MINNEAPOLIS, March 5 (UPI) -- U.S. retail giant Target Corp. said it would cut the ribbon opening 27 new stores this month, in spite of recent layoffs at the corporation's headquarters.
The company plans to open its first two stores in Hawaii, as it opens the doors at 21 general merchandise outlets and six SuperTarget grocery stores, CNN reported Thursday.
Just weeks ago, Target cut 600 jobs at its Minneapolis headquarters.
In January, Target said it would close a distribution center in Arkansas at the cost of 500 jobs. At the time, President and Chief Executive Officer Gregg Steinhafel said the cuts were "to ensure Target remains competitive over the long term."
Although retail predictions are bleak for 2009, Kohl's and Dollar General have both announced expansion plans. Kohls said last month it would open 55 stores this year. Dollar General has plans for 400 new outlets, CNN said.
Target's new locations will bring the company's total to 1,699 stores and add 4,300 workers to its payroll.
