BROOKINGS, SD – It may be July, but Christmas is coming early to Brookings this year, and Santa is trading in his sleigh for a red cart.
Just 19 months after Mayor Oepke “Ope” Niemeyer’s holiday announcement that Target was coming to Brookings, the community’s wish list has gotten a little shorter. The red carts are lined up, the shelves are stocked, and opening day is almost here.
Target has announced July 26 as the official opening of its 129,000-square-foot store at the Brookings Marketplace just east of I-29 and north of Sixth Street. The Brookings store will be the sixth Target in South Dakota with the first having opened in 1979.
“The opening of Target has me feeling like a kid at Christmas, and I’m sure I’m not alone,” Niemeyer said. “I’m looking forward to celebrating with everyone.”
Niemeyer has been a longtime member of the City Council that has worked patiently over the years to bring the national retailer to Brookings.
“In all seriousness, the opening of Target marks a major milestone for the Brookings community and our region,” Niemeyer said. “For over a decade, Target has been a top desire of our residents and this month, we can say we delivered it.”
Target has been the most-requested retailer by respondents to a survey by the Brookings Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) since 2013. In 2024 and in 2019, the top three choices in order were Target, Aldi and Kohl’s.
National grocer Aldi opened its store at the Brookings Marketplace last November. The city’s second Kwik Star, currently under construction at the new regional shopping center, is expected to open yet this year.
The Brookings Marketplace was developed by Ryan Companies US, Inc., a national commercial real estate solutions provider headquartered in Minneapolis. Site preparation on Marketplace property began in spring 2025.
“We’re proud to partner with the city on this transformative development,” said Patrick Daly, vice president of Real Estate Development, Ryan Companies. “The Brookings Marketplace represents a bold step forward in meeting long-standing community needs and creating a destination that will serve residents and visitors for years to come.”
Deputy Mayor Nick Wendell described the Brookings Marketplace as a once-in-a-generation project. “It’s a testament to the City’s commitment to economic development. The collaboration between City Council, city leadership, and Ryan Companies has made the community’s hopes for more diverse shopping options a reality,” Wendell said. “Target will be a great addition to our already thriving retail and business community.”
The new-to-market Target store will offer a variety of amenities, including:
- a CVS Pharmacy
- a Starbucks Café
- drive-up and order pickup services, as well as pending same-day delivery with Target Circle 360
Also of note: The store will feature Target’s newest food-forward selection of fresh and affordable produce, meat and dairy, according to Target officials.
The Target store address is 801 Lefevre Drive. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The new store also will bring about 175 new jobs to the community. Target has more than 900 team members in South Dakota.
In addition to job creation, Target – along with the other Marketplace retailers – will generate sales tax revenue, which comprises about 45 percent of the city’s annual budget, said City Manager Paul Briseno. The city uses sales tax revenue to fund services and programs that benefit Brookings residents, including public safety, public works, and parks and recreation.
Niemeyer also recognized Target’s commitment to giving back to its communities. Last year, Target gave more than $500,0000 in product and cash donations statewide, and team members volunteered more than 1,800 hours. This spring, the Brookings store team members helped pick up trash in Downtown Brookings as part of their volunteer efforts.
Niemeyer said the Brookings Marketplace project represents a substantial investment in the Brookings community. “It has the potential to bring significant economic, social, and quality of life enhancements that our community has been wanting.”