Target to Open Grocery Shop Inside Setauket Store

Changes are under way at Target Greatland in Setauket, which will open an expanded grocery section inside the store this October as part of a company-wide renovation.

When Target's remodel is complete, customers will be able to buy fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, eggs, and more.

The company began renovating its stores in 2009 at a cost of between $2 and $4 million per store, according to Target spokesperson Tammy Robertson.

"Our goal is always to give our guests products they want and need at prices they can afford," Robertson said. "The expanded fresh food layout provides our guests with a broader mix of merchandise they can appreciate and rely on, making us their one-stop shopping destination. Guests can find everything from fresh food for dinner to a new video game all in one trip."

In other Target locations which feature the new expanded food format, Robertson said the company has seen increases in sales around six percent, with some exceeding ten percent jumps. Sales increases in health and beauty products, household chemicals, and paper products have accompanied the rise in food sales.

Recent customers at the Setauket location appeared excited for Target's new supermarket.

Donna Mirocco of Stony Brook already shops there for items like cereal, so its new grocery store will be even more convenient for her.

"I probably will shop here," she said. "I find that they're a lot less expensive than supermarkets."

John Weiss of Shirley said he would try Target "at least once" for groceries.

"It's a very neat and clean place," he said. "There's always good sales."

Rosalie Brady of Ridge, though, couldn't see herself doing her grocery shopping exclusively at Target.

"I don't think I'd go here just to buy groceries, but if I was already here I definitely pick a few things up," she said.