Target is to open a raft of shops that will secure its presence across all 50 US states.

Debuts in Alaska, Hawaii and Vermont will add to the retailer’s 1,597-strong network and deliver on its objective to have a nationwide portfolio.

Target, which runs general merchandise and food discount shops, also hopes to open on all the major Hawaiian islands.

In New York, the retailer has signed a unit in the East River Plaza, a construction project in East Harlem that is due to open in spring 2009. Target is the latest in a growing number of high-profile US retailers to reveal plans to create a presence in Manhattan. Others include BestBuy and Home Depot.

Target senior vice-president of real estate Scott Nelson said he was on the hunt for further opportunities on the New York island. “We have looked at a number of opportunities, but have yet to find something in Midtown that meets our criteria,” he said. “Clearly, New York likes Target and we like New York.”

Retail sales at Target jumped 6.2 per cent to US$5.19 billion (£2.55 billion) in the five weeks to October 6.

Last month, Target’s potential expansion in Europe faced a setback when it lost a four-year legal battle with digital music retailer Music Choice over its use of the bullseye trademark.

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