Shopping strategies for the NM/Target Holiday Collection…

Good Morning America just did a story about yesterday’s Neiman Marcus/Target Pop-up Shop, and it sounds like the lines were long in NYC.  Target executives commented that they’ve taken measures to avoid the website-crashing issues of last year’s Missoni frenzy, and they also stated that this time they will have more inventory available both in stores and online.  That said, it’s still unclear exactly WHEN items will be available for sale on Target.com.  According to The Recessionista, ”Target says via their Target Style Facebook page only that the collection will be available in the “early morning” hours of Dec. 1. …which could be anywhere from 1 am EST to 6 am EST, so the timing is rather vague.” 

For those of you who want to shop in person, Target stores will open Saturday at 8am (as usual) and Neiman Marcus stores will open early tomorrow at 8am to launch the collection.  I had been wondering about that, since NM usually doesn’t open until 10am.  I’m also wondering whether there will be ONE section in the store for all the items in the collection, or whether they’ll be sprinkled throughout the store.  If past collabs provide a clue, then the items will be spread out around the store, which will make them harder to find.  Regarding purchase limits, NM states that shoppers won’t be limited on the total number of items they can buy in store, but purchase quantities will be limited to 5 of any single item.   I assume that Target has similar limits in place.*

As for me, I’ll probably stick to shopping online for this collection.  I lived through the Missoni madness, and don’t want to experience that again! I do like the Tory Burch lunchbox featured in yesterday's blog post, as well as this Oscar de la Renta bag, but neither are "must haves" for me.

*UPDATE - Target has the same item limit in place, plus they state this on their website: Items from the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection must be returned by January 5th, 2013. Target will only accept collection items purchased at Target stores or Target.com.  Food for thought if you're buying items from the collection to give as Christmas gifts, as you (or the recipient) only has until 1/5/13 to return items vs. Target's normal 90-day return policy.

Target + Neiman Marcus Pop-Up Shop today in NYC...

Jonesing to get your hands on the much-buzzed about Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection?  Well if you live in NYC (or are travelling there today) you're in luck, because before the line hits stores nationwide on Dec. 1, New Yorkers can score the hot collection today at the retailers’ one-day only pop-up shop.

The designer collaboration features over 50 limited-edition accessories, home goods and fashions from top designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Tracy Reese, and more.  The items range from $7.99 to $499.99, but most accessories come in at a gift-able price points, like this Tory Burch lunch box ($19.99) and thermos (for $24.99).

Doors open at 9 a.m. at 530 Fifth Ave in New York City.  And note: each shopper at the New York pop-up store will be limited to five total items.

Fab Find: Merona Green Blouse

I've been looking for something in this lush green - which I'd describe as Jade, but Target calls Fern - since I saw a dress in this exact color in store.  I loved the color, just not the dress, so the hunt was on for something else in the same shade. In perusing Target's site, I found this gorgeous blouse... and of course, it was listed as "currently unavailable" in all sizes.  But as luck would have it, I was able to find it on clearance at a local store (despite the fact that their crappy 'find in store' tool stated there were none available within 100 miles). It did take me 3 stores to find my size, but once I did, I scored it for 50% off!  It reminds me of something you'd see from Kate Spade, but at a fraction of the cost.

New at Target: Threshold's Upstate Holiday Decor Collection

As I've blogged about before, it's hard to keep up with all the home decor collections at Target these days.  Not only do they have the Nate Berkus line in stores, but the Threshold line continues to be updated on what almost seems to be a weekly basis.  Now Target has introduced their Upstate Holiday Decor Collection (from Threshold)  described as aimed at "both the traditionalists and modernists out there", it puts "charming twists on classic Christmas prints, patterns and icons".

While I really like the Threshold line, my advice is if you see something you like, buy it immediately.  Don't wait for it to go on sale, hope to see it at another Target store, or try to find it on their website.  I've found the Threshold inventory to be really spotty; different stores carry different items, and I've often found things in stores that aren't carried on Target.com. 

