While the doors had been open all week with its “soft opening,” Target officially debuted on Sunday at 3891 State St. in Santa Barbara. (Nick Masuda/News-Press) 
More than 50 people lined up outside of Target’s doors on Sunday morning, the store’s official grand opening at 3891 State St. in Santa Barbara. (Nick Masuda/News-Press) 
Sofia Galindo, 6, and her sister, Stella Galindo, 3, were among the first people to enter Target on Sunday, the store’s official grand opening at 3891 State St. in Santa Barbara. (Nick Masuda/News-Press) 
Target, which had its grand opening on Sunday, has 91 parking spots in its lot at 3891 State St. in Santa Barbara. (Nick Masuda/News-Press) 
Target, which had its grand opening on Sunday, has 91 parking spots in its lot at 3891 State St. in Santa Barbara. (Nick Masuda/News-Press)
A handful of loyal customers huddled outside the new upper State Street Target store early Sunday for a chance to be among the first through the door.
“I love Target. I’ve been waiting for them to come for so long and we finally have one,” said ardent Target supporter Trish Van Steyn of Santa Barbara. Ms. Stein was among the first three people to line up outside the store at 3891 State St., at around 7:30 a.m. She said she was excited to have a local Target because it saves her a trip to Ventura.
“It’s just a good deal. I like the little (storage) boxes and bins. And they have a lot of good items for dogs,” she said.
Marianne Nelson of Santa Barbara added that she came out to walk through the new store and pick up some personal essentials.
“I’ll probably get some shampoo, stuff like that. And I like their clothes,” she said.
As the 8 a.m. opening time drew near, the tight-knit cluster of early risers grew into a respectable line of shoppers ready to pick up their complimentary tote bags and pick out everything from household cleaning supplies and groceries to electronics and swim wear. There was truly something for everyone.
“So far, I love it. It’s very nice, very organized. The only thing that’s different is it seems a little more compact. They seem to have a lot of the same things, just not as much of them,” said Franki Gallardo of Goleta as she compared the new Target to the ones down south. She said she came early to compare the prices to other stores in the area and pick out some household items.
Cathi Arnold of Santa Barbara said she purchased a rug on a whim during a preview event she attended with friends last Wednesday. She came back to take a closer look at the store.
“We wanted to come back today to see where everything was. We were only here 23 minutes exactly. I love it. They selected nice items. It is a small store, but they have a good selection.”
Store Director Allie Lopez said a crew of 45 employees worked the store on opening day. The earliest shift started prep work at around 4 a.m.
Ms. Lopez said store personnel made sure to stock plenty of beauty and wellness supplies.
“That’s been what we’ve seen sell a lot. So, like all your beauty products, you want to have an assortment so that you can get everything at once. You can come here for your shampoo, get your hangers, your dinner then maybe a dress while you’re here. It was important for us to have a wide assortment of everything,” said Ms. Lopez.
The State Street Target is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. It offers fresh groceries, wine, beer and spirits in addition to the usual Target stock.
