You're standing outside the Newport Centre mall, it's 9:45 PM, and you just realized you forgot to buy a shower curtain for your new apartment. Or maybe you're cruising down 14th Street near the Holland Tunnel, desperately hoping the pharmacy section is still open. We’ve all been there. Knowing the target hours jersey city residents rely on isn't just about reading a sign on a door; it’s about navigating the specific rhythm of Jersey City’s two very different Target hubs.
Honestly, it gets confusing. Most people think "Target is Target," but in JC, the closing times can be the difference between a successful grocery run and a frustrated U-turn back to Hoboken or Downtown.
The Tale of Two Targets: Newport vs. 14th Street
Jersey City doesn't just have one store. It has two heavy hitters that serve completely different vibes.
The Newport Centre location at 100 14th St is the classic "mall Target." It’s tucked inside the Newport Centre mall, which means its accessibility is somewhat tied to the mall's infrastructure, though it maintains its own distinct footprint. Generally, this location is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM most days of the week. However, the weekends can shift slightly. If you're heading there on a Sunday, don't be shocked if things feel a bit sleepier.
Then you have the "Jersey City 14th St" location at 100 14th St (yes, the addresses are confusingly similar because they sit on opposite ends of the same general corridor). This is the large, standalone-style store near the ACME and the Holland Tunnel entrance. It’s the one people flock to for the massive grocery section and the CVS pharmacy inside. Usually, this spot stays open until 11:00 PM, giving you that extra hour of breathing room that the mall-integrated location might not offer.
It’s a lifesaver. That 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM window is when the store finally gets quiet.
Why Do the Hours Move Around?
Target doesn't just pick hours out of a hat. They use a lot of foot traffic data. In Jersey City, the proximity to the PATH train and the Holland Tunnel changes everything. During the holiday season—basically from mid-November through Christmas Eve—you can expect these hours to stretch. It’s not uncommon to see the 14th St location push closing back to midnight to accommodate the absolute chaos of last-minute shoppers coming from Manhattan.
But wait. There’s a catch.
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Just because the store is open doesn't mean the services are. This is what trips people up the most. If you’re searching for target hours jersey city because you need to drop off a prescription or return a defective air fryer, the main store hours are a lie.
The CVS Pharmacy inside Target typically operates on a much tighter schedule. Usually, they open an hour later and close several hours earlier than the main store—often shuttering by 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM on weekdays and even earlier on weekends. The Guest Services desk for returns also tends to thin out its staffing late at night. If you show up at 10:45 PM with a complicated return, you might find the one remaining employee is stuck at a register, and you’ll be waiting forever.
The Secret of the "Early Bird" Jersey City Run
If you want to see Target at its best, go at 8:00 AM. Seriously.
Jersey City is a late-night town. People work in the city, they commute back, they eat dinner, and then they shop. Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, both Jersey City locations feel like a battleground. The aisles are crowded, the Starbucks line is ten people deep, and the "Drive Up" spots are perpetually full.
But at 8:00 AM? It’s a ghost town.
The shelves are freshly stocked. The employees are actually able to help you find that specific brand of oat milk. If you're a regular, you know the Tuesday morning restock is legendary for finding limited-edition collaborations or home goods that sell out by Friday night.
Parking: The Hidden Variable
You can't talk about target hours jersey city without talking about the parking decks. At Newport, you’re dealing with mall parking. It’s tight, it’s confusing, and if you stay too long, you might have to pay, depending on the current mall validation rules.
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At the 14th Street location, the parking lot is a shared ecosystem. It’s easier to get in and out of, but during peak hours (the 5:00 PM rush), the gridlock from the Holland Tunnel can literally trap you in the parking lot. I’ve seen people sit in their cars for 20 minutes just trying to exit onto 14th Street because the tunnel traffic is backed up to Washington Boulevard.
If you’re planning a trip near closing time, the 14th Street location is much safer for parking. You won't get "locked in" by mall security gates, and the exit flow is generally more predictable once the commuter rush dies down after 8:00 PM.
Holiday Shifts and Unexpected Closures
Target is one of the few retailers that has started committing to staying closed on Thanksgiving Day. This is a relatively recent shift in the corporate culture, but it’s stayed consistent over the last few years.
