Community Rallies to Save Local Target

By Zachary Circo

Middle Stew Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Pastor Keith Vincent rallied the Antioch community in an attempt to prevent the Hickory Hollow Target location from closing after the company announced that the store would be closing after decreased profitability.

            The Hickory Hollow Target is set to close its doors permanently on Feb. 2, 2013. This specific location has been a part of the community for approximately 31 years, yet the Minnesota-based company claims that its Hickory Hollow location has been losing revenue over the past few years due to the fact that it has not been converted into a Super Target. After Vincent was notified of the store’s upcoming closing, he decided to create an online petition and work with the community to convince the Target to remain in business. The Target’s location is 5330 Cane Ridge Road.

            “It will have a domino effect on the other businesses around,” Vincent said. “It is the last of the major retailers in our community, and with Antioch being the largest and fastest growing in Davidson County, it just doesn’t seem logical.”

            The pastor felt that the Target would remain profitable if it were to stay open. He feels that with Nashville State Community College and companies such as HCA Holdings Inc. moving into the area, as well as the private investors that plan on renovating the Hickory Hollow Mall, the Target stands to benefit as the area starts to become revitalized. Vincent’s petition had received 1,925 signatures as of Dec. 3. He urges citizens to contact Target’s corporate office to voice their concerns. Citizens can sign the petition by going to this website.

            Vincent said that he has been in contact with “all of the district council reps in Southeast Davidson County,” the news media, and even the mayor’s and governor’s staffs to discuss the options for keeping the store open. He added that Councilwoman Karen Y. Johnson reached out to Minnesota’s council members and those connected to Target’s CEO.

            “Target leaving will deal a major blow to our community,” said Vincent.

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