The famous red bullseye that is the retail chain Target has decided to take a shot at Manhattan.  Its landing at the East River Plaza, located on East 117th Street, signifies the opening of its first store in New York City.  Target’s inaugural Big Apple store resides by a Costco and Best Buy and plans to cater to the residents of Harlem with its merchandise.  Along with more recognizable name brands, the East Harlem location will feature a Harlem Designer Collection with apparel from Stephen Burrows and beach wear and towels from Isabel and Ruben Toledo.  Harlem resident Marcus Samuelsson, world-renowned chef and restaurateur, designed sets of pot holders and napkins, which will also be available online and in stores on the East Coast August 1.  Spanish-language greeting cards, multicultural dolls, Southern food and personal-care products traditionally marketed to blacks and Hispanics will also be available. 

The store officially opens on Sunday, but stars ventured it out on Monday to celebrate its “unofficial” grand opening.  Model Selita Eubanks, Marcus Samuelsson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelly Rowland, Doug E. Fresh, Tyson Beckford, Russell Simmons, Reverend Run and others were on hand to pose for shutterbugs on the red carpet and welcome Bullseye (the retail chain’s mascot) and the Target family uptown.

John Griffith, executive vice president of property development for Target Corp, stated the opening of the East Harlem location is the company’s largest single investment on any single project.  More than half of the 400 people hired to work there live in the neighborhood.  Employing local residents and affordable pricing is sure to result in a formula for success in Harlem. 

Photos:  Getty Images