You’re driving up that massive hill toward Southridge, and honestly, it feels like a rite of passage for anyone living in the Kanawha Valley. If you're looking for the Target in Charleston West Virginia, you aren't going to find it downtown among the state office buildings or the gold-domed capitol. Instead, you have to head slightly south of the city proper to the Southridge Shopping Area, perched right off US-119. It’s the kind of place where you go in for a single gallon of milk and somehow leave $150 poorer with a new lamp and three bags of trail mix.
Charleston is a weirdly spread-out place for its size.
Because of the topography—all those steep Appalachian ridges and narrow hollows—retail doesn't happen in a grid. It happens in pockets. The Target at 2000 Southridge Blvd is arguably the most important pocket for anyone who isn't interested in the chaos of a traditional mall or the fluorescent hum of a massive discount warehouse. It’s where the suburban energy of the hills meets the practical needs of the city.
What to Expect at the Southridge Target
The layout is pretty standard if you've been to a Target in the last five years, but this location has a specific West Virginia flavor. It's busy. Like, "don't go on a Saturday afternoon if you value your sanity" busy. Since it serves not just Charleston, but also commuters from South Charleston, Dunbar, and even folks driving up from Boone County, the inventory moves fast.
One thing people often overlook is the Order Pickup and Drive Up efficiency here. Given how the parking lot is designed—it’s shared with a bunch of other massive retailers—getting a spot near the door can be a nightmare during the holidays or back-to-school season. The Drive Up spots are usually well-managed, though the entrance to that specific section can get bottlenecked when the Starbucks line inside is particularly long.
Speaking of Starbucks, yes, it’s right there at the front.
It’s the classic "Target Effect." You walk in, grab a latte, and suddenly the "Dollar Spot" (which we all know isn't actually a dollar anymore) looks like a treasure trove. Most people don't realize that this location actually houses a CVS Pharmacy inside as well. If you’re a local and your neighborhood pharmacy has those "we're closed on Sundays" hours that drive everyone crazy, the CVS inside Target is a lifesaver for last-minute prescriptions.
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The Grocery Gap and the "Super" Debate
Wait, is it a Super Target?
No. Not technically. While it has a robust grocery section with fresh produce, a deli, and frozen goods, it doesn't have the full-scale bakery or butcher shop you’d find in a true Super Target. But for the average shopper in Charleston, it's enough. If you’re trying to avoid the Walmart across the street—and let’s be real, a lot of people go to Target specifically to avoid that specific Walmart—the grocery selection here covers 90% of what you need.
The produce is generally fresher than what you'll find at the smaller discount grocers nearby. However, if you're looking for hyper-local West Virginia produce, you’re better off at the Capitol Market downtown. Target is for the staples: the Good & Gather almond milk, the organic spinach, and the frozen pizzas.
Navigation Hacks for Southridge Blvd
Getting to the Target in Charleston West Virginia is easy; getting out is where people mess up. Southridge is notorious for traffic lights that feel like they last an eternity.
If you're heading back toward Corridor G (US-119), don't just mindlessly follow the GPS if it's 5:00 PM on a Friday. There are back ways through the shopping complex that let you bypass the main light in front of the Olive Garden. Most locals know that cutting through the back lots near the furniture stores can save you ten minutes of idling.
Also, keep an eye on the weather.
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Because this Target sits on a ridge, it gets hit by wind and snow way harder than the valley floor. I've seen it sunny in downtown Charleston while a weird, localized flurry is dumping slush on the Target parking lot. If there's a "Witch of November" wind blowing, hold onto your shopping cart. Those things will ghost-ride themselves right into your car door if you aren't careful.
The Local Impact of the Southridge Retail Hub
There’s a bit of history here. Before Southridge became the behemoth it is today, Charleston’s retail was centered more around the Charleston Town Center mall. As the mall has struggled, the Target at Southridge has essentially become the "new" town square. It’s where you see your high school teacher, your dental hygienist, and that one neighbor who never mows their lawn.
It provides a significant chunk of the tax base for the area, and more importantly, it offers a consistent employment hub. Target's starting wages have historically stayed a step ahead of the state's minimum wage, which makes it a competitive place for students at nearby schools like the University of Charleston or WVU Tech to find part-time work.
Why This Location Matters More Than Huntington's
There’s a weird rivalry between Charleston and Huntington. When it comes to Target, the Charleston location feels more "centralized" to the shopping experience. In Huntington, the Target is tucked away near the mall in Barboursville. In Charleston, Target is the anchor of the whole Southridge ecosystem. If Target left, Southridge would feel like a ghost town.
Dealing with Inventory Issues
Look, West Virginia sometimes gets the short end of the stick when it comes to national distribution chains. If a TikTok trend makes a specific Stanley cup or a Magnolia Home candle go viral, this Target will sell out in roughly four minutes.
If you’re hunting for something specific:
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- Check the app before you leave the house. It’s surprisingly accurate for this location.
- Use the "Notify me when in stock" feature. It actually works.
- Go early. The trucks usually unload overnight, and the shelves are freshest at 8:00 AM.
If they're out of stock, your only other options are the Target in Barboursville (about 45 minutes west) or the one in Parkersburg (over an hour north). Neither is worth the gas unless you’re truly desperate for a specific pair of Cat & Jack leggings.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
Don't forget that this store offers the Trade-In program. If you have an old iPhone or a tablet gathering dust, you can bring it to the electronics counter. They'll give you a Target gift card on the spot. It’s a solid way to subsidize your grocery run.
Also, the clothing section here is surprisingly well-stocked for the "all-weather" reality of West Virginia. They tend to lean heavily into layers, which you'll need. One minute it's 60 degrees, the next it's sleeting. The men's Goodfellow & Co line and the women's Universal Thread sections are the go-tos for most locals who want to look decent without spending boutique prices on Capitol Street.
Timing Your Run
- Avoid: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on weekdays (office workers on lunch) and all day Saturday.
- Best Time: Tuesday mornings or Wednesday evenings.
- Holiday Warning: From the week before Thanksgiving until New Year’s, Southridge is a gridlock zone. If you have to go, do the Drive Up. It’ll save your blood pressure.
When you're finished, if you’re hungry and don't want the in-store popcorn, there are about twenty restaurants within a half-mile radius. But honestly, most people just grab a bag of those Archer Farms snacks and call it a day.
The Target in Charleston West Virginia isn't just a store; it's the logistics hub for the modern West Virginian. It’s where we go when we need to feel a little bit more connected to the national grid while still being firmly planted in the hills.
To make the most of your next trip, download the Target Circle app and join the loyalty program before you get to the register. The cell service inside the back of the store (near the electronics) can be spotty, and trying to load a coupon while standing at the checkout is a great way to get "the look" from the people behind you in line. Plan your route to hit the groceries last so your frozen stuff doesn't melt while you're browsing the home decor, and always check the endcaps—that’s where the real clearance deals hide in this specific store.