Target is looking to open a new location in the Bridgehampton Commons shopping center. The company submitted plans to Southampton officials in late 2023 and is working to begin renovations on a long-vacant building that once housed Kmart.
The store will occupy about 40,000 square feet, consistent with Target’s smaller-format design. Renovations will focus on the interior and some minor exterior updates. Target aims to avoid a full site plan review by staying within the existing structure’s footprint. However, changes to the building’s facade and signage may still require approval from the Planning Board.
Despite being in a busy part of the Hamptons, no opening date has been announced. Some residents and officials have expressed concern about the potential traffic impacts, especially near the Montauk Highway entrance.
A Shopping Center Built on Farmland
The site sits at 2044 Montauk Highway, in a commercial zone that has seen several changes over the years. Aerial images from 1969 show mostly farmland in the area. By 1980, the building that Target now plans to occupy had already been constructed.
The Bridgehampton Commons shopping center opened in 1979, reflecting the wider suburban development happening across Long Island at the time. The original tenant in the Target space was Kmart, a brand that operated there for decades. Following Kmart’s closure, King Kullen briefly used the space before relocating to another building within the same plaza.
Today, the area remains one of the more active shopping corridors on the East End, with a mix of national retailers and local businesses sharing the center’s long rows of parking.
Another Step in Target’s East End Strategy
Target has been slowly expanding across Long Island with stores that fit into smaller footprints. The Bridgehampton plan continues that trend, allowing the company to enter smaller communities without building new facilities from the ground up.
By using the former Kmart building, Target avoids the need for large-scale construction, which helps streamline the process. Still, the store will need to navigate local reviews, especially as community members voice concerns about preserving Bridgehampton’s village feel.
Once complete, the Bridgehampton store will add to Target’s reach in the Hamptons—bringing the brand closer to seasonal and year-round residents alike.
Last Updated on March 24, 2025 by F.E.M