Martketplace at El Paseo welcoming customers

FRESNO, California

The latest Target to open in the Valley got big cheers from this enthusiastic crowd. The new store is expected to be a popular destination for an underserved community.

"Within a three mile radius within that shopping center there are over 15,000 households already and that is 50,000 people and that's just in a three mile radius," said Colleen Wiginton with Fresno Association of Realtors.

Wiginton told ABC30 her clients always looks for places to shop and eat before buying a home. Until now, there haven't been many options nearby.

"Homeowners really value proximity to their schools, their shopping, their restaurants. They want services nearby so this can only be a positive influence," added Wiginton.

Target employees believe their prime location will have a positive trickledown effect. "We are excited about bring about 200 jobs to our local community. Excited to come to an area which is in need of a local Target," said Curt Cappello.

Crews are now setting up at least 10 nationally known stores in the same center. Three new restaurants are also in the works. It took 400 construction workers to build the shopping center. City leaders believe the complex near Herndon and Highway 99 will soon draw shoppers from out of town.

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