Business Journal: New Target Stores On Hold; Costco Business Center Moves Ahead; Ruby's Books Planned In Folsom

Target Delays Planned Midtown, Placerville Stores

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted Target to put two new Sacramento area locations on-hold. The retail giant's CEO says they're revising the schedule for opening new small-format stores. The Sacramento Business Journal's Sonya Sorich says Target may have adjusted its schedule for opening a site near Placerville.

"That store is filling a space previously occupied by Kmart,” says Sorich. “It was once expected to open this summer. But the location doesn't appear on a list of 2020 store openings on Target's website. Instead, it's just listed among the retailer's future store openings."

And Target has not yet announced a schedule for opening a store planned in midtown Sacramento at 17th and J streets. 

Duluth Trading, Five Below Push Back Store Openings

Some retail chains that were getting ready to open new stores are scaling back on plans because of the pandemic. That includes Duluth Trading Company which sells outdoor gear. Sorich says the company was looking at opening a site in Roseville.

"Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the retailer's parent company has said it will open fewer stores than expected in its 2020 fiscal year,” says Sorich. “We don't know if this decision will affect the planned Roseville store."

Discount chain Five Below is another retailer that was preparing to make its local debut, with at least four stores planned in the Sacramento area. The chain has said it expects those stores to still move forward, but the schedule for opening is uncertain. 

Costco Business Center Construction Continues

There's another retail project that a lot of people are watching in Sacramento’s Arden-Arcade area: a Costco Business Center.

“A construction project manager told me work on the project is still moving forward, and the store is scheduled to open in June,” says Sorich. “Meanwhile, Costco representatives haven't commented on the upcoming location.

The project is filling a spot on El Camino Avenue that was previously occupied by a Sam's Club store. The store is a spinoff concept for Costco's business customers.

Ruby’s Books Planned For Folsom

A new independent bookstore is planned in Historic Folsom on Sutter Street. Sorich says it's called Ruby's Books.

"It's expected to open in September,” says Sorich. “Aside from some delays in inventory shipments and permit approvals, the owner hasn't seen too many setbacks so far due to the coronavirus. And she says it's possible the pandemic has made more people aware of the challenges that small businesses face."

The owner - Stacy Gould - says she hopes her store will be a community gathering place but acknowledges she might have to limit the number of people allowed inside at once, if coronavirus concerns remain.