Target plans to open a new store in July 2018 in a mixed-use development at the corner of 16th Avenue and High Street near the Ohio State campus. The store, in the Wellington, an Edwards Communities development, will be the company's first flexible-format location in Columbus.

Target plans to open a new store near the Ohio State campus that will be much smaller than the company's typical stores with goods tailored to the area.

The store is slated to open July 2018 and will be on the first floor of the Wellington, a mixed-use development at 16th Avenue and High Street that is being constructed by Edwards Communities.

It will be Target's first "flexible-format" location in Columbus. The smaller-format stores typically have been placed in downtown urban markets, but Target has also used it to add stores near college campuses.

�Growth on college campuses and in urban markets is a priority for Target," said Mark Schindele, senior vice president of properties at Target, in a statement. "We�re able to serve more guests by adding flexible-format stores near top universities across the country."

At approximately 28,000 square feet, the new store will be much smaller than the average Target stores, which range from 135,000 square feet to 175,000 square feet for Super Target locations.

The store design allows for stores in smaller locations, with goods aimed at the needs of local customers, such as Ohio State students, faculty and surrounding neighborhood residents. Target said the new store will have no affect on operations at the Target store at Lennox Town Center.

"I think it will be a big hit with OSU students and faculty," said retail analyst Chris Boring, principal at Boulevard Strategies.

"Not to be too punny, but this is Target's target market," Boring said. "Whenever I'm at the Target at Lennox Town Center, I see lots of students. The Lennox store carries a lot of merchandise that's aimed at students. This will be much more convenient, especially for students without automobiles."

The store's customized assortment will include: a selection of fresh groceries, as well as sandwiches, salads, beverages and snacks; an assortment of dorm and apartment essentials; health, personal care and beauty products; portable technology products and accessories; men�s and women�s apparel and accessories; select game-day apparel and accessories; and the ability to buy online and pick up purchases at the store.

Target operates 23 flexible-format stores and has announced plans to continue to open additional locations, including nine stores opening in fall 2016 and 18 already announced for 2017 and 2018.

Upcoming college locations include a new store at a mixed-use development near the University of Cincinnati campus, which is projected to open in July 2017. The new University of Cincinnati store will be Target�s first flexible-format location in Cincinnati. The 17,770 square foot store will be located at Calhoun Street and Market Street.