Many Target stores will stay open later

Target
Shoppers arrive at a Target store in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.
Damian Dovarganes/AP, File

Target will keep about half of its U.S. stores open later — even as late as midnight — to serve more customers.

Company officials say they decided to keep the doors open one or two hours later after hearing from customers who want to shop later in day. The pilot program will include about 900 stores and closing time will vary by location, Target spokeswoman Erika Winkels said.

"Because it's customized by the store, there are some stores that are open, for example until midnight on Saturdays, or some stores that are only open until midnight on Monday through Friday," Winkels said. "So there are a lot of nuances just because this is such a customized approach."

Target stores typically close at 10 p.m. on most days and 9 p.m. on Sundays. The added hours may help the company compete with Wal-Mart which keeps most of its stores open around the clock, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Although the company has been struggling to boost growth at stores in the United States and Canada, the company will try late hours only in its U.S. stores.

"We took a look at where guests were telling us that they wanted to shop a little bit later," Winkels said. "That's why we made the change."

Metro stores with extended hours include:

• NE Minneapolis: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday through Friday); 8 a.m.-12 a.m. (Saturday)
• Roseville Super Target: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday); 8 a.m.-12 a.m. (Monday through Saturday)
• Saint Paul Midway: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday); 8 a.m.-12 a.m. (Monday through Saturday)
• Fridley: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday through Friday); 8 a.m.-12 a.m. (Saturday)
• Richfield: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday); 8 a.m.-12 a.m. (Monday through Saturday)
• Knollwood (St. Louis Park): 8 a.m.-11 p.m. (Sunday through Friday); 8 a.m.-12 a.m. (Saturday)