The new Target store in Doylestown, open for just over a week, is causing mixed feelings among local business owners. Many are cautiously optimistic but wary of the potential impact on their businesses, writes Ed Doyle for TAPinto Doylestown.

Nerice Kendter of Busy Bee Toys is concerned about overlapping merchandise categories but believes her store’s personalized service will help retain customers.  

“We hope that the community keeps in mind that as independent, small business owners, we need their support as well,” Kendter tells TAPinto Doylestown. 

Blair Elliot of Siren Records worries about losing sales to Target’s exclusive deals but hopes his store’s extensive inventory and loyalty program will keep customers coming back. 

“Even though we go much deeper than Taylor Swift in terms of our catalog with underground and independent music,” Elliot said, “that business is still important to us. If we’re going to lose some percentage of pop music sales, that’s something to worry about.” 

James Lamb of Evolution Candy remains optimistic, noting that Target fills a long-vacant space and believes loyal customers will continue supporting local shops.  

Overall, local business owners are adopting a wait-and-see approach, monitoring sales and customer behavior as the initial excitement over the new Target settles down.  

Read more about the Doylestown business owners’ reactions to the new Target in TAPpinto Doylestown.  

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