers, MinuteClinic locations for quick healthcare needs, and WIC acceptance for families who rely on these important benefits.
The beauty of Target’s store locator is that you can filter for these specific services, ensuring your chosen location actually offers what you need. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in your shopping experience.
4. Understand the Urban vs. Suburban Store Divide
When you’re searching for the perfect target near me, there’s one crucial factor that many shoppers overlook: the dramatic difference between urban and suburban locations. This isn’t just about minor variations in layout—we’re talking about completely different shopping experiences that can make or break your Target run.
Let’s be honest here. Urban “mini-Targets” are designed for quick convenience, not leisurely browsing. These compact city stores often occupy smaller footprints, sometimes spread across multiple levels, and they’re built for grabbing essentials rather than doing a full shopping haul. You’ll find the basics and trending items, but don’t expect the same breadth of selection you’d get at a sprawling suburban location.
Suburban “full-size Targets” or Super Targets, on the other hand, are shopping wonderlands. These massive, single-story complexes offer everything from comprehensive grocery sections to seasonal garden centers. If you’re planning a major shopping trip or looking for specific wellness products for your self-care routine, these locations are your best bet.
The parking situation alone can influence your entire shopping experience. Urban stores often come with the headache of limited parking spots, expensive parking garages, or street parking that requires feeding meters. Meanwhile, suburban locations typically offer vast, free parking lots where you can easily load up your car with everything from household essentials to those clean beauty products you’ve been wanting to try.
Here’s something many shoppers don’t realize: pricing can actually vary between urban and suburban locations. City stores sometimes carry slightly higher prices due to increased operational costs, which can add up over time if you’re a frequent Target shopper.
Finding the Best-Stocked Target Near Me in Your Area
The key to finding the most well-stocked target near me is understanding what type of shopping trip you’re planning. Need to grab a few quick items during lunch break? That compact city location might work perfectly. But if you’re doing your weekly grocery run or hunting for specific seasonal items, you’ll want to make the trek to a larger suburban store.
Limited selection in smaller city stores means you might walk away disappointed if you’re looking for specialty items, extensive fresh grocery options, or the full range of health and wellness products. Larger suburban stores typically stock everything, including those hard-to-find clean beauty brands and wellness essentials that align with a holistic lifestyle.
To see how this plays out, here is a comparison of two real-world examples from the Chicagoland area:
| Feature | Suburban-Style Target (e.g., Elston Ave) | Urban “Mini” Target (e.g., Lincoln Park) |
|---|---|---|
| Store Size & Layout | Large, single-story, spacious aisles | Compact, often multi-level, cramped |
| Product Selection | Comprehensive, including full grocery & seasonal | Limited to basics and trending items |
| Stock Levels | Consistently well-stocked | Often “picked through,” especially popular items |
| Parking | Ample, free surface parking lot | Limited, often paid garage or street parking |
| Key Services | Full suite (Ulta, CVS, Starbucks, etc.) | Basic services, may lack full grocery or pharmacy |
| Best For | Weekly grocery runs, major shopping trips | Quick grabs, convenience items |
The difference is so pronounced that local shoppers often develop strong preferences. In areas like Chicagoland, you’ll hear passionate debates about which locations offer the best experience. Some suburban-style stores within city limits get rave reviews for combining accessibility with excellent selection, while certain compact urban locations earn less flattering nicknames from frustrated shoppers.
When comparing your options, consider factors like store size and layout, product variety, parking convenience, and fresh grocery availability. A spacious store with wide aisles and comprehensive departments will always offer a more relaxed, enjoyable shopping experience than a cramped location where popular items sell out quickly.
The bottom line? If you want the full Target experience with maximum selection and convenience, suburban locations typically deliver the goods. But for quick, targeted shopping trips, urban stores can serve their purpose—just manage your expectations accordingly.
