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arget is poised to take over a former Kmart location on Long Island, marking its first store east of Riverhead. The big-box retailer acquired the lease from Kmart's parent company years ago, anticipating the subsidiary's exit from the Hamptons. Target will occupy nearly 90,000 square feet at Bridgehampton Commons after Kmart closes on October 20.

    The shopping center, owned by Kimco Realty, is a retail hub with over 300,000 square feet of space and tenants like TJ Maxx, Staples, and Barnes & Noble. A spokesperson for Target declined to comment on new store openings, while Kimco Realty did not provide information on the lease transfer. If approved, the store is expected to open in 2026.

    Target has a portfolio of nearly 2,000 stores across the US, including 20 on Long Island, and reported $4.13 billion in net income last year. The company continues to expand, with nine new store openings announced this month alone. Kmart's departure from Bridgehampton Commons marks the end of an era for the discount retailer, which has been a rare presence on the East End.