There will be a Target store in the Tamarack Centre by next summer.

Target officially announced this week that Cranbrook will feature one of its first Canadian department stores, and it will open in Spring 2013.

Cranbrook is one of 15 cities in B.C. that will welcome Target over the next two years. Of those 15 cities, only Cranbrook, Prince George and Vernon are locations outside the lower mainland to expect a store in the first round.

Earlier this year, Target signed a deal with the Hudson's Bay Co. to take over up to 220 Zellers stores across Canada.

"As we were looking at the current Zellers sites, we looked at extensive data to decide which sites we would convert into Target stores. Some of the things we looked at were the demographics of the area, the performance of the store, competition," said Target spokesperson Lisa Gibson.

Target will spend between $10 and $11 million to renovate the Zellers site over a six-month period before the store opens next year. Zellers will close October 13 so the construction can begin.

"It's a large undertaking but we think it's really important so we can bring the true brand experience and create the kind of shopping environment that we want to create," said Gibson.

Later this year Target will begin hiring the 150 to 200 employees needed to staff the store. Current Zellers staff will need to apply for a job at Target.

"The agreement (with Zellers) is really a financial agreement. We obtained the leasehold interest, so it's basically the sites themselves, nothing to do with what you see within the store. So we didn't obtain the technology, the merchandise or employees," said Gibson.

"We're encouraging all Zellers employees (to apply), as well as the rest of Canadians. The reality is, we're looking at hiring between 150 and 200 team members per store. In some cases, it might be double the current Zellers store."

Management positions will be posted in mid-2012, Gibson added, and other positions in late 2012. Positions will be listed at www.target.ca/careers.

Target intends to replicate the experience of their U.S. stores when they open in Canada.

"A lot of people go across the border to shop at Target. Speaking to Canadian guests that currently do, they were very clear that they were looking for the true U.S.-brand experience," said Gibson.

"It's premised on the 'expect more, pay less' brand promise. Target is all about affordable style, new and innovative products, and a really fun and friendly environment. If you've been in a Target store, you will notice that they are really clean, they are well organised, they are easy to navigate, and there are lots of new products."

The local Target store will feature the innovative limited time design partnerships the brand is popular for. Some recent successes in this area include the Jason Wu and Missoni lines.

"Given how quickly everything sells out, it's very well received," said Gibson. "It's really about bringing affordable style to our guests."