You’ve seen the red bullseye from the 60. It’s a staple. Honestly, the Target on Gilbert and Southern—officially known as the Mesa Central store—has a weirdly specific energy compared to the newer, massive Super Targets popping up in the far East Valley.
It's located at 1135 S Gilbert Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204.
Some people call it the "old" Target, but that’s kinda dismissive. Since the 2023-2024 remodel, it’s basically a different building on the inside. Gone are the dark, cramped corners. Now, you’ve got the bright white LED lights, the Ulta Beauty section that looks like a spaceship landed in the middle of the store, and those wide aisles that actually let two carts pass without a polite "ope, sorry" exchange.
But does it actually hold up against the shiny new builds?
The Mesa Central Reality: What to Expect at Gilbert and Southern
If you’re heading to the Target on Gilbert and Southern, you’re likely looking for a quick in-and-out. It’s smaller than the massive "Gateway" location further south. That’s actually a perk.
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The layout is more intuitive. You aren't walking three miles just to find a gallon of milk.
Store Hours (Standard):
- Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait, check the pharmacy. The CVS Pharmacy inside doesn’t follow those same hours. Usually, they close around 7:00 PM on weekdays and even earlier on weekends (often 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM). There’s nothing worse than driving over for a prescription at 8:30 PM only to see the metal gate pulled down.
What’s inside this specific location?
- Ulta Beauty: This was the biggest part of the recent facelift. It’s huge.
- Starbucks: It’s right at the entrance. The line gets brutal around 10:00 AM on Saturdays.
- Apple at Target: A dedicated tech island for iPads, Watches, and iPhones.
- Wine & Beer: A decent selection, though if you're looking for high-end craft stuff, the nearby Total Wine is better.
- Drive Up: This is where this location shines. The parking lot at Gilbert and Southern is a bit tight, so the Drive Up stalls are a godsend.
Why the "16 at 6" Rule is Stirring Up Drama
Local Mesa parents have been talking about this a lot lately. Some Targets in the Phoenix area, including this corridor, have experimented with "age restrictions" during evening hours.
Basically, it's the 16 at 6 rule.
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If you’re under 16, you might need a parent or guardian with you after 6:00 PM. Why? Honestly, it’s usually because of groups of teens hanging out in the toy or electronics aisles without actually buying anything. It’s controversial. Some parents love the quieter shopping experience; others think it’s unfair to well-behaved kids who just want to buy a LEGO set or some Clearasil after dinner.
Always carry an ID if you look young. Or just shop earlier.
The Inventory Game: How to Actually Find Stuff
People complain about the shoe department. It’s a mess. Shoppers on apps like Wanderlog and Yelp frequently mention that the shoes at Gilbert and Southern look like a "hurricane ran through them."
If you need specific sizes—especially Medium or Large in women’s clothing—you’ve got to be strategic. This store serves a massive residential area. Things sell out fast.
Pro-tip for the "Target on Gilbert and Southern" regulars:
- Shop Tuesday or Wednesday morning. This is the sweet spot. The weekend carnage has been cleaned up, and the midweek restocks are hitting the floor.
- Avoid Saturday at 2:00 PM. It’s chaos. The lines for self-checkout will wrap around into the Dollar Spot.
- Use the App. Seriously. Check the "In-Store" inventory before you leave the house. It’s about 90% accurate. If it says "Limited Stock," it’s probably gone or hidden in a "returns" cart in the back.
Is the Starbucks Actually Good?
Kinda. It’s a licensed store, not a corporate-owned one. This means you can’t always use every single "Starbucks Reward" for free merchandise, but you can definitely earn and redeem stars for drinks.
The baristas here are usually fast, but because this Target is right off the freeway and Southern Ave is a major artery, the morning rush is real. If you see more than five people in line, just go to the drive-thru Starbucks just down the street on Gilbert Road. You'll save ten minutes.
The Surroundings: Making a Day of It
Shopping at Target on Gilbert and Southern puts you in a prime spot for other errands. You’re right near:
- The Hub Grill and Bar: Great for a post-shopping burger.
- Barrio Queen: If you want something a bit nicer than a food court snack.
- The 60 Freeway: You can hop on and be anywhere in the valley in 20 minutes.
One thing to watch out for is the parking lot. It’s shared with other retailers, and the entry points from Southern Avenue can be a nightmare during rush hour. People tend to cut through the lot to avoid the light at the intersection.
Keep your head on a swivel.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Don't just wander in and hope for the best.
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First, download the Target app and set "Mesa Central" as your home store. This lets you see the aisle numbers for everything on your list. No more aimless wandering in the home decor section (unless that's your goal).
Second, if you're hunting for high-demand items like Pokémon cards or limited-edition Stanley cups, show up at 8:00 AM sharp. Rumors persist about staff picking over the good stuff, but the only way to beat that is to be the first person through the doors.
Finally, if the store feels too crowded, try the Drive Up service. It’s arguably the best in the retail game. You pull into the spot, tap "I'm here" on your phone, and a tired but helpful employee usually has your stuff out to you in under three minutes. It's the ultimate hack for the Gilbert and Southern location when the parking lot looks like a disaster zone.
Just remember to check those CVS hours if you're picking up meds. They won't wait for you.