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| - There's certainly been quite a stir about Target moving up to Canada. Let's admit it; Zellers was dismal- like a Wal-Mart, but more expensive, poorly organized, poorly stocked, and pushed HBC cards on you. However, if you listened to the hype, you'd think that Target gave away Holt Renfrew quality goods at sub-Walmart prices, and a free unicorn with every 10 visits.
In truth, it's Discount Done Better. That is something we needed.
Perhaps most importantly, it doesn't smell like plastic and despair like Walmart.
This one is located at Centrepoint Mall, a functional plaza at Yonge and Steeles. My first impressions were positive. It was clean, well lit, and well laid out. The spaces aren't too tight, and the goods were well arranged. The staff were helpful, but not overbearing.
On the first floor, clockwise from the mall entrance, you'll find bed and bath, home decor, home organization, kitchenware, cleaning supplies, pharmacy, health and beauty and stationery, with women's clothing in the centre. The upper floor features frozen and dry groceries, baby supplies, toys, sporting goods, electronics and menswear, with children's clothing in the centre.
The quality of the goods is definitely a step above Wal-Mart, and the prices, while higher, are nonetheless in line with Real Canadian Superstore and below that of conventional department stores, like The Bay. Their house brands include Room Essentials and Threshold (housewares targeted at younger and middle aged shoppers respectively), and Mossimo Supply clothing. Not boutique goods, but good to great for the price point.
Cash registers are plentiful, a self-checkout is thankfully present , and there is a Starbucks to boot.
My quibbles are quite minor. There are some barren spots on the shelves as they sort out their supply chain. There are some baffling layout decisions (dish soap is in both cleaning and grocery for some reason), and the escalator is a bit of a chokepoint, although that may be a holdover from the Zellers days.
Overall, a welcome addition to the Canadian retail scene
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