Say goodbye to Zellers, and hello to Target.

The American retailer has taken over the Zellers lease in Driftwood Mall,  explained Lisa Gibson from Target Canada. "We will be bringing the true Target brand experience that guest have seen in the U.S."

Target Canada is planning on spending more than $10 million on upgrades and renovations in order to "bring the full brand experience to Canadian communities," said Gibson; adding, " for people who are looking for jobs in the area, we'll be hiring 150 to 250 team members."

Current Zellers employees aren't being transferred over to Target, but Gibson said the company does encourage Zellers staff, as well as anyone looking for work, to apply for jobs at target, with first round in the hiring process set to begin in late 2012, early 2013.

This is Target's attempt at cracking the Canadian market. The retailer plans on opening 125 to 135 stores in Canada over the next several years. However, Gibson is quick to say this will not be a case of "same box new wrapping paper."This will be about bringing innovative and exciting new products to Courtenay. I think people will really see the difference in customer service and energy our employees bring every time we open our doors."

 The population of the Comox Valley is a tad more than 64,000 people; Target will be competing with Canadian Tire, Walmart, Costco and Superstore (to name a few) for a piece of that pie.

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