What Opened in Maine First: Target or Walmart?

While we now love and appreciate both in our Pine Tree State, that wasn’t always the case! So, which of these retail giants came first?

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We love stores like Target and Walmart because they make shopping easy, offering everything from groceries to clothes under one roof. Their wide aisles, affordable prices, and endless variety make them go-to destinations for busy families and bargain hunters alike. Let’s take a closer look at when each of these retail giants first opened their doors, both nationwide and here in Maine.

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Well, when and where was the first Target store opened?

According to Target's corporate website, the first store opened on May 1st, 1962, in Roseville, Minnesota. It was developed by John F. Geisse, who worked for the Dayton Company. The name ‘Target’ was chosen by Dayton's publicity director, Stewart K. Widdess, to give the store its own unique identity, separate from the Dayton department store.

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Okay, with that established, when was the first Walmart, well, established?

According to Walmart’s corporate history, the first store opened on July 2nd, 1962, in Rogers, Arkansas. The company officially became Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in 1969. With both companies opening their first locations in 1962, just months apart, it seems they were destined to share many parallels.

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Okay, with that cleared up, when were the first Walmarts and Targets opened in Maine? Which one came first?

Walmart opened its first store in Maine in 1991, marking the company's expansion into the Pine Tree State. That same year, Walmart also began operating in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. Target didn't arrive in Maine until October 2001, when it opened its first store in South Portland, a full decade after Walmart.

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So, there you have it—while Target was established nationally first, Walmart expanded into Maine before Target.

Does this surprise you? Do you have a favorite between the two? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

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