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Thursday, July 22, 1999
By GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- Celebrities and family activities are expected to mark the grand opening of the city's newest retailer Saturday when Target officially opens it's latest outlet here. Representing continued growth throughout Minnesota, Target will hold a grand-opening celebration on Saturday, where a variety of family events and several celebrity appearances are scheduled. The store, which quietly opened Wednesday morning, employs 175 team members in a 90,000 square foot facility, Team Leader Sue Pfeffer of Mankato said. "All the team members have helped put the store together to get ready for the opening," she said. "They have unloaded trucks and arranged merchandise." Prior to opening on Wednesday, the store held a senior event on Tuesday night that drew 700 senior citizens who went through the store in one and half hours, followed by a Very Important Guest night, where several community members attended a special event. The store recently donated $50,000 toward the remodeling of the Hermann Monument; $1,000 to Artnuk; $1,000 toward the Wanda Gag House Foundation; $1,000 to Brown County Victim Services; and $2,000 to the Brown County Historical Society. Throughout the day on Wednesday, many customers wandered into the store to see what it was like, and some visited to compare the store to others they had seen, Pfeffer said. "We are set up a little differently than the store in Mankato and we even have some of the stuff they don't have, like the fall lines," she said. "That is because of the rotation for supplies happens in July, so it fit with the opening." People in New Ulm know Target and the store will benefit everyone in the community, as well as other businesses along the corridor, she said. "The store has huge benefits for New Ulm," Chamber of Commerce President Jeanine McKenna said. "People tell me they have no reason to go to Mankato now that Target is open here." The store will be a good draw for people in the western areas who usually pass through New Ulm to go to the Cities or to Mankato, she said. "The store should have a huge impact and it will be very positive for the business community," she said. "The major benefit is that it adds more for people to do here in town, meaning other businesses will benefit from its presence." Added to the stores on the west end of town, shoppers have more variety of selection and places where they can get everything they need, she said. "There is a lot associated with the name Target in the retail area," City Council Chairman Daniel Beranek said. "Having Target here is an excellent magnet for the town." The main goal of the city council and economic development officials is to keep money in New Ulm, he said. "They have already shown their interest in the community by donating so much money toward the restoration of Hermann," he said. "We need retailers who are interested in the community. It is excellent that they are here." Having Target here will stem some of the out-migration of retail dollars from New Ulm, because it is a destination shopping spot, City Manager Richard Salvati said. "It is difficult to quantify the overall impact Target will have the community," Economic Development Director Brian Tohal said. "It is based on a combination of factors, but I do know it will have a positive impact." Having Target in New Ulm will also potentially draw more business, because there are certain businesses that have a tendency to follow Target into a community, Pfeffer said. The store is expected to contribute approximately $300,000 a year to the economy of New Ulm, through the purchase of goods and services from local businesses, District Team Leader Rob Carballo of Minneapolis said. "I am so glad to see that the store has finally opened," Margaret Nelson of rural Cobden said. "I usually travel to Mankato about once a month and this will allow me to buy the same things here without having to travel that extra 40 miles." During grand opening events on Sunday, representatives from the St. Paul-based Raptor Center will host a bird-education program from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.. Also on hand during the grand-opening events will be actor Michael O'Leary, a St. Paul native who is best known for his role as Dr. Rick Bauer on the soap opera "Guiding Light." He will be meeting customers and signing autographs from 1-2:30 p.m. Other celebrities scheduled to appear during the grand opening on Sunday include Sanrio character Kerropi, who will be at the store from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Clifford, who will be at the store from noon-5 p.m.; Barbie, who will be signing autographs from 12:30-2 p.m.; and actress Tammy Blanchard, better known for her role as Drew Jacobs on "Guiding Light," who will be available from 2:30-4 p.m.
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