Target partners with Sam & Libby

In what may be their oddest designer pairing yet (and I use the word 'designer' liberally here) Target has announced it will partner with shoemakers Sam & Libby.  According to the official press release,  "Sam & Libby for Target features 20 styles of contemporary women’s footwear. Starting at $24.99, the newly re-launched line will include everything from sandals and flats to patterned wedges and pumps. The collection will update with fresh styles each season."

“Sam and Libby are pioneers in the footwear industry, and this partnership delivers the designer fashion and affordable prices our guests love finding at Target,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president of apparel and accessories, Target. “The attention to detail reflected in each style is incredible, and we look forward to adding Sam & Libby for Target to our roster of exclusive brands.” The Sam & Libby for Target collection will debut on May 5th, 2013. 

Don't get me wrong: Sam & Libby used to be huge.  Like back in 1987... and they probaby hit their height in 1991 (around the same time they used this logo, shown). Which makes this "re-launch" of the brand with the Bullseye a bit strange.  What's next?  A resurgence of Member's Only jackets available exclusively at Target?  Wait, cancel that: believe it or not, I just Googled it and Target already sells Member's Only.

Who took all the color from Converse?

Have any of you checked out the Converse One Star section in the womens department at Target lately?  If so, then it looks like this: a drab collection of black, navy, and varying shades of gray.  The Converse collection has looked like this for quite a while now, and a quick online search of their mens section shows pretty much the same color palette.  Note to Converse: please bring the color back!  I really like some of your current styles (like this pullover with the asymmetrical hem) but not in boring black or gray.

Cyber Monday is here!

Cyber Monday is here, readers!  Are you shopping online today?  And if so, is Target.com one of your stops?  It looks like Target's "Cyber Sale" actually started yesterday (Sunday) and includes deals like this 46" Westinghouse LCD flatscreen TV for $200 off (at $379.00, regularly $579.00).

Or are you - like me - waiting to spend your money on Target's holiday collab with Neiman-Marcus? [Which, as a reminder, starts this Saturday, Dec. 1st].  I'm curious as to whether this collection will cause the same frenzy as Missoni did, or whether it might fall flat in the midst of holiday sales from other retailers - ? 

Has Gray Thursday replaced Black Friday?

With so many stores - like Target - now kicking their doors open on Thanksgiving Day, the holiday has a new name: Gray Thursday.  But with Walmart workers planning to strike in protest, the backlash has begun against this rampant consumerism. Shown here is a banner ad from JC Penney that a friend of mine posted on Facebook this week.  JCP is leading the charge against the new eat-then-shop holiday, saying it's going to "honor" tradition by closing stores on Thanksgiving and not open until Black Friday.  JCP is even opening its stores two hours later this year - at 6am, vs. 4am last year - and I applaud them for taking this stance.

Tuesday's Rant: Target's 'Find in Store' Feature

On Tuesdays I sometimes take the opportunity to rant about something I do not like about Target… because although I love ‘em to death, they ain’t perfect.  Today's rant is about Target's "Find in Store" feature on their website... which I've probably ranted about before but it sucks so bad it bears mentioning again.  After finding this Merona wrap sweater dress in Charcoal Gray on clearance at my local store, I really wanted to try to find it in Purple.  So I went to Target's website, plugged in my zipcode and desired color and size, and viola! - the Sunnyvale store supposedly had it in "limited stock".  That's not the closest store to me, but I decided to try it anyhow.  Unfortunately, not only did they not have my size, they didn't have any of these dresses left in ANY color or size.  This isn't the first time this has happened to me; in fact, I can't think of one occasion that the "Find in Store" feature has been correct.  So buyer beware: don't be surprised if this feature doesn't work for you, either.

New at Target: Mickey and Minnie Method

While perusing the Method aisle the other day, I came across these adorable "Micky Mouse" and "Minnie Mouse" foaming hand wash bottles for kids (as well as Disney fans, young and old).  The "Mickey" version comes in Lemonade, and the "Minnie" comes in Strawberry Fizz.  I love the shape of the bottle, and if helps encourage kids to remember to wash their hands, even better.

