Sunday, March 15, 2015

New at Target: Target Collective

Today Target introduces Target Collective, the retailer’s first curated design-focused collection tailored to men. According to A Bullseye View, this limited-edition assortment – a mix of the brands’ existing products and items co-created in partnership with Target’s internal design team – provides access to impeccably-crafted, U.S.A.-made goods including hand-tooled leather belts, durable canvas bags, graphic tees and irreverent stationery from partners Billykirk, Owen & Fred, Taylor Stitch, Duluth Pack, Locally Grown and Terrapin Stationers.

All of the Target Collective brands have compelling “About Us” tales to tell, from Duluth Pack’s 19th-century heritage to Terrapin’s triumph over the digital age. And Billykirk was founded by two brothers with a passion for built-to-last leather goods that get better with age. Priced from $10 to $270, Target Collective will be available on Target.com starting March 15.

My take, after viewing the products online, is as follows:

Billykirk seems to have some nice handcrafted leathergoods, which is reflected in their price points.  
Owen & Fred has some fun, kitchy men's accessories, a few of which (like the luggage tag and laundry bag) can be unisex. 
Taylor Stitch may be well made and durable, but at $45 for a plain t-shirt and $98 for a pair of chinos, I don't think this stuff is going to fly off of shelves. 
Duluth Pack has even higher price points than Billykirk, mostly $100 and up. It may be "handcrafted since 1882", but I'm not sure it fits Target's demographic. 
Locally Grown is a selection of t-shirts and trucker hats, reasonable priced. 
And Terrapin Stationers has some cute offerings, but they cost at least double what Target's in-house stationery costs (and Target's brands have some quirky, fun motifs of their own).

Overall, I think this is a collection aimed at gifts for dads & grads, and a niche few who may want something handcrafted and original. But if that's the case, then why not just order directly from these retailers vs. Target?

7 comments:

Amy said...

Duluth Pack is a great product! I'm excited to see what they get at Target!

Mel said...

Yes, Duluth Pack is great. I live in Minnesota and it is a big deal around here. They have a couple of their own stores but are expensive. It goes along with the Minnesota made products such as Fairbault products. Men also go crazy for the Red Wing shoes/boots that are Minnesota Made.

I love your blog!

Critifur said...

Meh, still nothing I want.

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