5. Use Local Intel: A Shopper’s Guide
While the official Target store locator gives you the facts, there’s nothing quite like getting the real scoop from fellow shoppers who’ve walked those aisles before you. When you’re searching for the perfect target near me, crowd-sourced recommendations can be absolute gold, helping you find hidden gems while steering you away from locations that might leave you frustrated.
Real shoppers notice things that corporate websites don’t mention—like which stores consistently keep their shelves well-stocked, maintain spotless aisles, or offer exceptional seasonal selections. They’ll tell you which locations have the friendliest staff and which ones feel chaotic during busy times. This local intel is especially valuable when you’re planning a wellness shopping trip and want to ensure you’ll find those clean beauty products you’re after.
Highly-Recommended Targets
In the Chicagoland area, certain Target locations have earned devoted followings among local shoppers, and for good reason.
- The Elston Target (Chicago Near North Elston, 2656 N Elston Ave): Consistently tops shoppers’ lists as “legit” and the “best Target near the city, hands down.” Shoppers rave about its impressive selection, exceptional cleanliness, and consistently well-stocked shelves. The ample, easy parking is a huge bonus that sets it apart from cramped city locations. Plus, it tends to be less busy than other urban stores, creating a more relaxed shopping atmosphere. This location offers the full package: Ulta Beauty, Fresh Grocery, Target Optical, CVS Pharmacy, MinuteClinic, and Starbucks Cafe.
- The Addison/Sacramento Target (California and Addison): Earns praise as the “HIP Target” with its unique two-story layout and convenient parking garage. Shoppers appreciate that it offers substantial selection without requiring a trek to the far suburbs.
- The Peterson Target: Is often called a “hidden gem” because it’s “not very busy,” allowing you to browse at your own pace with good stock levels.
- The Uptown Target: Strikes that perfect balance—big enough for great selection but “not so big as to be overwhelming.”
- The McKinley Park Target: Stands out for its excellent selection paired with genuinely friendly, helpful employees who make the shopping experience pleasant from start to finish.
Targets with Common Complaints
Unfortunately, not every target near me will deliver the experience you’re hoping for. Several locations in dense urban areas consistently receive less enthusiastic reviews from shoppers.
- Lakeview, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park on Larrabee, and LaSalle in River North: These locations are frequently described as “mini-targets” or “city Targets” that feel more like convenience stores than full retail experiences. Shoppers often complain these stores are “picked through,” with poor or practically non-existent grocery sections. The Lincoln Park location has even earned the unfortunate nickname “The Shitty Target” among some local shoppers.
- The Webster and Lincoln Target: Suffers from similar issues—it’s simply too tiny to offer the comprehensive shopping experience most people expect from Target.
- The Division/Larabee location: While some find it “nicest,” is often “packed” and busy, which can make your shopping trip feel rushed and stressful.
These less-recommended locations typically struggle with their compact size, high foot traffic that quickly depletes popular items, and sometimes higher prices due to urban operational costs. If you’re planning a serious shopping trip—especially for wellness essentials or a full grocery run—it’s often worth driving a bit further to reach a larger, better-equipped location. Trust the local intel: it can save you considerable time and frustration.
6. Open up Deals with Target Circle & the Weekly Ad
Smart shoppers know that finding the perfect target near me is just the beginning of a great shopping experience. The real magic happens when you open up Target’s world of savings and find trending products through their loyalty program and promotional offerings.
The Target Circle loyalty program is honestly one of the best-kept secrets for savvy shoppers. It’s completely free to join, and once you’re in, you’ll wonder how you ever shopped without it. Members get access to exclusive deals that aren’t available to regular shoppers, plus personalized offers that actually match your shopping habits. The program also gives you a percentage back on eligible purchases that you can redeem on future trips—it’s like getting paid to shop!
What makes Target Circle even more exciting are the special Target Circle Week events. These aren’t your average sales; they’re full-blown shopping celebrations with incredible deals exclusively for members. When Target announces these events, you’ll see promotions encouraging shoppers to “Get top deals, latest trends, and more.” These limited-time events create that perfect excuse for a Target run, especially when you’re eyeing those clean beauty products or wellness essentials.