PS: fans of Method's limited edition with Orla Kiely, take note - there's not much stock left (at least at my local stores) so stock up now while you can.  Method is also selling the Orla versions of its foaming hand wash and gel hand wash on its website (at $3.99 each).

Is Jemma Kidd leaving Target?

Jemma Kidd's beauty brand JK Jemma Kidd seems to be disapparing from Target's shelves, which leads me to believe that the Bullseye is phasing it out.  I snapped this pic of what's left of the collection at the Redwood City, CA store on clearance; the official JK section in the beauty department is already gone.  And like Nouveau Cheap, I saw an entire JK endcap on clearance at another local store.  Jemma Kidd's line has been at Target since 2008, and there still seems to be a few items available (still at full price) on Target.com.  I wonder if the partnership has simply run its course - ?  Whatever the reason, better buy up your favorite items now before they're gone for good.

Target's new holiday ads almost just like their old ones...

Last month I told you that Target has scrapped the "Crazy Christmas Lady" commercials they've used over the past few holiday seasons.  But ironically, Target now has a new series of commercials featuring "The Target Deals Duet", with not one but two perky characters pushing the Bullseye holiday specials.  You can view "Let's Go Together" here on YouTube, and I've seen at least two other commercials with the annoying duo.

Target's 2012 Black Friday Ad...

Thanks to BFAds.net, we can preview Target's Black Friday Ad now (vs. waiting until next week).  Target's full color Black Friday ad flyer contains 32 pages of deals that begin at 9pm on Thanksgiving night, an hour after Walmart and Sears open their doors. At least The Bullseye gives shoppers an extra hour to finish their turkey and pumpkin pie. But like other retailers, Target will stagger its Black Friday deals throughout the evening and early morning hours.

Most of the best deals seem to be on electronics: laptops, cameras, flat screen TVs, etc.  And while many consumer-watch sites out there cite Target's 2012 doorbuster deals nowhere near as good as those at Walmart or Best Buy, Target traditionally has less of a crowd, and less pushing and shoving to get to the best deals. As a result,shoppers feel they have a better chance of finding doorbusters in stock at Target as compared with other stores.

New at Target: Sonia Kashuk's Holiday 2012 Line

Just in time for the holidays, Sonia Kashuk's Holiday 2012 Collection is hitting stores and is already available online at Target.com.  My favorites include (shown from left to right):
* Crown Jewels Elastic Headband
* 24 Karat Brush Set
* Gilded Cage Brush Set
* Formal Affair Face Palette

Fab Find: Mossimo Sequined Sweater

Want something festive - but not too fussy - to wear to those upcoming holiday parties?  Then check out this fab little sequin-trimmed sweater from Mossimo.   In classic cream and white, the sequins look like they're "raining" onto the body of the sweater. Or -  if you crave something more colorful - there's also a cream/orange/gold stripe version.  Either way, you can't go wrong at just $29.99 each. Available in sizes XS-XXL, you can find these folded in the special Holiday endcaps in the Women's department.

Target + Neiman Marcus sponsors Revenge

As a HUGE fan of ABC's hit show Revenge, I was excited to discover this morning that the Target and Neiman-Marcus will be sponsoring this Sunday's episode with limited commercial breaks.  Not only that, but fans will be treated to a show-within-a-show complete with its own plot full of twists and turns.

Target worked directly with the Revenge creative team to develop the five-part vignettes, dubbed “The Gift of Revenge,” to showcase the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection featuring characters Nolan Ross, Jack Porter, Charlotte Grayson, Declan Porter and Amanda Clarke. The first one (shown above) features Jack Porter and "Amanda Clarke" (aka "Fauxmanda").

And the winner is...

The winner of my latest blog giveaway - for The Curiosity Shoppe at Target pencil case - is reader flutterby! Flutterby's entry was picked by the random number generator over at Random.org. Congrats, flutterby; your prize is on it's way. And thanks again to everyone who entered and for reading my blog!

