So, you’re packing the car. You’ve got the sunscreen, the flip-flops, and that one specific beach chair that only reclines if you hit it just right. But then it hits you—you forgot the beach towels. Or maybe you realized halfway down Highway 12 that you didn’t pack enough snacks for a family of five who acts like they haven’t eaten in a week the second they smell salt air. For a long time, if you were heading to the barrier islands, your options were a bit limited. You had the local grocery chains, the surf shops, and the classic K-Mart in Kill Devil Hills that felt like a time capsule until it finally closed its doors.
Then came the Target Outer Banks NC location.
It opened in 2023, and honestly, the hype was kind of hilarious. People were acting like a five-star resort was opening, but if you’ve ever spent a week in Nags Head trying to find a specific brand of baby formula or a decent swimsuit that doesn't cost $150 at a boutique, you get it. This isn't just a store. It’s a logistics hub for your sanity. Located at 1901 N. Croatan Highway in Kill Devil Hills, it took over the old K-Mart space. It’s a "small-format" store, which sounds like a bummer until you realize it’s still 80,000 square feet. That’s plenty of room for Bullseye’s Playground.
Why the Kill Devil Hills Target feels different
If you walk into a Target in suburban Ohio, you know exactly what to expect. This one? It’s a little weirder. Because it’s on a sandbar, the inventory moves with the tides—literally. During the "off-season" (which basically doesn't exist anymore, but let’s pretend), the aisles are quiet and full of locals grabbing milk. But come June? The place is a gauntlet of boogie boards and Starbucks lines.
The layout is intentional. They know you aren't there to buy a new sofa. You’re there because your kid lost their goggles or you need a 12-pack of sparkling water and a bag of charcoal. The grocery section is beefed up more than a standard small-format store because they know they’re competing with Publix and Harris Teeter down the street.
One thing people get wrong is assuming it's a "Super Target." It isn't. You won't find a full-service deli or a massive furniture showroom. What you will find is a highly curated selection of stuff that specifically solves "vacation problems." Think more sunblock, more "OBX" branded apparel that is actually affordable, and a massive selection of grab-and-go food.
The Starbucks Factor
Let's be real. The Starbucks inside this Target is doing a lot of heavy lifting for the local economy's caffeine needs. There are plenty of amazing local coffee shops—Front Porch Cafe is a gem, go there too—but sometimes you just want your specific mobile order while you grab a box of diapers. The line here gets long. Like, "maybe I don't need coffee" long. If you're visiting during a holiday weekend, maybe skip the in-store Starbucks and hit a local spot to save twenty minutes of your life.
Navigating the "Target Run" on a Saturday
Saturday in the Outer Banks is turnover day. It is chaos. Thousands of people are leaving, and thousands more are arriving, all trying to hit the grocery store at the exact same time. It’s the Hunger Games, but with more linen shirts.
If you’re trying to hit the Target Outer Banks NC on a Saturday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Godspeed. The parking lot is a shared ecosystem with other shops, and it can get tight. Pro tip: Use the Target app for Drive Up. Even on the islands, they do the curbside thing. You can place your order while you’re sitting in traffic on the Wright Memorial Bridge, and by the time you crawl into Kill Devil Hills, a nice person will bring your stuff out to your car. It’s the ultimate vacation hack.
- Order ahead: Use the app to check stock before you drive over.
- Check the hours: They generally run 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but winter hours can shrink.
- Don't forget the bags: North Carolina doesn't have a statewide plastic bag ban, but the OBX is very environmentally conscious. Bring your reusables.
What's actually in stock?
I’ve seen people complain that this location doesn't have the "full" clothing lines you see in Raleigh or Charlotte. That’s true. The apparel section is skewed heavily toward swimwear, cover-ups, and casual "I’m on a boat" vibes. If you’re looking for a three-piece suit, you’re in the wrong place.
However, the beauty and pharmacy sections are solid. This is a big deal because finding a CVS or Walgreens on the islands that isn't picked over during peak season can be a challenge. Having a reliable CVS pharmacy inside Target is a massive safety net for travelers who forgot their blood pressure meds or need an emergency inhaler.
The Grocery Gap
While the grocery section is good, it’s not a full grocery store. You’ll find milk, eggs, frozen pizzas, and a decent wine selection (crucial for those sunset porch sessions). But if you need a specific cut of prime rib or a custom-made birthday cake, you should probably head to the Harris Teeter across the way or the Food Lion. The Target selection is great for "we just got here and need the basics" but maybe not for "I'm cooking a seven-course gourmet meal in my rental kitchen."
Impact on the local community
There was a lot of debate when Target announced it was coming to the OBX. Some locals worried it would "corporate-ify" the islands even more. The Outer Banks has always prided itself on being a bit rugged and independent. But honestly? The consensus has shifted. Most people are just glad to have a reliable place to get affordable household goods without driving an hour inland to Elizabeth City or Chesapeake.
It’s also provided a lot of jobs. Target is known for a higher starting wage than some of the smaller mom-and-pop shops, which has forced a bit of a wage adjustment in the area—generally a good thing for the people who actually live there year-round and struggle with the high cost of island living.
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Environmental considerations
The store sits in a sensitive area. Runoff and waste are huge concerns in the OBX. Target has had to comply with local building codes that are much stricter than your average suburban sprawl location. You'll notice the landscaping and the way the lot is handled feels a bit more "coastal" than a typical big-box store.
Dealing with the crowds
If you want a peaceful shopping experience, go on a Tuesday at 8:00 PM. The "day trippers" are gone, and the weekly renters are usually settled into their houses by then. The store feels huge and airy when it isn't packed with people.
Also, keep an eye on the clearance endcaps. Because the inventory is so seasonal, the transitions happen fast. You can find some absolute steals on beach gear in late August and early September when the store starts trying to pivot to "Back to School" (which is wild because it's still 90 degrees out).
Actionable Tips for your OBX Target Trip
Don't just wing it. If you want to make the most of the Target Outer Banks NC, follow these steps to save time and money.
- Download the Target App before you cross the bridge. Set your "My Store" to Kill Devil Hills. This allows you to see real-time inventory. Nothing is worse than driving there for a specific fan only to find out they sold out ten minutes ago.
- Use the "Drive Up" feature for heavy items. Don't lug 24-packs of water and heavy bags of dog food through the store. Let the staff do it. It saves your back for the actual beach.
- Check the "Local" section. Target often stocks items from local vendors or OBX-specific merchandise that you won't find on their website. It’s actually a decent place to grab a souvenir that isn't a plastic hermit crab.
- Mind the traffic patterns. The "Big Road" (Croatan Hwy) is a nightmare during peak hours. If you’re staying in Nags Head or Kitty Hawk, try to use the back roads or time your visit for early morning to avoid the gridlock near the Wright Brothers Memorial.
- Pharmacy transfers. If you’re staying for more than a week and need a refill, you can easily transfer prescriptions to this location via the CVS app. It’s way easier than trying to coordinate with your home pharmacy.
The reality is that Target has become a staple of the Outer Banks experience whether the purists like it or not. It provides a level of predictability in a place where things can sometimes feel a bit chaotic. Whether you need a cheap pair of sunglasses because yours are at the bottom of the Atlantic or you just need a box of Oreos and some air conditioning, it’s there. Just remember to be patient with the staff—they are dealing with thousands of vacationers a day, and a little kindness goes a long way on a hot July afternoon.