Retail Therapy

The economy is tanking and the political news frenzy is inducing delirium. Belts may be tightening, but there are some things you still have to buy.

San Pedro’s Target store has arrived to provide a bit of escapist retail therapy from the outside world.

Here are scenes from Tuesday’s ribbon cutting and soft opening.

Store managers speak as San Pedro business, community and political leaders bake under the sizzling sun.

The ribbon is cut.

Shoppers vote with their feet and march in.

The Red Car cruises up to whistle at the festivities.

Local restaurants supplied finger foods and live music filled the aisles. Some guests were treated to a piece of sheet cake with the bull’s eye logo, while others investigated the Starbucks and Pizza Hut Express.

As part of its opening, Target made donations to Clean San Pedro, the Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor, the Gang Alternatives Program and San Pedro High School.

Store hours are Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Phone (310) 507-6289. The store is located at 1701 N. Gaffey St.

See the Daily Breeze for further reading.