I still remember the first time I walked into a Target store in the US. My mom, sister and I were in the US on a shopping trip. Target was a new store and was getting a lot of buzz so we had to check it out.
The Target store we visited was big, bright and had so many cool things I hadn’t seen before. Plus, the prices were affordable! It was instant shopping love.
We continued going to the US to make Target trips. Then, two years ago we heard the best news – Target was coming to Canada! A store was going to open 5 minutes from house. I couldn’t be more pleased.
I was that crazy person that would drive by the store while it was being renovated. I would purposely walk by the doors to try to sneak a peek of the signs, the layout. Needless to say I was at my store on opening day. I LOVED it. I was so happy.
I have been shopping at both Target stores in my city since they have opened. I go there for just about everything: Tide, diapers, kids clothes and toys, shoes, windshield wiper fluid. You name it, I buy it at Target.
When I heard the news last Thursday I was shocked. I thought it was a joke. I knew they hadn’t been doing well but I never imagined they would close all stores and call it a day. I was crushed. Where. Will. I. Shop. Now.
Here are things I will miss most about Target Canada:
{The One Spot}
This dollar store section at the front of the store always has the COOLEST stuff. Best part, nothing is over $3.00. I’ve gotten perfect goody bag fillers from these bins, little treats for my students and some great water bottles, signs and more.
{Ladies Fashions}
I love love love Target’s ladies wear. They always have trendy shirts, sweaters and pants. They also have the best shoes and boots. Target is currently stocking their swimsuits and they look so great. I want to buy them all!
{Home Decor}
You can’t beat Target when it comes to Home Decor. They have the best accessories for your home and they are so well priced. The Beaver Canoe line is original (and exclusive to Target). I also loved the Nate Berkus stuff and the Smith & Hawken line.
Their holiday decorations are even more impressive. I have decked out my house with Target Halloween decor for two years now and have always stocked up on their beautiful Christmas decorations. 
{Kids Clothes}
One of the reasons I always went shopping at Target in the US was for the Circo kids clothes. I was so happy when Target was opening in Canada and I wouldn’t have to make a special trip for my favourite kids clothes. The Circo line is great. It is affordable, trendy, cute and durable. My kids love the designs of the Circo shirts and pants. I love that I can get a complete outfit for $10. 
{Toys}
I LOVE Target Canada’s toy department. It was always tidy, well organized and staffed! If I was looking for something specific someone was always there to help and answer my questions. I also found the prices in the Target toy department to be very comparable if not better than other stores. 
{Customer Service}
My heart breaks mostly for the staff. I LOVE the staff at my local store. They work so hard to make my shopping experience great every single time I stepped into their store. They were always friendly, helpful and kind.
I’ll never forget the time I placed my purse on the ground to try on a jacket. I forgot about my purse and didn’t notice until I was at the cash desk making my purchase. I alerted the cashier and he got security on it right away. Soon there were four employees helping me and looking for my purse. We found my purse and the crisis was averted. I was in tears. I was also overly impressed with the customer service in my store.
{Price Match and Awesome Flyers}
Another reason I love shopping at Target is because of their Price Match Guarantee. If you see the same product they carry in another store’s flyer bring it in and they will give you the same price. I’ve even used my flyer app on my phone to show employees a lower price. This kept me going to Target for things big and small.
Why would I want to drive around to 4 different stores when I know my local Target can price match? I also love Target Flyers so much. They are so well designed, eye catching and featured great deals for me every single week. I will miss receiving them in my weekly paper and in my inbox. 
I plan on going to Target for everything I need until it closes. I feel like my friend is moving away. I am very sad. I wish Target Canada hadn’t had so many hiccups along the way. I imagined Target Canada to be a permanent fixture in my city for years to come.
so sad to see them leave Canada. I think they gave up too easily..
Where can yiu buy beaver canoe clothes in toronto now?
I have no idea. I assume the line will be discontinued.
I’ve never been a huge Target fan, only because there isn’t one located close enough for me to get to. But the handful of times I was actually able to get to one, I was never disappointed…they had exactly what I was looking for at an impressive price too!
