Target, Home Depot Set October Openings as Other Retailers Take Shape
The Willows, a shopping center anchored by Target and The Home Depot, with additional retail and restaurant space planned at the southeast corner of South Willow Avenue and Interstate 40 in Cookeville, is almost ready to open to the public.
For years, Target and Home Depot have been two of the most-requested retailers, and here we are nearing opening.
Here is what we know.
Opening Timeline
- Oct. 7, 2026 – Neighborhood Night: The Home Depot will host a public community event at The Willows featuring food trucks, live music and giveaways.
- Oct. 8, 2026 – The Home Depot Grand Opening: The new Home Depot will officially open at The Willows.
- Oct. 11, 2026 – Target Opening: The 128,000-square-foot Target will open three days after Home Depot. The store is expected to create more than 150 jobs and will include a Starbucks Café and CVS Pharmacy. Services will include Drive Up, Order Pickup and same-day delivery.
- Future – McDonald’s and Chuys: The businesses have obtained building permits, according to Cookeville Planning Director Jon Ward. No opening dates have been announced.
- Future – In-N-Out Burger: In-N-Out has received preliminary site plan approval but has not yet obtained a building permit. No opening date has been announced.
- The Willows Opening: The development is expected to come online in phases as individual tenants complete construction and open their businesses.
How We Got Here
CHM Construction, the Willows developer, also developed the Shoppes at Eagle Point on Interstate Drive.
“We have been working on bringing these two retail giants to Putnam County for several years, and it’s nice to finally see our efforts come to fruition. During my term as county mayor, these two retailers have been, by far, the most requested by our citizens. From day one, my goal has been to offer as many retail options here locally as possible, with large and small businesses both being important. It’s a win-win scenario when we can give so many of our citizens what they want while also keeping more of our sales tax dollars in our home county,” said Randy Porter, Putnam County Mayor at the time.
Cookeville City Manager James Mills has called the project long anticipated and great for the local economy.
“It is gratifying to see the long-anticipated development become a reality. We are most appreciative of Mike McGuffin and CHM’s commitment to Cookeville. The efforts of the City Council, the County Mayor and County Commission, our City Departments, and particularly Melinda Keiffer, our former Economic Development Coordinator and (Cookeville Planning Director) Jon Ward, our Director of Community Development, were vital in making this retail project happen. The economic impact of the Willows for the City of Cookeville will be substantial,” Mills said.
Why Target and Home Depot?
According to officials, the retailers prove Putnam’s ability to attract major brands.
Target has said the ongoing investments are intended to accelerate its strategy and drive billions of dollars in profitable sales growth. The company has identified several priorities, including:
- expanding its assortment
- strengthening its physical and digital shopping experiences
- improving fulfillment
- rewarding customers through Target Circle
“Shoppers continue to seek differentiated options and distinctive shopping experiences without sacrificing value and Target has the scale, strategy and capabilities to support all the ways consumers shop and engage with brands,” said Brian Cornell, chair and chief executive officer, Target. “With gains in consumer traffic, continuing improvements in speed and reliability, and accelerating growth across digital capabilities, we are doubling down on initiatives that scale these capabilities and drive meaningful top-line and bottom-line growth. Our strategy is all about creating today’s Tarzhay, offering everyday discovery and delight for millions of families, and ensuring Target is a consumer favorite for years to come.”
Home Depot will compete with Lowes. Competition is healthy and gives consumers options. At the end of its fourth quarter, Home Depot operated 2,347 retail stores and more than 780 branches across all 50 states and internationally, employing more than 470,000 people.
Will The Willows Be a Game-Changer?
Cookeville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Amy New believes so.
“This development ensures that money once spent outside our community is reinvested right here at home, benefiting local businesses, workers, and families for many years to come,” said New.
Officials believe the Willows will draw in customers far and wide. As for the traffic situation? That’s a conversation for another day.
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said it best in a report by the Tennessean.
"I think the Willows opens us up to a lot of other retail possibilities since we convinced these two big box retailers that we are more than a county of 85,000, we are a region of 350,000," Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter said.
UCBJ Photo.
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