The idea behind the new 132,000-square-foot Target store in Goleta is clear: It has a bit of everything, so you can one-stop shop for stuff that you might otherwise have to go to a supermarket, pharmacy, Office Depot, Big 5, toy store, Bed Bath & Beyond, and so on. That kind of essential merchandise is around the perimeter, with clothing—presumably more of an impulse purchase—in the middle.
Whether the store is worth visiting depends on the convenience of the location (across Storke Road from the corner with Home Depot and Costco) and the degree to which you value a bargain. Some prices are indeed good. The bigger issue, however, might be whether Target has what you need. There was often just one or two of a given item, and a lot of shelves and racks were totally bare. I wondered whether the store might have been overrun since its recent opening, but then I realized that it was nearly empty at 11 a.m. on Thursday.




Traditional checkout and self-checkout are both available. The latter can be more convenient, and even sort of satisfying, but of course you’re not helping the employment rate.
There’s an extra-soulless Starbucks, too. Do yourself a favor and visit locally owned Dune Coffee Roasters, a short walk across the parking lot, instead.

Recent Comments
Valet is gone from the wharf — Jen
Same, actually. I’ll be there too. — Tim
IMO, the strange thing is the Hilton just spent $$$ to convert the tennis courts into pickleball courts, only to erect story poles, so they… — Karl
As a Carpinterian i am so excited for new places opening up in Carp. Every since we lost Fosters, The Palms, Beach liquor, etc. I… — Oscar A
Btw, a regular cup of coffee is $3.25. Not bad! — Victoria Valente
Last week an opportunity presented itself to visit the Starbucks on Milpas Street and Gutierrez. What a nice shop! Highly recommend. — Victoria Valente
Try Bristol Farms. They have roast turkey daily — Michael
They do this at the Harbor restaurant for Sunday brunch. Takes up 1/2 the parking on the harbor for like 3 cars. I won’t eat… — Sb Dad
That's in today's Odds & Ends post, which will run in the email newsletter that comes out on Wednesday. — Erik Torkells
No one in SB is going to pay $15 for valet parking. Agree with other comment; money grab from out of touch LA based owner/operator… — Mike