Target's expansion into Canada is continuing in big way over the next two weeks as the American retailer opens 21 new stores in Ontario.

On Tuesday, Target is opening 17 stores in various communities across the province, while four more will be opened on March 28, adding to the three pilot stores launched earlier in Guelph, Milton and Fergus, Ont.

Tuesday's openings (March 19) include Target stores at Centerpoint Mall and East York Town Centre in Toronto, as well as Cloverdale Mall in Etobicoke, Shoppers World Brampton and Milcroft Centre in Burlington. Four other GTA locations will open on Thursday, March 28.

Overall, Target plans to open 124 stores across Canada throughout 2013.

``The soft openings follow the launch of three pilot stores and will allow Target to continue to engage in volume testing to ensure stores are prepared to deliver the true Target brand experience to guests ahead of grand opening in early April,'' the company said in a release.

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) operates almost 1,800 stories in the United States in addition to its new Canadian stores, many of which are at being set up at locations formerly occupied by Zellers stores.

(The Canadian Press)