Target announces it will close store in Kissimmee

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County's struggling U.S. 192 corridor took another hit on Wednesday when Target announced it’s closing its Kissimmee store.

The store on West Vine Street opened in 1992, but it’s the latest business that is deciding to close up.

In the same area, two restaurants have already closed, as well as a gas station.

For years, rumors circulated that the Target was closing, but the rumors will turn to reality come Feb. 2.

“I'm very upset, because my son goes to school right across the street,” said shopper Jenni Womick.

According to Target, financial performance is the reason for the shutdown.

“It's kind of sad. A lot of the stuff is moving up closer to the loop toward Orlando,” said shopper Bill Garren.

The Target employs about 80 people, but many of them will transfer to nearby locations.

In the meantime, Kissimmee recently made the area a community redevelopment area, and officials are encouraging a mix of retail and residential space. The city is allowing more visible signage, and they’re also posting all the vacant spaces available for development on a Vine Street website.

Eventually, a portion of the property taxes collected in the area will be designated for redevelopment.

But, the city of Kissimmee doesn't expect to see the first of that cash until 2014.

WFTV