The store, which is part of the Gateway Properties shopping mall development in Wilson Street, opens at 9am tomorrow.

Horsham Target Country's 13 staff will move from Firebrace Street to the store.

Another 70 Wimmera people will also join Target's staff.

Mrs Bourke said the new Horsham business showed confidence in the region's economy.

She said national brands such as Target based their decisions to go to an area based on population and economic ability.

"It demonstrates that it's not just Horsham that's considered, but that people will travel significant distances to Horsham,'' she said.

"That will stop people going to Ballarat or Bendigo or Melbourne instead.''

Mrs Bourke said the drought had deterred businesses from investing in the Wimmera.

"We're starting to see a significant step-up of investment from these businesses which brings Horsham into line with other regional centres,'' she said.

Mrs Bourke said smaller family businesses might be concerned by Target's presence.

But she expected the businesses would receive spin-off service from people who travelled to the area for Target.

The store is the first full-line Target in the Wimmera and features the company's new store layout for the first time outside Melbourne.

Horsham Target Country manager Tracey Focroul joins the new store as the service and selling support manager.

She said the 80 staff members had helped fit out the store, helping them to learn the layout.

She said the staff - all from the Wimmera - were dedicated and excited about the new venture.

"It wasn't experience we looked for but their attitude,'' she said.

"We've got little kids who are 15 to grandparents. People who haven't worked before to ones who have changed careers.''

District manager Geraldine Cumberbatch said the new store featured the newest fittings. She said the store appealed to both customers and staff.

"It's absolutely exciting for the team,'' she said. "It's got the latest and greatest everything.''

Mrs Cumberbatch said the store used 'sight lines' to make it easy to navigate for customers.

The Horsham store measures 3100 square metres and includes three fitting rooms, beauty advisers, fashion stylists and bra and shoe fitters.

There is also a dedicated fitness area with men's and women's active wear, fitness equipment and accessories.

Horsham Mayor David Grimble said the development was positive for the region.

"The new store will provide employment to 83 members of our community, as well as being a convenient fashion destination for many customers.''

Mrs Focroul said Target would open tomorrow and Friday from 9am to 9pm, Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.