Written by Julia Jenkins/Graphic courtesy of Dalrymple Commercial
Target has been long awaited in the Searcy community, and it’s finally coming to town. This development was initiated by Stuart Dalrymple, founder of Dalrymple Commercial. Target is planned to be built next to Academy Sports and Outdoors and expected to open in fall 2026.
Searcy has been seeing more businesses move in over the past few years such as Whataburger, Chipotle and Texas Roadhouse. However, the introduction of Target is an even bigger step in growing Searcy as a community.
Jose Colunga, from Dalrymple Commercial, said the addition of the Target will draw daytime movement to Searcy.
“It’s a natural stopping point,” Colunga said. “So with Harding being here, and Unity Health being White County’s biggest employer, it draws a lot of daytime traffic.”
Searcy is a perfect spot for a big retail store such as Target. People from neighboring towns often stop in Searcy, and adding this shopping center would further boost business across town.
“We’re excited about the fact that the addition of Target is going to help shape the shopping experience for Harding students as well,” Colunga said.
One of the goals of Dalrymple Commercial is to improve the shopping experience for the community. The typical shopper will visit multiple stores, so Target will boost local businesses rather than take away from them.
For most Target lovers in Searcy, it has been an inconvenience to drive long distances to get to one. Since the announcement of its coming, Target fans in and around Searcy have been incredibly excited. The Harding crowd has also shown excitement in this news.
“I was really excited because Searcy is such a small town,” freshman Hope Gill said. “We only have Walmart and smaller stores. I’m excited that we’re going to have more of a variety.”
Many Harding students come from towns with a Target or one nearby. For those on campus when it opens, it will be a game-changer. It will offer more options as well as the fun, familiar shopping experience that students love.
Freshman Lexi Howell is excited about the audience that Target caters to.
“I think Walmart has a lot of good basics and stuff,” Howell said, “but I think Target is very geared toward a college audience.”
College students have always been key contributors to Target’s revenue, and this theme won’t change in Searcy. The only thing Harding students have to fear might be the dent in their bank accounts.
Dalrymple Commercial, doing business in Searcy since 1990, has earned much praise in bringing many beloved stores to town. Target is another step toward making Searcy an even better place to live, and Colunga said there is more to come.
“We’ve got some big things in the works, and we’re not done,” Colunga said.
