Take a peek at Michigan's first small-format Target store in downtown East Lansing

EAST LANSING — Customers will get inside the city's new Target store, the first of its kind in Michigan, this weekend.

The 22,000-square-foot Target, at 201 E. Grand River Ave. in the heart of downtown, will open at 8 a.m. Sunday.

It's among some 100 smaller versions of the store that lets the company enter markets where a traditional Target store wouldn't fit. The company piloted the idea in 2014.

The new store is organized like a typical Target store with sections dedicated to clothing, home and grocery items. There's a wine and beer section. Neat displays of makeup sponges and face mask sit near the Grand River entrance. The store carries everything from headphones and frozen pizza to dishes and Britney Spears T-shirts. 

The Target is part of the Center City District project along Grand River Avenue in downtown East Lansing. Along with Target, the $125 million project will be home to Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Foster Coffee Co. and a build-your-own taco restaurant called Barrio. 

Store Manager Katie Stewart is a Michigan State grad. She said the location will offer people in the area a convenient shopping experience with plenty of grab-and-go food options. 

"I'm really excited to be back in this town," she said. "I have a special place in my heart for this city." 

What are the prices like? 

Target stores prices vary by store, the prices at the small East Lansing store should be similar to most Target locations, Stewart said. 

Does it have all of the products like a traditional Target store? 

The small-format store carries products most Target stores have: clothing, beauty, cleaning supplies, home office supplies and pharmacy items. Food and groceries take up about a quarter of the store, Stewart said. 

Stewart said a big difference is that the East Lansing location doesn't have a children's clothing section or a baby department. There's also a smaller toy section in the store. 

Is it just for students? 

While shower caddies, school supplies and Spartan apparel line some of the shelves, the store is meant to be used by wide range of shoppers. 

"We're really concentrating on everyone," Stewart said. "Not just MSU and the students across the street." 

Where do I park? 

The Center City District project will include a parking garage along Albert Avenue, which is expected to open in August. The garage will include 25 spots specifically for Target shoppers. Parking will be validated for trips less than 30 minutes. 

Are there more jobs available? 

Stewart said the store already has hired 75 of it's targeted 80 employees. However, she said the company is always looking for new employees. 

Target stores have a starting wage of $13. Find more information about jobs Target's jobs site. 

What are the hours? 

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Haley Hansen is the business and development reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact her at 517-267-1344 or hhansen@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @halehansen.