EVERETT — The Everett Target store is undergoing remodeling to expand its grocery section and upgrade several other departments.

The biggest change in its grocery section will be the addition of a produce area.

“We’re excited to be bringing fresh produce to Target,” said Dan Mozzich,

who is in charge of the remodel. “There will also be more food available in the store.”

Mozzich said Target will be expanding the rest of its dry grocery section to add a larger variety of items.

He said Target isn’t adding to its square footage in Everett; it’s just remodeling the existing store. It will remain open during the remodeling and expects to be done before Oct. 9.

In addition to adding produce, Target is developing a new shoe department, an upgraded destination home section and an updated baby section during the remodeling.

Groceries have helped Target compete against other large retailers such as Wal-Mart and have also helped with the bottom line. In its most recent quarterly earnings report, Target said grocery sales had helped increase profits.

Last year, Target spent about $500 million to retrofit many of its stores with new grocery sections. Of its 1,750 stores, about 450 have grocery areas.

The company is hoping to encourage shoppers in the store to also pick up some groceries while they’re there.

The move has paid off.

Sales and traffic at Targets with grocery stores have increased in comparison to similar stores without them.