Target Drops "Express" and "City" Branding...

Between TargetExpress and CityTarget, the country’s No. 2 big box retailer appears to have the mini urban store market down. But when you operate three similarly named stores, there’s bound to be a bit of confusion, right? Apparently that’s the case for Target, which now plans to rebrand its smaller-format stores to simply "Target".

Consumerist reports that the retailer has announced it will drop the “Express” and “City” designation from its smaller stores’ names in favor of its traditional – and more widely recognized – moniker beginning in October.

While the company’s announcement doesn’t specify that the changes were made because of confusion regarding the smaller format stores’ names, a spokesperson tells the Star Tribune the rebranding is an effort to clarify that the mini stores are in fact real Target locations.

“It’s about a simplified experience for our guests,” Erika Winkels, a Target spokeswoman, said. “It also helps guests understand that you’re not only limited to what’s in the four walls of that store.”

When Target first began experimenting with the mini-store concept it said the locations would be about 15% of the size of a standard Target discount store, and fit into former urban grocery stores.

Kim Richards Busted for Shoplifting at Target...

Apparently former reality TV star Kim Richards loves Target a little too much, as she was arrested for shoplifting there earlier this week. According to Us Magazine, Kim was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 2, after she was caught shoplifting from a Target store in San Fernando Valley, CA.

The Van Nuys Police Department confirmed to Us Weekly that Richards, 50, was suspected of walking out of the store with close to $600 worth of items in her cart. She was apprehended at about 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon, and placed under citizen's arrest. According to authorities, Richards spent the night in jail and was released yesterday (Monday, Aug. 3) on $5,000 bail.

Her ailing ex-husband, Monty Brinson, told Entertainment Tonight late Monday that he was surprised by the shoplifting claims. "I couldn't imagine Kim stealing or shoplifting anything. She is a giver," he told the site. "I am in complete shock. Guaranteed this must be some kind of mistake, and the facts will come out soon. She was arrested for shoplifting toys in a cart, but this was a clear misunderstanding. This was not alcohol or drug related." 

This isn't Richards' first brush with the law. This past April, the former child actress was arrested on charges of public intoxication, battery, and resisting arrest, after causing a ruckus at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Ava & Viv Fall Lookbook

Racked reports that Target's new and improved trendy plus-size collection Ava & Viv is back for Fall, this time with advice and design inspiration from fashion bloggers Gabi Gregg, Nicolette Mason, and Chastity Garner-Valentine. The three bloggers once again appear in Target's just-released lookbook for the collection, which features pieces that stick around the $20 to $30 mark (aside from a $10 tee and a few $44.99 jackets).

You can view individual pieces via slideshow on A Bullseye View, or go to Racked to see fully pulled-together outfits (like the one shown here). The Fall line lands in stores and on Target.com starting on August 15th and will be in stores through October.

Product Review: Mr Beams Motion Sensing Lights

Recently the folks at Mr Beams - manufacturer of motion-sensor lights - reached out to me to see if I'd be willing to review their products (sold at Target). I was happy to do so, with the caveat that my review would be fair and unbiased (although they did provide the products for me to review free of charge). And was I quite happy I did. This is one of those "why didn't I think of that?" products. Or maybe "wow, I didn't realize I needed these, but now I can't live without them!".

I reviewed the LED Anywhere Light (shown here), the LED Spotlight, and the LED Ultra-bright Spotlight. They also make an LED Ceiling Light, which I'm considering installing in my closet. All of these are highly rated on Target.com, and I rate them high as well for ease of use, simplicity to install, and superior functionality.

The Anywhere Light is as-named: a small, lightweight light you can put just about anywhere you want (or need) some extra light. It could be used in a closet, a dark hallway or stairway, as a nightlight in the bathroom - anywhere you need illumination. Right now I'm using mine in a linen closet which doubles as my storage space for scarves, belts and handbags. At night I used to need a flashlight in there, but not no more with the Mr Beams Anywhere Light.

The Mr Beams Spotlight and Ultra-bright Spotlight shine bright light right where you need it, with 140 lumens for the regular and 300 lumens for the Ultra-bright. Both are weatherproof, too, which makes them perfect additions to your patio, backyard or driveway so you never have to walk to your car or take out the trash in the dark again. I am already thinking of other places I can use Mr Beams...  from my garage and laundry room to the garden to prevent critters like raccoons digging up my plants.

All of Mr Beams lights are battery-powered, so all you do is insert batteries, mount it where you want it, and that's it. The built-in photocell activates the motion sensor only after the sun has set or the lights go out. Best of all, Mr Beams lights are well priced at just $10.99 - $29.99 each.

Mr Beams products are available on Target.com and in Target stores nationwide. One thing to note: you'll find them in the home security/smoke alarm aisle - not in the lighting section. Be sure to check out the Mr Beams Facebook page for special promotions and discounts. And check out my blog later this week for a special reader giveaway featuring a Mr Beams product!

Target BOGO: All Women's Xhilaration Apparel

Target is having a BOGO - buy one, get one 50% off - on all Xhilaration brand women's apparel this week. Besides the mini-dresses shown here, they have plenty of other offerings, like flared pants, trapeze tops, and maxi skirts. And I was in Target yesterday and saw some really cute Xhilaration flared dresses - this year's version of the one I raved about last Summer.

Consumer Alert: The Honest Company Sunscreen

Jessica Alba's billion dollar start-up, The Honest Company, might known for its organic and "safe" baby and household products, sold on her website and also at retailers like Target. But furious parents are saying the company's sunscreen doesn't work.

According to Business Insider, Chicago mother Gretta Stabler purchased The Honest Company's SPF 30 sunscreen at Costco (shown here, and also available at Target). During a recent trip to the pool, she applied sunscreen to her 6-year-old daughter Maggie four times, Stabler claims.

"She got really burned on her arms, shoulders, legs face, pretty much everywhere. I was angry," Stabler said. The Food and Drug Administration told NBC that companies are responsible for testing the effectiveness of their own products. The company says the product was tested by an independent third party, and is safe when its used properly, NBC reported. The Honest Company recently reduced the amount of zinc, an ingredient that protects skin from the sun, according to NBC. The company says it added other ingredients instead.

Amazon reviews for the sunscreen are largely negative. About 57% of the 135 people who reviewed the product gave it one star. Target.com's reviews are a bit kinder, and complain more about the sticky/greasy feeling the product leaves vs. the lack of sun protection. But with so many great sunscreens on the market to choose from, my advice would be to avoid this one until the folks at The Honest Company work out the issues with the ingredients.

Target Debuts New Denim...

Target’s team of designers recently went to work to completely overhaul their denim assortment. The result? New styles and revamped fits, fabrics and finishes—comparable to what you’d find at a high-end department store—all for $30 or less.

“Whether you’re dressing them up for work or dressing them down for the weekend, we want our guests to know that when it comes to denim, Target’s got you covered,” explains Julie Guggemos, senior vice president, Product Design and Development at Target. “Our team has obsessed over every last detail, ensuring that when you put on a pair of our jeans, you’ll not only look great, but you’ll feel great, too. And with each pair under $30, I’m confident that we’re offering value that simply can’t be beat.”

According to A Bullseye View, Target’s new denim assortment includes something for everyone. Treatments like whiskering and rip and repair, plus indigo-alternative colors—think white, grey and black—provide options for all personalities. Trendy joggers, overalls and denim skirts—alongside traditional bootcut, skinny and boyfriend styles—provide options for any occasion or body type. And for a limited time, you can get $10 off your denim purchase (either in-store or online at Target.com) with the promo code TRYON10.