Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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.

8 comments:

Critifur said...

I feel your pain. On the other side of that I had seen a Threshold wall decor item, faux mounted antlers, someone had instgramed, and I wanted/want to find it. Not only can I not find it in the store, I can not find it online either. It is a brand new item, from a brand new line, but it is a phantom item... here is the instagram: http://followgram.me/i/292913232232195382_16113464 anyone know where to find it?

Target Addict said...

Hey Critifur,
those antlers are awesome! I haven't seen them in store, but if I find them, I'll let you know. I think the Threshold line has items that only certain stores get, or only in very limited amounts. I got an awesome Threshold pillow on clearance recently that I NEVER saw at any other store, on sale or otherwise (and I'm at Target all the time, so I'd know!)

Danielle said...

I absolutely hate the "find it in stores" option on target.com. I am a guest services team member and I hear at least 3 times a day that the website said it was available in the store when it was not!

Here's the reason why it's so bad: target stores update their inventory once a day, at 8 am. So if merchandise is sold through the day, it doesn't get updated until the next morning. Target.com updates its in stores merchandise once a week (on Tuesday mornings). Chances are if it says its there, it's probably been bought a week ago haha. I highly recommend calling the store before you go in and try to put it on hold over the phone. We do it all the time at my store because we can understand how frustrating it is! If you find something you like online, look for the store item number (called the DPCI), call the store and give them that number!

Hope this helps a little bit!

floating thru fields said...

Yeah I would call the store just to make sure, then you're not so frustrated when it's out of stock before you drive over

Critifur said...

I have seen so many great Threshold items come into the store, and they went on markdown very quickly to make room for Nate Berkus I guess. I got a grey pouf for $20, already on sale as soon as it appeared on the shelf. Weird. But yes the antlers are so awesome!

Anonymous said...

I've found the Find it in Store feature to be accurate about half the time (but my only local store is not that big and not that busy). I've called before to make sure something was available before making the trip there and they've always been very accommodating.

Sorry you didn't get your dress, it stinks to get really excited about something only for it to be sold out.

Target Addict said...

Thanks, Danielle, for the insight as a "Target insider" :-)

Anonymous said...

I can't even GET to the "find in store" feature--I try to access it, and when I type in my location, it tells me there isn't a Target within a 100-mile radius. I LIVE right around the corner from one!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRR!