In a town so infamously opposed to formula retail, one might think that the proposed Target store at Geary and Masonic — which, while not a “done deal,” is well on its way and could open as early as 2012 — would foster a virulent anti big-box reaction. This is not the case — and indeed, could not be further from the truth.
“There’s not any anti-Wal-mart kind of sentiment at all — in fact, there’s very positive sentiment,” said Supervisor Eric Mar, who said he can remember shopping at the site back when it used to be a Sears. (The Appeal’s Twitter followers seem to agree.) The positives that a Target store could bring are legion: jobs, tax base, an anchor around which other vacant storefronts in the area could be filled.
And yes, this a progressive supervisor talking.
“There are some concerns about a big chain store moving in, but the reaction from the community is mostly positive,” Mar added. “Especially considering how long the Mervyn’s has been closed.”
Mar represents merchants further west down Geary from the current site, which used to house among other things the Sears, the Mervyn’s and a Best Buy. Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier, who does represent the immediate area, is also in favor of a Target, according to members of her staff.
And why not? It used to be big-box retail, there’s big-box retail already in the area, and it’s at the intersection of two major San Francisco thoroughfares. Where else would you put a stinking Target?
Per Appeal commenters who asked how traffic from a presumably bustling business like Target might impact the intersection of Geary and Masonic, The Appeal did ask the SFMTA their thoughts on the matter, but have yet to receive a response. We’ll update if and when we do.
Concerns like that will probably be raised again at SF’s Planning Commission, which Target will have to face as chain business hoping to open in San Francisco. Target’s ready, we’re told, as the retailer has already began applying for the necessary permits.
Attorney Jim Reuben, who is representing the property owners wishing to lease the area to Target, could not offer any comment. However, as the SF Business Times reported today, it’s not the only site at which Target is eying with its big bullseye of an eye: the Metreon at Mission and Fourth Streets and a new 375,000 square-foot space at Mid-Market are both on the Minnesota retail giant’s radar.
