Target announces new South Lake Tahoe store

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The rumors had been swirling around South Lake Tahoe for months, but it is official - Target is moving into the space of Raley's Supermarket in the Village Center.

"We’re excited to bring an easy, safe, and convenient shopping experience to new guests in the South Lake Tahoe community with this new Target store," said a Target spokesperson.

The space for the store will be 63,000 square feet. Raley's had been trying to negotiate an extension of its previous lease but was unable to come to an agreement with the center owners, Crescent Tahoe Partnership Ltd., and had announced on February 6 they would be leaving. Then on March 11 of this year the roof structure above Raley's suffered major damage and they have not been able to reopen.

"A lot of people wanted another grocery store but Target stops some of the retail leakage down into the valley," said South Tahoe Chamber CEO Duane Wallace. "It definitely creates a more local's shopping center."

"We're glad to see the space will be used," said Hilary Roverud, director of development services for the City of South Lake Tahoe.

The Target spokesperson said they'll have specific details on when they will open as that date gets closer, including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests.

The company has announced several new openings of Target stores with four others going into California. Previously Target shoppers had to go to Carson City, Placerville, Reno and Sparks for the closest locations.