I was DEVASTATED when I heard Target Canada was closing. I love it and so did my boys. We visit Target at least twice a week. The stores were clean and organized. I’ll be so sad when they finally close their doors for good. That will not be a good day.
I know i loved my local target too and i hate to see them go! The always had the coolest stuff and the store was clean!
I am so upset that they are leaving too and I have to admit I am completely pissed off at the people who have never stepped into a Target store before but are there now trying to find deals. Maybe if they supported them to begin with they wouldn’t have to leave us
Yep, agree with you 100% Chantal. Where were they before? A Target cashier told me the other she’s had so many comments of how good their regular prices are from customers that had never gone in before. Bums me out.
I agree with everything you have listed. I love Target, we shopped there for everything except for produce because it wasn’t available. I think what I will miss the most is their coupon policy. With an infant and a toddler we saved a ton of money on diapers and formula because of it. They accepted two coupons per item: one Target exclusive coupon and one manufacturer coupon. I guess it’s back to Walmart for us… *sigh*
I don’t even think I can go back to Walmart. I barely shopped there before and I don’t want to go back. I am going to stock up on what I need now and shop at Superstore and grocery stores.
Thank you so much for posting this article! I completely agree with you on all of your points. Two years ago when Target opened, I had just started my mat leave. Adjusting to life on EI took some time – but Target’s prices made it worth it! Target has been a regular weekly event for me – and I’ve compared prices! They are extremely competitive and offer amazing value and quality. I dread having to go back to Walmart – and vow to never buy children’s clothes there. I will miss Target – everything about it! From the clean bright aisles, friendly staff and remarkable value. *sigh* I just don’t know where to go next…..
Thank you so much for your comment Heather. I completely agree with you. I too have compared prices and found the prices at Target to be great. I also love the quality of their kids clothes. I’m still in denial that they are closing.
Yes to this whole list!! I am going to miss Target so much. I have been stocking up (hoarding) the Up and Up upholstery cleaner…it is the best on the market!
I’ve been stocking up on Up and Up stuff too. I’ll have to look for the upholstery cleaner, I haven’t even tried it!
I completely agree with everything you said. I feel the exact same way! I feel so sad about this and can’t believe they only stayed 2 yrs!! They also had great food products. I just bought all of their remaining “handful of everything” tub of nuts and stuff. So very sad. I have no idea where I will go now for a coffee and catch all shopping 🙁
Yes, same here. I’ve been going every few days just to get my Target fix. I bet I’ll actually cry on the last day they are open.
When we got a chance to visit our first TARGET in Ottawa, I was so excited cause my husband actually came along.
Target has been the only store that he will come with me too! Anywhere else I am S O L.
We liked the brightness, cleanliness, Assistant, details and so much more.
I guess I have to go back to the dreadful blue store alone.
My husband loves Target too Cat! I don’t think he’ll ever come shopping with me anymore either.
i love Target. I was peaking while it was being built also. It is bright, clean and inviting.
I love their clothing. My daughter bought pajamas for me that are the best.
The grocery prices are fantastic. I have a few fav products theat are 25% lower than superstore.
Best of all, the staff who are empowered to make a price change which shows the respect of the company.
I wish Target downsized the number of Canadian locations so we could continue to enjoy this retail gem.
I totally agree Cynthia. I also wish they decided to downsize instead of close completely. Eventually they could have reopened stores in smaller cities. I feel like once they are gone they will never come back.
I will miss everything about Target! Love shopping there with their wide clean aisles and friendly staff! And I will of course miss the paycheck my hubby gets from there as they pay better than any other place in town for management 🙁
Yes! The bright clean aisles were such a plus. I’m sorry to hear your husband is losing his job. I feel for all the friendly hard working employees. That was another reason I loved my Target so much – the staff!
I agree 100%. I loved my local Target stores … my husband and I are both very upset by this news! 🙁
Thanks for the comment Angie! Enjoying shopping at Target until they are gone… 🙁