Woman starts petition to keep Anderson Target open

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) – An Anderson woman is trying to get the attention of Target executives after the retailer announced plans to close 13 stores, including the only one in her city. The location on Scatterfield Road is the only Target in Madison County.

Bri Vieke started an online petition using Change.Org on Tuesday. So far, hundreds of supporters have signed it. The goal is to receive 5,000 signatures.

“I was just honestly devastated because I hate to see another retailer or business to be gone from Anderson. Especially Target, because it’s my favorite,” said Vieke.

When Vieke heard the news on Tuesday, she didn’t waste any time. She immediately went into action mode, creating the online petition to “Save Anderson, Indiana Target Store.”

“I think in the begining it was for selfish reasons. I thought ‘Oh my gosh. Target?’ I’m like there once or twice a week. It’s my favorite store. I love their brands, the prices. I love their customer service,” said Vieke.

After creating the page, she posted it on social media. From there, it took off. The page has received more than 2,500 signatures and pages and pages of comments. At Target, shoppers showed their support.

“I’ve already signed the petition,” said Donna Barnette.

Carolyn Stevens said she and her grandma, who are regulars, support it as well. “We both would sign it in a heartbeat,” she said.

A Target spokesperson said typically stores are closed after years of profit loss and that the decisions aren’t made lightly. Residents are concerned about the economic impact.

“Now they’re wanting to take Target away from us. What’s the next thing they’re going to take away from us?” asked Stevens.

Greg Winkler of Economic Development for Anderson said, “The City is certainly disappointed to hear of Target’s corporate decision to close the Anderson store and twelve other locations, and our thoughts are with those that may be impacted by this business decision. However, the fate of Anderson is much bigger than one store. The city has made great strides in the last four years bringing new businesses to Anderson and supporting local ones. With hundreds of millions  of dollars invested in Anderson, the unemployment rate for Anderson has fallen to 4.8% for October, down from 11.7% at the beginning of Mayor Smith’s current term. Although this closure is certainly a loss for our community, the city will continue to move forward and grow. It is unfortunate that Target will be missing out on the rebirth of Anderson.”

If her petition fails, Vieke is ready to lend her support.

“We’ll still go on. But, at least our community is rallying around together and supporting each other and supporting business in Madison County,” said Vieke.

WISH-TV tried to reach out to Target to comment on the online petition for the Anderson location, they did not return our phone call.

The company says it will close the store on Jan. 30.

The closest stores are in Muncie and Fishers.

The full list of affected stores is below:

• Austin North East in Austin, TX
• Suncoast Pasco County in Odessa, FL
• Casa Grande, AZ
• Victorville, CA
• East Flint in Flint, MI
• Columbus Southwest in Columbus, OH
• Springfield, OH
• Northridge in Milwaukee, WI
• Superior, WI
• New Ulm, MN
• Ottumwa, IA
• Anderson, IN
• Dixie Highway in Louisville, KY