New at Target: La Mer Wrap Watches

Just in time for the holidays, La Mer Collection has collaborated with Target on a limited edition (and wallet-friendly) line of wrap watches.  The Wanderlust by La Mer Collection includes 16 different styles ranging in price from $39.99 - $49.99, which is a much lower price-point than La Mer's full-priced line which averages $135.

New at Target: Beauty by Bali

Target has teamed up with Hanes to create Beauty by Bali, a new line of affordable and stylish full-support bras available exclusively at Target stores and on Target.com.  Bali Intimates, founded in 1927 and now part of the Hanes family, knows that beauty is a feeling as well as a look. So Target’s team of fit experts joined Bali (with their 85 years of design experience) to create a range of beautiful and supportive bras in sizes 36C to 42DDD.

According to Bali's Brand Marketing representative Vicki Seawright "Bali is about delivering comfort and beauty. Beauty by Bali was designed to feature stunning styles with exceptional fit and comfort through innovative and feminine designs."

So far the collection only contains 4 styles, and IMO the best of the bunch is the lace print one shown here.  And here's a hint: I've only found these bras in stores in a limited range of sizes, so it might be easier to find your particular size online at Target.com.

Target's Black Friday Sale...

Like it or not, people, Thanksgiving is a mere 2 weeks away.  And if you want to get advance notice of Target's holiday sales, then click here to sign up to get their Black Friday Doorbuster deals and Cyber Monday steals.

Sonia Kashuk's tips on helping Superstorm Sandy victims...

Sonia Kashuk (whose line is sold exclusively at Target) has posted an extensive list of ways to help our East Coast friends in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.  I thought this was worth reposting, and please check it out, as there are many local charities you can give to as alternatives to the Red Cross (which is a worthy cause, but just one of many deserving agencies).  Also please consider giving via your company if they have an employee matching program in order to double your contribution.

Reader Giveaway: The Curiosity Shoppe Pencil Case

It's time for another little "reader giveaway" to say "thank you" to all of you out there that continue to read my blog.  This time I'm giving away this cute & colorful pencil case from The Curiosity Shoppe at Target.  I snapped this pic myself because I couldn't find one online, so I'm assuming this is one of The Shops items that was available in-store only. 

To win, all you need to do is leave a comment on this post along with your email address by midnight on Thursday, Nov. 8th. This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only, and the winner (picked at random) will be announced on Friday, Nov. 9th. Good luck!

Fab Find: Sonia Kashuk Haute Hair Sets

Today at Target I stumbled upon some great stocking stuffers: the Sonia Kashuk "Haute Hair" sets.  The one shown here includes a large silver hair barette and 4 studded hair elastics, and the one I bought has a studded head band and two silver hair pins. Best of all, each set is marked down 50% to just $4.98 (from $9.99) although the sale seems to only apply in-stores and not online.

Double-Take: Target vs. TravelSmith

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from the Bullseye and match it up against a similar - yet pricier - piece.  Since most of the U.S. is settling into winter weather patterns, I thought I'd feature a cozy cape sweater with cable detailing.  Both look comfy to wear, but one is by TravelSmith and will set you back almost $80, while the other is by Merona (at Target) and only costs $29.99.  Can you guess which is which?  The answer appears in the comments section below. 

Target unable to keep up with pre-hurricane demand for supplies...

According to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Target officials anticipated that Hurricane Sandy was moving up the East Coast and stocked its stores accordingly. But the retailer still couldn't keep up with demand for supplies ahead of the storm.

Target and many other retailers spent days stocking their stores with batteries, flashlights, bottled water and other essentials, but it wasn't enough. "We did our best to plan ahead, but demand just exceeded the pace of replenishment in some areas,” Target spokeswoman Jessica Deede said.

Now that the storm has moved on and cleanup has begun, Target is focused on reopening stores. Target is monitoring road conditions and working with distribution centers and vendors to ensure products can get to the stores when they reopen. By yesterday, the company had reopened about 180 stores on the East Coast, and only three were still closed, including one in the Bronx, N.Y. and two in New Jersey.