If you’ve lived on the West Side for more than five minutes, you know that the Target West 117 Cleveland Ohio location—technically tucked into the Shoppes on West 117th—is basically the heartbeat of the neighborhood. It’s not just a store. It’s where you go when it’s 9:00 PM on a Tuesday, you’ve run out of oat milk, and you somehow end up leaving with a new throw pillow and a pack of Sharpies you didn't know you needed.
Honestly, it’s one of those spots that anchors the border between Cleveland’s Edgewater/Cudell area and Lakewood. It’s busy. Like, "don't even try to park near the front door on a Saturday afternoon" busy.
Located at 11680 W 117th St, this specific Target sits in a massive retail corridor that has seen a ton of change over the last decade. While some big-box stores in the city have struggled, this one stays packed. Why? Because it’s one of the few places in this part of town where you can get high-quality groceries, electronics, and decent clothes without driving all the way out to Rocky River or Avon.
Navigating the Target West 117 Cleveland Ohio Chaos
Let's talk about the parking lot. It’s a mess. Truly. You’ve got people coming in from the W 117th entrance and others cutting through from the back near the Home Depot side. If you’re heading to the Target West 117 Cleveland Ohio pharmacy or just grabbing a quick Starbucks, my best advice is to park further down toward the Giant Eagle side. It’s a longer walk, but you’ll save yourself the headache of dodging distracted drivers trying to snag a spot near the Ulta Beauty section inside.
Inside, the layout is standard, but the volume is what gets people. Because this store serves a huge demographic—from young professionals in Edgewater to families in Lakewood and retirees from the West Side—the shelves move fast.
Why the Stock is Different Here
Ever noticed how some Targets feel like they have everything while others are picked clean? The West 117th spot has a high turnover rate. This is great because the produce is usually fresher than at lower-volume stores. But, it’s a nightmare if you’re looking for a specific limited-edition collaboration. Those things vanish in hours. If a new designer drop happens, you better be there when the doors open at 8:00 AM.
One thing that surprises people is the size of the grocery section. It’s a "Super Target" light version. You aren't going to find a full-service deli counter like you would at the Giant Eagle next door, but the frozen section and the dry goods are extensive. For many locals, this is their primary grocery store.
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The Drive-Up Experience: A Game Changer or a Headache?
During the pandemic, the drive-up service at Target West 117 Cleveland Ohio became a lifeline. Now, it’s just the way most people shop. But here’s the thing—the designated spots are right in the line of fire for the main traffic flow.
If you use the app, it’s usually seamless. The staff here are remarkably fast given how many orders they juggle. I’ve seen them out there in Lake Erie snow squalls, hauling bins of LaCroix to cars while the wind whips off the lake. It's impressive.
Expert Tip: If you're doing a drive-up order on a Sunday, expect a wait. Sundays are the busiest days for the West 117th corridor. Everyone is doing their weekly "reset," and the wait times can jump from two minutes to ten.
The Local Impact of the Shoppes on West 117th
This Target isn't an island. It’s part of a larger ecosystem. For a long time, this area was pretty industrial and gritty. The development of the Shoppes on West 117th brought a level of convenience that transformed the neighborhood. You have a Five Below, a Petco, and a Chipotle all within walking distance of the Target entrance.
But there’s a flip side. The traffic on West 117th is notorious. It’s a major artery connecting I-90 to the lake. If you’re trying to hit Target during rush hour, you’re going to be sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic near the highway ramps. Local urban planners have often discussed the "pinch point" that happens right under the RTA bridge, and unfortunately, that's exactly where you need to go to get to your Target run.
Store Safety and Community Vibes
Clevelanders are used to a certain level of urban reality. This Target has a visible security presence, which is pretty standard for a high-traffic city store. Some people get weirded out by the locked cases for things like laundry detergent or electronics, but honestly, that’s just the reality of retail in 2026. It doesn't make the store "bad"—it just means they’re protecting their stock so it’s actually there when you need it.
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The vibe inside is very "Cleveland." You’ll see people in Browns jerseys, students from Case Western or CSU who ventured a bit west, and plenty of folks just trying to get through their to-do list. It’s a diverse, fast-paced environment.
What You Might Not Realize About the Pharmacy and Optical
A lot of people skip over the secondary services. The CVS Pharmacy inside the Target West 117 Cleveland Ohio is actually one of the more efficient ones in the area. Because it’s inside a Target, you can browse the dollar spot while you wait for your script.
And the Optical center? Surprisingly good. They take most major insurance, and since the store is so large, they often have a better selection of frames than the smaller boutique shops in Lakewood, albeit with a bit more of a "corporate" feel.
Misconceptions About the "Lakewood" Target
Technically, the Target West 117 Cleveland Ohio is in Cleveland, but if you look at a map, the border of Lakewood is literally across the street. People call it the "Lakewood Target" all the time.
Why does this matter? Taxes.
Cleveland’s sales tax can be a tiny bit higher than some of the outlying suburbs depending on the year and the current legislation, but for most people, the convenience of the location outweighs the pennies saved on a sales tax difference in a different county.
Another misconception is that it’s open 24 hours. It isn't. Most nights it closes at 10:00 PM. Don’t be the person rolling up at 10:05 PM thinking you can grab diapers; the security team is pretty strict about those closing times.
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How to Win Your Visit
If you want the best experience, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The store is freshly stocked from the Monday shipments, the aisles are clear, and the Starbucks line is usually only two people deep.
Avoid the "Target Circle" trap if you're in a rush. The app is great for savings, but the Wi-Fi in the back of the store (near the home goods and clearance endcaps) can be spotty. Screenshot your barcodes or coupons before you head to the back of the building.
The "Secret" Clearance Sections
The West 117th store is famous for its clearance endcaps. Because they have to move so much volume, they mark things down aggressively to make room for new seasonal stuff. Check the endcaps near the toys and the kitchen appliances. Unlike some of the suburban Targets where things sit at 30% off forever, this location will drop things to 50% or 70% off just to clear the shelf space.
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Trip
Stop treating your Target run like a quick errand and start treating it like a tactical mission. Here is how you handle Target West 117 Cleveland Ohio like a pro:
- Check the App First: Check the "In Stock" status for the West 117th location specifically. The inventory is updated frequently, but it’s not always 100% accurate if someone has the last item in their cart.
- Timing is Everything: Arrive before 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM. The "after work" rush between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM is the worst time to be there.
- Use the Back Entrance: If you're coming from the south, don't use the W 117th entrance. Use the side streets to get toward the back of the shopping center. It cuts out three traffic lights.
- The "Two-Store" Rule: If West 117th is out of something, don't keep driving west. Usually, the Steelyard Commons Target or the Fairview Park location will have different stock patterns.
- Recycle Your Tech: This location has a great recycling station right near the entrance for glass, plastic, and—most importantly—old tech and ink cartridges.
The West 117th Target is a staple for a reason. It's reliable, it's convenient, and it’s a microcosm of the West Side itself. Just remember to double-check your bags before you leave—the self-checkout sensors here can be a little sensitive.
Shop smart, park far away, and maybe grab a coffee before you start. You're gonna be in there longer than you think.