The Target App deserves a special mention here because it truly transforms how you shop. This isn’t just another retail app—it’s your personal shopping assistant. The app seamlessly integrates your Target Circle membership, letting you browse deals, clip digital coupons, and even see what’s trending at your specific location. Plus, it’s essential for those convenient Order Pickup and Drive Up services we talked about earlier.
One of the most reliable ways to stay on top of savings is through Target’s Weekly Ad. Whether you prefer browsing online or flipping through the physical version in-store, the Weekly Ad showcases current sales across every department. From groceries to home goods to that amazing beauty and wellness section, there’s always something on sale that fits your needs.
Target consistently encourages customers to sign up for email updates to “receive top deals and latest trends,” and honestly, it’s worth it. Whether it’s 20% off select items, buy-one-get-one offers on popular brands, or seasonal finds starting at just $3, there’s always a deal waiting to be finded.
To make sure you never miss out on current savings opportunities, check out current promotions directly on Target’s website. By combining Target Circle membership, the Weekly Ad, and the user-friendly app, you can transform every Target run from a simple errand into a smart, money-saving trip that leaves you feeling accomplished and excited about your finds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Finding a Target
When you’re searching for the perfect target near me, certain questions come up again and again. We’ve gathered the most common ones to help make your Target shopping experience as smooth as possible.
What are typical Target store hours?
Most Target stores keep pretty generous hours, operating for 14 to 16 hours daily. You can typically count on stores opening between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, then staying open until somewhere between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
But here’s the thing—hours can shift based on location and day of the week. Holiday schedules can also throw a wrench in your plans. That’s why we always suggest double-checking the specific store’s hours on the Target website or app before you head out. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a closed store when you’re excited about that new clean beauty product you’ve been eyeing!
Can I get coffee with my Target Drive Up order?
Yes, and this might be one of our favorite Target innovations! At participating locations, you can actually add a Starbucks coffee order to your Drive Up request. It’s like having a personal barista deliver directly to your car.
Here’s how it works: after you get the notification that your main Drive Up order is ready for pickup, the Target app will offer you the option to add Starbucks items. You place your coffee order, drive to the store, and a team member brings both your regular purchases and your fresh coffee right to your car window. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need both your essentials and your caffeine fix without leaving your seat.
Do all Target stores have a full health and wellness section?
Unfortunately, no—and this is something that can really impact your shopping experience, especially if you’re focused on wellness and clean beauty like we are at Beyond Beauty Lab.
While most Target stores will have basic health and beauty aisles, the extent of their health and wellness offerings varies dramatically. Some locations have extensive sections with organic supplements, natural personal care products, and impressive clean beauty selections. Others might have just the basics.
The key is using Target’s store locator and filtering by specific services. Look for features like Ulta Beauty at Target, CVS Pharmacy, or Fresh Grocery—these often indicate a larger store with more comprehensive wellness sections. Stores with these services typically carry a wider range of the clean beauty brands and wellness products that align with a holistic approach to self-care.
Before making a special trip for specific wellness items, it’s worth calling ahead or checking online to make sure your chosen target near me has what you’re looking for in stock.
Conclusion
Smart shopping at the right target near me saves time, money, and stress. You now know how to:
- Use the store locator to match each trip with the services you need.
- Pick the best shopping method—in-store stroll, Order Pickup, Drive Up, or Same Day Delivery.
- Spot the differences between compact city Targets and well-stocked suburban stores.
- Stack savings with Target Circle and the Weekly Ad.
Armed with these six tips and local shopper intel, every Target run can support your wellness routine instead of derailing it. At Beyond Beauty Lab we see mindful shopping as a form of self-care: less hassle, more room to choose clean beauty products that fit your values.
Ready for the next step in your wellness journey? Explore more wellness tips and find how small, informed choices add up to big results.
