Big changes are coming to Sanford, North Carolina.
After years of rumors and questions, plans are moving forward to bring a Target to the Riverbirch Shopping Center. The project will give the older shopping center a major makeover and add new places to shop, eat, and spend time.
Target may be the name getting the most attention, but it is only one part of Sanford’s growing retail story. Other national businesses are also exploring locations in the area.
For people who already live in Sanford, these projects could make everyday errands more convenient. For homebuyers and investors, they are another sign that Sanford continues to grow.
Is Target Really Coming to Sanford?
Yes. Target is officially included in the plans for the redevelopment of Riverbirch Shopping Center near U.S. 1 and Spring Lane.
The Sanford Area Growth Alliance announced in April 2026 that the agreement to bring Target to the center had been completed. Demolition and site work have also started. Current estimates suggest the Target could open as early as 2027, although construction schedules can change.
For Sanford residents who have been driving to nearby cities for Target shopping, this is welcome news.
It is also a major step forward for a shopping center that has needed new life for years.
What Is Planned for the Riverbirch Redevelopment?
The Riverbirch project is expected to include an investment of about $64 million. Plans call for a complete redevelopment of the aging commercial property rather than a few small updates.
The project is expected to bring:
- A Target anchor store
- A new-to-the-area regional grocery store
- At least 62,000 square feet of additional retail space
- New restaurant and shopping opportunities
- Updated parking, roads, utilities, and other site improvements
The grocery store has not yet been publicly named. Additional tenants may also be announced as construction moves forward.
That means the final Riverbirch lineup could continue to grow between now and the expected opening.
Is Olive Garden Coming to Sanford?
Olive Garden has been connected to another proposed retail project in Sanford, but it is not currently listed as part of the Riverbirch redevelopment.
In April 2026, reports indicated that Olive Garden, Whataburger, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Ulta Beauty were considering or pursuing locations at Adams Village. That development is planned along N.C. 87, south of Walmart.
These businesses have generated plenty of local excitement, but plans can change during the development and approval process. Until the companies make formal announcements, they should be viewed as possible tenants rather than guaranteed openings.
Even so, interest from well-known national brands says something important about Sanford. Large retailers and restaurants are paying attention to the city’s growth.
Why Are More Businesses Choosing Sanford?
Sanford has become an attractive location because it offers room to grow while keeping residents connected to several larger employment centers.
The city is positioned between the Triangle, the Sandhills, and the Fort Bragg region. Residents can reach Raleigh, Cary, Pittsboro, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, and Fayetteville without living in the middle of a larger city.
Sanford also offers a mix of established neighborhoods, new construction communities, rural properties, and homes with more land. That variety attracts buyers with many different needs.
As more people move to the area, demand grows for shopping, restaurants, services, and entertainment. New retail often follows residential and job growth.
The Riverbirch and Adams Village projects reflect that larger pattern.
What Could This Mean for Sanford Homeowners?
New stores do not automatically cause home values to rise. Real estate values depend on many factors, including location, condition, supply, demand, interest rates, and nearby sales.
However, strong commercial investment can make an area more appealing.
Homebuyers often consider how close a home is to:
- Grocery stores and everyday shopping
- Restaurants and entertainment
- Medical offices
- Schools and childcare
- Major roads
- Employment centers
When a community gains more of these conveniences, buyers may take a closer look at homes nearby.
Current homeowners may also enjoy a better quality of life. A shorter trip for groceries, household supplies, dinner, or weekend shopping can make daily routines easier.
What Should Sanford Homebuyers Know?
The excitement around Target and other proposed businesses may encourage more people to explore Sanford. But choosing the right home requires more than looking at a map and finding the closest shopping center.
Different parts of Sanford offer different lifestyles.
Some buyers want to be close to shopping and major roads. Others prefer a quieter neighborhood, a golf community, a new construction home, or a property with more acreage. Buyers can also browse current Sanford homes for sale to see what is available near the city’s growing shopping and employment areas.
Buyers can also compare established communities such as Carolina Trace with newer neighborhoods such as West Preserve and Sunset Ridge. Each area offers a different mix of home styles, amenities, location, and price points, so working with a local expert can make it easier to narrow down the best fit.
A local real estate professional can help you compare:
- Commute times
- New and established neighborhoods
- Current home prices
- New construction options
- Property taxes
- Planned development
- Resale potential
- Distance from shopping and services
Property Pros Group works throughout Sanford and the surrounding Central North Carolina region. The team helps buyers understand the local housing market, explore available homes, compare new construction, and make informed decisions based on their goals—not just the latest headline.
Could the New Development Affect Home Sellers?
It may create new opportunities for sellers, especially as more people begin searching for information about living in Sanford. Property owners who are considering a move can explore Property Pros Group’s Sanford-area seller resources.
Someone who first hears about Target, BJ’s, or a new restaurant may become curious about the community as a whole. That search can lead them to Sanford neighborhoods and homes for sale.
Still, sellers should not rely on retail news alone.
A successful sale starts with understanding:
- What similar homes have recently sold for
- How much competition is currently on the market
- Which improvements matter to buyers
- How the home should be priced
- How to market the property’s location and nearby conveniences
Property Pros Group can help Sanford homeowners evaluate their position in the current market and build a selling plan around real local data.
Sanford Is Becoming More Convenient Without Losing Its Local Character
The arrival of Target will be a major milestone, but national stores are only part of what makes Sanford appealing.
The city also has a growing downtown, local restaurants, parks, community events, nearby outdoor recreation, and a strong connection to Lee County’s history.
That balance matters.
Residents can enjoy more shopping and dining options while still supporting the local businesses that give Sanford its personality.
The new developments are not simply about having more stores. They are part of Sanford’s continued change from a smaller town into a growing Central North Carolina destination.
Thinking About Making a Move in Sanford?
The Riverbirch redevelopment and other proposed retail projects show that businesses see long-term potential in Sanford.
Homebuyers are noticing that potential, too.
Whether you are relocating, buying your first home, searching for new construction, investing, or preparing to sell, Property Pros Group can help you understand what is happening beyond the headlines.
Their local experience can help you compare neighborhoods, evaluate homes, follow new development, and make a move with greater confidence.
Explore Sanford homes for sale or contact Property Pros Group to get local guidance based on your plans.
Development plans, tenant lists, and opening dates are subject to change. Information in this article reflects public reports available as of July 2026.