Indio Super Target closure will affect other business

Employees at the Super Target in Indio were informed the store would be permanently closing it’s doors in January.

CBS Local Two’s and KESQ News Channel Three’s Katie Widner found out that information was a surprise to employees, property managers and local business owners, as well as to the city.

Many residents are concerned about what the announcement means for the community.

“I’m completely shocked. This is our store. Our neighborhood store and besides Walmart, this is our go-to place,” said shopper R osa Ramirez. “B ig surprise.”

Area businesses are also in disbelief following the news CBS Local 2 and KESQ News Channel 3 broke Tuesday.

“It’s a little distressing because lots of our clients come for the Target. They go to the Target shopping center and see our barber shop, ” said M arcelo Ruelas.

Ruelas manages F reedom Barber Shop, which shares a parking lot with the super-store .

“It bothers me because we do get a lot of walk-in traffic. People who come and shop and decide to come and get a hair cut or vice versus,” Rosem arie Morales, owner of the neighboring S tudio L & R Salon said.

Morales said she believes the closure will “definitely” affect her business.

Indio Mayor Glenn Miller said the location is 170,000 sq. ft, and that both the store and land is owned by Target. Therefore when, and if, the anchor tenant is replaced is in the hands of the company. Miller said Target told him the location was not profitable enough. An Indio location employee told CBS Local 2 and KESQ News Channel 3 over the phone that Target told team members they were closing a second location in Georgia.

“It will have a devastating effect on some business,” said Glenn. “Some not as much, because they rely on foot traffic. Other ones rely on having an anchor there.”

In an email, Target said that there are 130 team members employed at the Indio l ocation. The company said they have all been offered the option to move to different locations.

“Target is working with them to put them at other stores in the Coachella Valley,” Miller said outside the city council chambers. “That is our major concern. Any time we have a major employer, we worry about the quality of life for our residents.”

Miller said the city is working with Target executives to see if there is an option to avoid the closure. He said the store brings in roughly $200,000 in tax revenue for the city each year.

“First off and foremost, we’re going to try and keep Target’s doors open,”he said.

clip 5: rose marie morales-