For 2026, you should assume:
- Easter Sunday: Reduced hours or closed (check the app).
- Christmas Eve: Early closure, usually around 8:00 PM.
- Christmas Day: Closed.
- New Year’s Eve: Regular opening, early closing.
A quick tip: The Target app is actually surprisingly accurate for "real-time" hour changes. If there’s a massive snowstorm—which happens in JC more than we’d like—the app will update the hours faster than Google Maps will.
What About the "Small Format" Stores?
There’s been talk for years about more "mini" Targets hitting the Gold Coast, similar to the ones in Manhattan or the one over in Union City. While Jersey City has the two big hubs, the surrounding areas like North Bergen or Harrison offer alternatives if the JC spots are picked over. But honestly, the 14th St store is the flagship for a reason. It’s got the full grocery range, which is essential because, let’s be real, the ShopRite on Marin Blvd is an ordeal that requires a lot of emotional preparation.
Navigating the Pharmacy and Optical Centers
If you are looking for specific department hours, here is the general breakdown for the Jersey City locations:
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- Main Store: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM / 11:00 PM
- CVS Pharmacy: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (usually closed for lunch 1:30-2:00 PM), Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Starbucks: Generally opens with the store but closes by 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. Don't expect a late-night latte.
- Optical: Not available at all locations, but usually follows a 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM schedule when present.
Is the Drive-Up Worth It?
Jersey City Target shoppers have turned "Drive-Up" into an art form. Since parking is such a nightmare, the ability to have someone bring your bags to your car is a game-changer.
The hours for Drive-Up typically match the store's opening hours, but they stop about 30 minutes before the store closes. If the store closes at 11:00 PM, don't expect to pull into a spot at 10:55 PM and get your order. The app will usually cut you off.
Also, a word of advice for the 14th St location: The Drive-Up spots are often blocked by people who are "just idling for a second" while waiting for someone in the store. It’s annoying. It’s Jersey City. Just be prepared to wait an extra five minutes for a spot to open up.
Real Talk: The "Vibe" Shift After Dark
There is a distinct shift in the target hours jersey city experience after 9:00 PM. This is when the "restock" crews start moving large pallets through the aisles. If you're looking for a peaceful shopping experience, this isn't it. But if you're looking for the stuff that’s been out of stock all day, this is your golden ticket. You can often snag items right off the pallet before they even hit the shelf.
The security presence also tends to ramp up at the Newport and 14th St locations late at night. It’s a high-traffic urban area, so don't be surprised to see a more visible "protection" team near the self-checkout kiosks. Speaking of self-checkout, both JC stores have moved toward limiting the number of items you can take through the self-scan lanes (usually 10 items or fewer). If you have a full cart at 10:30 PM, you’re going to be waiting for the one or two human cashiers left on duty.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip
Stop guessing and start shopping smarter. Jersey City retail is a beast, but you can tame it.
- Download the Target App: Set "My Store" to the 14th St location. It will show you exactly how many items are on the shelf and if the pharmacy is currently open.
- Avoid the "Tunnel Trap": Never go to the 14th St Target between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM on a weekday. The traffic from the Holland Tunnel will make a 10-minute trip take 40 minutes.
- Validate Your Parking: If you’re at the Newport location, always keep your receipt. Mall parking rules change, and you don't want to get stuck with a $20 parking fee for a $5 tube of toothpaste.
- Check the Pharmacy Lunch Break: Most people don't realize the CVS inside Target closes for 30 minutes every day so the pharmacist can eat. Usually, this is between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. Plan accordingly.
- Use the 14th St Store for Groceries: The Newport location is great for clothes and home decor, but the 14th St spot has a significantly better produce and frozen food section.
Ultimately, the best target hours jersey city offers are the ones that fit your specific needs. If you need a quiet trip, go early. If you need the full inventory, go late during the restock. Just keep an eye on the clock and remember that in Jersey City, the "closing time" on the door is just the beginning of the story.
Before you head out, double-check your shopping list in the app to ensure your specific items are in stock at the location you've chosen. The inventory between Newport and 14th St varies more than you'd expect, especially in the apparel and seasonal sections. If you're hunting for a specific "Bullseye's Playground" (the dollar spot) item, the 14th Street location tends to have a larger footprint and better selection. Safe shopping.