Target to close one of its Sterling Heights stores

One of Target's Sterling Heights locations is closing, according to a notice filed with the State of Michigan.

The store at 35700 Van Dyke Ave. is shuttering its doors June 1 in a move that is affecting 136 employees, according to a letter from Target Corp.

Eligible workers have been offered transfer opportunities to other stores in the area, Target spokeswoman Jacqueline DeBuse said. Those who choose not to transfer will be offered a separation package based on their years of experience at the company.

Target also has a store at 2310 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights. There are 18 other stores in Metro Detroit. That store will stay open.

DeBuse said that typically stores are closed after several years of decreasing profitability.

"We have a rigorous process in place to evaluate the performance of every store on a regular basis, closing or relocating underperforming locations to maintain the overall health of our business," she said.

The Minneapolis-based retailer reported same-store sales rose 5.7 percent during the holiday season, though brick-and-mortar stores have faced challenges as online shopping grows.

On Wednesday, Sterling Heights described the soon-to-be-vacated 10,000 square-foot store site "ripe for redevelopment," and said that it's collaborating with the Wichita, Kansas-based landowner, Walter Morris Companies, on the future of the property.

Mayor Michael Taylor said, in a statement, that the city is "disappointed" in the closure, but "relieved to hear the employees will be offered alternate employment with Target and no one will be left without a job."

bnoble@detroitnews.com