So, you’re stuck in traffic on Century. It’s basically a rite of passage if you’re anywhere near the South Bay or heading toward LAX. You look to your right and there it is: the Target West Century Boulevard Inglewood CA location. It’s huge. It’s busy. And honestly, it’s one of the most strategically important big-box stores in the entire Los Angeles basin, even if most people just think of it as a place to grab a last-minute phone charger before a flight.
This isn't your average suburban Target where the parking lot is a ghost town on Tuesday mornings.
Because of its proximity to SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and the Hollywood Park redevelopment, this specific store functions as a sort of chaotic crossroads for locals, tourists, and frantic event-goers. If you've ever tried to navigate that parking lot two hours before a Taylor Swift concert or a Rams game, you know exactly what kind of madness I’m talking about. It’s a specialized ecosystem.
Why the Target on West Century Boulevard is a Different Beast
Most Targets follow a predictable rhythm. You go in for milk, you come out with a $200 rug and some throw pillows you didn't need. But the Inglewood Target at 3471 W Century Blvd is different because it’s a high-volume hub that serves multiple demographics simultaneously. You have the long-term Inglewood residents who have shopped here for years. Then you have the LAX travelers who realized they forgot their swimsuit or a power adapter. Finally, you have the "stadium crowd"—thousands of people looking for clear bags (stadium policy, guys!) or cheap snacks so they don't have to pay $18 for a hot dog inside SoFi.
Locals often complain about the stock levels here, and they aren't wrong.
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When you have that much foot traffic, things sell out. Fast. If there’s a major event nearby, the "grab-and-go" sections—think bottled water, sunblock, and portable chargers—look like a scene from a disaster movie by noon. It's a logistical nightmare for the staff, but it's a goldmine for anyone who knows how to time their visit.
Navigating the Logistics of 3471 W Century Blvd
Parking is the elephant in the room. The lot is shared with other major retailers like Ross and Petco, which creates a funnel of cars that can get pretty backed up. If you're coming from the 405, you're going to want to stay in the right lanes early, or you'll get trapped in the left-turn lane for Prairie Ave, which is a dark place to be during rush hour.
Pro tip: The Starbucks inside this Target is usually slammed. If you’re desperate for caffeine, you’re better off hitting a drive-thru further down Century before you hit the shopping center. Or just embrace the wait. Sometimes it’s the only way to get a breather from the heat.
The Impact of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park
When SoFi Stadium opened, everything changed for this Target. Before the stadium, it was a standard neighborhood anchor. Now, it’s essentially a "pre-game" headquarters.
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The store has had to adapt. You'll notice the seasonal sections often lean heavily into local sports gear—Rams, Chargers, Lakers, and Dodgers merch is everywhere. It’s smart business. They know that a significant percentage of their weekend revenue comes from people who just parked blocks away and realized they aren't wearing the right colors.
- The "Clear Bag" Crisis: Every time there is a major concert, a specific phenomenon happens. Target sells out of clear plastic totes within hours. If you're heading to a show at SoFi or the Forum, do not count on this store having them in stock on the day of the event. Buy it a week early. Seriously.
- The Pharmacy Factor: The CVS Pharmacy inside is a lifeline for the neighborhood, but it’s also one of the busiest in the area. If you're transferring a prescription, give them lead time. They handle a massive volume of elderly residents and families from the surrounding residential blocks.
- Order Pickup: This is the secret weapon. If you actually need groceries and don't want to fight a tourist for the last gallon of milk, use the Drive Up service. They have designated spots, and while the wait can be a few minutes longer than at a quieter store in Torrance, it beats wandering the aisles during a peak period.
Realities of Shopping in Inglewood Right Now
Let's be real about the vibe. Inglewood is changing rapidly. Gentrification is a heavy word, but you can see it happening right in the aisles of this Target. You’ll see old-school residents who remember when this area looked completely different standing in line next to tech workers who just moved into the new builds near Hollywood Park.
There's a lot of security. This is a high-shrink area, which is corporate speak for "people steal stuff." You'll see more items behind glass cases than you might in a Target in Orange County. It’s annoying to have to wait for an associate to unlock the deodorant or the laundry detergent, but that’s the reality of retail in high-traffic urban centers in 2026. It's a trade-off for having a massive, well-lit store in a convenient location.
Survival Guide for the West Century Target
If you absolutely must go here, there are rules.
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First, check the SoFi Stadium schedule. This is non-negotiable. If there is a 5:00 PM kickoff, do not go to Target at 3:00 PM. You will be trapped in the parking lot for forty minutes just trying to exit. I’ve seen people abandon their carts in frustration. Check the calendar on the SoFi Stadium website or just look at the traffic maps. If Century Blvd is deep red, stay away.
Second, morning is king. Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, the store is actually quite peaceful. The shelves are freshly stocked from the overnight pull, and the "stadium crowd" is still asleep or at brunch. This is when the locals get their real shopping done.
Third, don't expect the "Dollar Spot" (Bullseye's Playground) to be organized. It’s usually a war zone. If you find something cool there, grab it immediately because it won't be there when you circle back.
The Competition: Why Not Go Somewhere Else?
You could go to the Target on La Cienega or the one over by Ladera Heights. Honestly, the Ladera Heights one (on Slauson) is often cleaner and a bit more "upscale" in its presentation. But it doesn't have the same grit or the same convenience if you're already doing business in the heart of Inglewood. The West Century location is about utility. It’s for the person who is busy, the person who is on their way somewhere else, and the person who lives three blocks away and doesn't want to drive to Culver City.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
- Check the App First: Use the Target app to check "In-Store" availability. If it says "limited stock," it’s probably gone. This store moves inventory faster than almost any other location in the district.
- Enter from the Back: If you can, try to find the side entrances to the shopping complex rather than turning directly off Century Blvd. It can save you a few cycles of a traffic light.
- Keep Your Receipt: Because of the high security and the "glass case" environment, returns can sometimes be scrutinized more heavily here. Just keep the paper or use the app for a digital scan. It saves everyone a headache.
The Target West Century Boulevard Inglewood CA location isn't just a store; it's a barometer for the neighborhood's growth. As the Intuit Dome brings even more people to the area, this Target is going to get even busier. It’s the price of progress, I guess. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and the parking lot is a mess, but it’s undeniably the heartbeat of the Century corridor.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Before you grab your keys and head out, do these three things. Check the SoFi event calendar to ensure you aren't walking into a pre-concert riot. Download the Target app and set your "My Store" to the Century Blvd location so you can see real-time aisle locations for your items. Finally, if you're looking for specific stadium-compliant gear, call ahead or check the app—don't just assume they have it because they're close to the venue. Most importantly, bring your patience. You're going to need it on Century Boulevard.