MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target Corp. has opened 17 new stores in southwestern Ontario and plans to debut another four units in the province later this week.

Target Corp. has opened 17 new stores in southwestern Ontario and plans to debut another four units in the province later this week.

The soft openings of the 21 stores follow the launch of three pilot stores in the Ontario towns of Guelph, Milton and Fergus. Target executives say the new stores will let the company continue to engage in volume testing to ensure stores are prepared to deliver what they feel is "the true Target brand experience."

"Welcoming the first Canadian guests at our pilot stores was a great moment for all team members at Target," Target Canada president Tony Fisher says. "We have learned quickly from the results of our pilot stores and are committed to delivering on Target’s “Expect More. Pay Less.” brand promise as we approach our grand opening in early April."

Target plans to open 124 stores across Canada throughout 2013.