Target delays opening of Auburn store until 2022

This week the Buzz is working, voting and waiting until 2022.

First up: The opening of the Target store in Auburn has been delayed.

First announced last December as bound for the former Kmart on Center Street, the retailer was initially eyeing an opening this fall in time for the holiday season.

Kmart held the lease on 603 Center St. through June. Target started a $9.6 million renovation in July that adds almost 2,000 square feet, bringing the building to 110,763 square feet, according to its development review application.

A company spokeswoman said she could confirm that the opening is now slated for “later next year.”

“We’re excited to bring an easy, safe and convenient shopping experience to new guests in the Auburn community with this new Target store,” she said in an email. “As we get closer to opening the store, we’ll have more specific details to share – including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests and the grand opening date.”

PEOPLE TO RAVE ABOUT

Voting is open through Sept. 10 for Uplift LA’s renamed Finest Under 40 awards.

Twenty-three people in all were nominated across its nine categories. The Finest Under 40 website includes a head shot, brief bio and the nominators’ comments, which make for an uplifting read:

” . . .it was evident from the beginning she would be a star.”

“Her patients rave about their communication and family-focused interaction . . .”

“He has done a tremendous work in education and workforce for our local community.”

Voting culminates with an awards ceremony in November.

FAST STATS

Maine clocked in at No. 32 this week on WalletHub’s “2021’s Hardest-Working States in America.”

The state came in at No. 7 when only “indirect work factors” were measured: commute times, people with multiple jobs, volunteer hours and leisure time per day.

In another study, Maine ranked 5th in the country in Lensa’s “American Work-Life Balance Index” behind Utah, Vermont, Montana and Wyoming.

There must be something to the rural life . . .

Finally, Maine has the 7th least credit card debt in the country, according to a new report by Self.inc.

The credit card delinquency rate here is an average 6.85% compared to 9.24% nationally, credit card balance $2,610 per capita compared to $2,970 nationally and average credit score 721 compared to 710 nationally.

Quick hits about business comings, goings and happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact staff writer Kathryn Skelton at 689-2844 or kskelton@sunjournal.com.