Target Corp. has launched a new smaller-format store in Burbank near Magnolia Park. The 25,000-square-foot outlet at 1033 N. Hollywood Way, which opened April 5, is the 11th small-format location in the Los Angeles area. Target aims to stock its small-format stores with products that meet the needs of local communities. For Burbank’s Magnolia Park, this means items that appeal to families with small children, including apparel, groceries, toys and health and beauty products. The store also has a CVS Pharmacy. To help decide which items carry, the company spoke with people in the neighborhood and analyzed local sales numbers. Jon Lamirault, team leader of the new Burbank store, said its curated selection makes it easier for shoppers to buy what they need on-the-go. “Getting the guests back to their families is our goal,” he said. The Burbank location also offers a pick-up service where shoppers can place an order on Target’s mobile app and have it delivered directly to their vehicle at assigned “drive up” parking spaces. Lamirault said management met with local business owners before the opening. His team has made a point of not selling products that would directly compete with nearby small businesses. “We’re trying to understand what (business’) concerns are and be able to give them insights into what we’re doing,” said Lamirault. “We’ve joined the Burbank Chamber of Commerce and the Magnolia Park Business Council.” Target began rolling out its down-sized stores in urban, dense suburban and college areas in 2014. The company currently has more than 60 small stores across the country and plans to operate 130 by the end of next year. In addition to Burbank, it has opened small-format stores in Valley locations including Mission Hills, Canoga Park and Woodland Hills. To compete with online retailers such as Amazon.com Inc., Target acquired digital delivery service Shipt last year. It has used the acquisition to roll out same-day delivery services in cities including Tucson, Ariz. and Albuquerque, N.M. It plans to offer delivery at stores nationwide by the end of the year. Frida at Galleria Local restaurant chain Frida’s Mexican Cuisine has opened a new location at the Sherman Oaks Galleria mall. It’s the ninth location in the Los Angeles area for the Frimex Hospitality Group, which has stores in Pasadena, Brentwood and Torrance. The local chain blends traditional Mexican cuisine with upscale flavors and a modern décor. Frimex Chief Executive Vicente Del Rio said he had been looking to open a restaurant in Sherman Oaks for a long time and jumped at the opportunity to lease space in the Galleria. “We’ve only been open a few weeks but are already getting plenty of regulars,” Del Rio said. “There’s a mixed clientele which we really like, from corporate business individuals to families and singles.” He also plans to grow the chain. “The business will continue to expand over time,” he said. “The key is to do things right rather than rush. Customers deserve the best, so that’s what we always strive for with our food and service.” Island Pacific Closures Island Pacific Supermarkets will close six stores location in California in an effort to consolidate its retail operations. The Panorama City-based chain was founded in 2000 and specializes in Filipino seafood. It plans to close stores in National City, San Jose, American Canyon, Rancho Cucamonga, Chula Vista and Los Angeles. Its two Valley locations in Canoga Park and Panorama City will remain open. The closing stores have begun liquidation sales that will continue until all merchandise is sold. Tiger Capital Group LLC and Great American LLC, a subsidiary of B Riley Financial Inc. in Woodland Hills, will oversee the sales. “We encourage consumers to shop early to take advantage of the best selection of products,” the asset management firms said in a joint statement. “Given the tremendous savings that this event offers, we are sure that merchandise will be selling off very quickly.” The chain’s remaining 17 store locations will continue operating as usual. The closures come as supermarket chains nationwide are downsizing due to increased competition from big box stores such as Target and Walmart and online retailer Amazon, which acquired Whole Foods last year. Last month, Southeastern Grocers, which owns the supermarket chain Winn- Dixie, announced that it will file for bankruptcy and close 94 locations in southern states. Kroger Co., which owns chains including Kroger and Ralph’s, has also begun closing stores in areas where it believes it can no longer turn a profit. Staff Reporter Ethan Varian can be reached at (818) 316-3130 or [email protected].
