Target tries "reverse showrooming"...

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Target’s electronics departments are a getting a makeover in order to combat "showrooming", where consumers check out products in-store but then shop for a better price online.

The Bullseye recently remodeled the electronic departments in several of its stores with waist-height, bright white tables and displays —  similar in style to Apple stores —  to give shoppers more hands-on experience with the products. And it comes at a time when electronics sellers are seeing a major shift in product mix as the space that used to be devoted to cameras — which are declining in sales — gives way to square footage for cellphones. Putting phones directly in the hands of customers is a reaction to the showrooming trend and competition from online retailers such as Amazon.com, said Chris Christopher, an analyst at IHS Global Insight.

Target is testing the format to give customers a more convenient way to interact with products and services, said spokeswoman Erica Julkowski. “Guests are looking for more interactive ways to make purchasing decisions about the latest technology.” 

The hope is that the test departments will create “reverse showrooming.” That occurs when customers do preliminary research online at CNET or the phone carrier’s site, then go to the retailer to buy. It’s easier to compare features and check reviews online, but bricks-and-mortar stores can put the phone in their hands faster (assuming it’s in stock) and fulfill consumer's instant gratification.

Clearance Alert: Phillip Lim for Target

Just one month since 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target debuted in stores, the collection (what's left of it) is already on clearance in stores at 30% off. I can't recall another Target designer collab that's gone on sale so quickly, can you? Since I haven't worn my floral peplum top yet, I found one on sale in my size, and will return the full-priced one later this week. Other than that, the selection at my store seemed heavy on the sequin-trim dresses (in both black and blue), the trench coats and the white ruffle-front tops.

To note: this clearance is limited to stores only. On Target.com, everything is still at full price. Also: I only saw the clothing on sale at my local store, with no accessories (bags and scarves) in sight.

Double-Take: Mossimo vs. Ash

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Target and match it against a similar - yet pricer - piece. Today's edition features two trendy black-suede fringe booties, first spied by The Budget Babe in another color. But one of them is by Ash (available on AmazonUK.com) for £165.00 (or around $260 in US dollars) whereas the other is by Mossimo (at Target) and clocks in at a much more wallet-friendly $29.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Macy's joins Target in opening early for Black Friday...

Macy's is joining the Black Friday fray with their announcement that they will open on Thanksgiving for the first time in their 155 year history. As you may recall, Target started opening at midnight on Thanksgiving back in 2011. But Macy's is one-upping The Bullseye in two ways: first, Macy's will open earlier than Target - at 8pm at most store locations. Secondly, Macy's is already previewing some of their Black Friday deals on their Pinterest Page (whereas Target typically doesn't release their Black Friday specials until the week before Thanksgiving).

I personally find this sad. I don't shop on Thanksgiving, and I don't plan on starting to. What about you, readers? Are you happy that more stores are opening on Turkey Day?

Target out of Tums? Try Trojans instead.

Consumerist has covered Target’s past product substitutions – from telling customers that a flash drive is comparable to a flash bulb, or to just buy a mirror instead of that scale you were looking for. But this one takes the cake: Reader LB alerted me that Target is now suggesting you buy some Trojan condoms when your favorite cherry flavor of Tums is out of stock.

Why does Target do this? Well the intent is to offer customers a comparable item at the same price when something unexpectedly sells out. A Target employee once gave Consumerist this explanation: “A substitution isn’t a real substitution; it’s Target’s way of saying “we have no more of this, and we have a rain check for you, but we’re going to immediately put something else on sale that you might also enjoy.’ Stores actually get graded on how many substitutions are attached to rain checks. The more substitutions, the higher the score, and the higher the score ranks in their region.”

But obviously, not all Target Team Members take the substitution process seriously, which is why this particular one may be a case of a Target employee messing with us. As shown in this thread on Reddit (where the photo first surfaced) several Target Team Members comment that they purposely sub “the first thing I see out of laziness” or deliberately “pick the weirdest sub I can.”

Halloween inspiration...

Remember the Chris March for Target "Big Fun" wigs I told you about last month? Well if you're looking for some inspiration on how to incorporate them into your Halloween costume, then head on over to Chris March's Facebook page for great pictures (like this one) of Chris and his friends rocking the wigs. You can also check out this WSJ article with more pictures from Target's recent launch party for the "Big Fun" line, held in an elaborately decorated haunted house.

Double-Take: Worlds Away vs. Threshold

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Target and match it against a similar - yet pricer - designer piece. Today we're looking at two sleek beveled-mirror side tables, both with a functional drawer. At first glance, they're almost identical... except one is by Worlds Away (at Zinc Door) and will set you back over $800, whereas the other is by Threshold (at Target) and only costs $89.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.