Target will open its West Ellicott store on Sunday, Aug. 13. The 117,000-square-foot location will include a Starbucks inside. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

One of southern Chautauqua County’s most anticipated new stores appears ready to open.

A sign recently hung outside Target in West Ellicott states that it will open Aug. 13, a Sunday. A company spokesperson on Monday then confirmed the official grand opening date for the 975 Fairmount Ave. store, which the spokesperson said “will bring an easy, affordable, and convenient shopping experience to new guests in the community.”

The retail giant first announced toward the end of November 2021 it would open inside the former Kmart location.

Target lettering recently has been placed on the front of the 117,000-square-foot store.

A sign also states that the store is still hiring; a check of Target’s website Monday lists several job openings, including for the Starbucks to be situated inside, as well as for stocking and cashiers. It’s not clear how many full- and part-time workers the West Ellicott store will employ.

“As we get closer to opening the store, we’ll have more specific details to share — including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests,” the Target spokesperson said.

The arrival of Target ensured the former Kmart — which closed its doors in 2019 — would not sit vacant for long and that upgrades would be made to the store’s parking lot. In addition, the vehicle entrance off Southwestern Drive also was rebuilt.

The nearest Target is currently located in Erie, Pa.