95-year old retires from Target after 45 years on the job...

Talk about dedication! A 95-year-old Bloomington, Minnesota woman is retiring from Target after 45 years on the job. According to Minneapolis CBS station WCCO, Jeanne Brouillet started with the company as a cashier in 1968 at a Target store in Bloomington. She moved to the Edina location in 1973 where she’s worked ever since.

“I’ll miss the public,” Brouillet said. “I’m a people person.” She’s has done everything from sales to samples. She decided to retire on Oct. 28, because it was the same day she started 45 years ago. “If you don’t use it you lose it, so I have kept on using it and have enjoyed every minute of it,” Brouillet said.

The Edina Super Target hosted a party in Brouillet’s honor this past Monday. “She’s set an example for the whole family, and I mean it’s really amazing,” said Richard Brouillet, Jeanne’s son. “You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing and put your heart into it,” Jeanne Brouillet added.

Now that she's retired, Brouillet plans to spend more time with her family. But she says she’ll continue to do all of her shopping at Target.

New at Target: Orla Kiely Cosmetic Bags

Orla Kiely fans, here's a reason to cheer! Target's latest collab with the designer (following their 2009 housewares line, the Method bottles, and the recent iPhone and iPad covers) is for a selection of fun & functional cosmetic bags. Three new prints—bright floral, orange stem and graphite—instantly dress up coated canvas cosmetics bags, ranging in price from $9.99 to $24.99 to stylishly stash all your beauty essentials. You can shop the collection here on Target.com, and the bags are also available in stores.

Double-Take: Calvin Klein vs. Merona

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Target and pit it against a similar - albeit pricer - designer piece. Today's edition features two classic-cut peacoats, both in deep red. Only one of them is by Calvin Klein (at Lord & Taylor) and will set you back $182 (which is actually the sale price, down from $260!) while the other one is by Merona (at Target) and is just $54.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

After last year's backlash, Target pushes back holiday campaign

According to AdAge, Target is preparing to kick off its "most digitally enabled campaign in history", but not as early as last year.

A year ago The Bullseye caught flack from consumers for launching its first holiday spot in mid-October. That ad, which focused on its Red Card branded credit card, featured an upbeat tune with the chorus, "Are You Ready?" Unfortunately, consumers were NOT ready to be bombarded with holiday ads that early in the season.

"We learned last year we just went too soon," said Jeff Jones, CMO at Target. "Even though it wasn't an overt commercial about Christmas products, people interpreted it that way."

This season, Mr. Jones said Target won't launch its anthem holiday ad until the first week of November. Early ads will also focus on Thanksgiving, which Target has not in the past. One TV spot shows a group of friends gathering around a turkey dinner, while another will promote the price per pound of turkey.

All of the advertising from Thanksgiving through Christmas will be organized under the theme "My Kind of Holiday," inspired by conversations on Twitter. Ads carry the hashtag, #MyKindOfHoliday. Having a single campaign is a departure for the retailer, which has typically relied on multiple campaigns, one for branding and one for promoting. This year, nearly all of the retailer's ads will be a hybrid, including specific deal and price-point messaging.

You can read the entire AdAge article - plus see a preview of the TV spot - here on AdAge's site.

My Phillip Lim Satchel Score!

Yesterday I mentioned that you might still be able to find a coveted 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target bag... IF you can find a customer return in store. Well lo and behold, I was lucky enough to find one today!

Now I don't really need a third Lim bag, but at 30% off, I just couldn't resist. And here's a tip: I found mine hanging with the regular-priced handbags of a similar color - not on a clearance rack.

Phillip Lim now on clearance online...

Remember last week when I told you that the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target line was now on clearance, but only in stores? Well guess what? The sale now extends to Target.com as well. Which means you can pick up this cute sparkle-trim peplum top - perfect for upcoming holiday parties - for just $27.98.

Keep in mind that the leftovers at this point are limited to men's and women's clothing; there's none of the coveted bags in the bunch. If you still have your heart set on a Lim bag, keep your eye out for customer returns in-store.

Coming Soon to Target: Sonia Kashuk Bath + Body

I guess I missed this news when it first broke over the summer, but according to WWD, Sonia Kashuk is expanding her product line at Target with a new 31-piece range of bath and body products, including four fine fragrances. “The focus, a luxurious affordable lifestyle beauty brand," said Kashuk, who debuted at the retailer 15 years ago with her namesake line of cosmetics, tools and accessories. The new range, created in collaboration with Jérôme Epinette of Robertet, will be packaged in black boxes with hand-illustrated floral patterns, designed by Kashuk and creative agency, Buero New York. 

The collection - which will roll out to all Target stores in the U.S. and Canada - will be priced from $6.99 for a hand crème to $19.99 for an eau de toilette. "Guests love the Sonia Kashuk collection at Target because of its high quality, affordability and on-trend innovation," said Christina Hennington, vice president merchandise manager of beauty & personal Care at Target. "The new bath & body line is a luxurious extension of the Sonia Kashuk brand. We know our guests will be anxious to get their hands on it in November."

According to Sonia Kashuk's blog and a new url she's set up called 'somethingbeautifuliscoming', this new bath & body collection is set to hit stores on Nov. 10th.

Double-Take: Chookah vs. Merona

It's time for another double-take, where we take one item from Target and match it against a similar - albeit pricer - designer piece. Today's edition features two cute rainboots, both with a houndstooth-printed shaft and side buckle-trim. But one of them is by Chookah (at Nordstrom Rack) and costs $69, whereas the other is by Merona (at Target) and only costs half as much at $34.99. Which one is which? The answer appears in the comments section below.

Fab Find: Sonia Kashuk Nail Color Set in "Fall in Love"

Although already sold out online, you can still find Sonia Kashuk's mini nail-color set "Fall in Love" in stores (as I just did)  at 30% off (now $7.68, marked down from $10.99). Polish your way to perfection all season long with the dark & lovely shades of pretty plum "Poison", ruby red "Wine and Dine" and silky sapphire "Stormy Waters".

My review of Cartwheel...

Since Target introduced the full version of their Cartwheel shopping app in June, I've been meaning to check it out. I finally had some time to play around with it earlier this week, and my feelings are mixed. I like browsing the "Collections" Lookbooks, which are grouped per category like "Halloween Headquarters" and "Fall Baking". There's also one called "Weekly Ad Double Dip" where you can supposedly get extra savings on top of what's already on sale that particular week.

However, I find the amount of content to be a bit overwhelming when you start to browse "All Categories". For instance, in perusing "Health and Beauty", I had to scroll through pages and pages of offers like 10% off Advil or 5% off Vitamins, only to find no deals on what I really needed (Listerine). Sorry, but when I go to Target for necessities, I want to get in and get out; I don't want to spend a lot of time "browsing for deals" on my smartphone.  Perhaps the point is to take the time before your visit to the store to identify what coupons you want to use and then "save" them in your account.

Cartwheel also connects to your Facebook account (if you allow it to) so you can view what coupons your friends are using. I find this a bit creepy, as I don't really want to know everything my buddies are buying.  And from the looks of this recent log on the TargetStyle Facebook page, Cartwheel is still facing some technical issues, with folks reporting that the barcode won't scan upon checkout.

The bottom line? I'll probably use Cartwheel to check for deals before heading to Target if I'm shopping for something specific in housewares, clothing, electronics, etc. - in other words, anything with a substantial price-point where the savings are significant. Otherwise, I don't find 5-15% off items that are under $5 worth chasing down.

Clearance Alert: Vera for Target

Remember the pretty printed Vera for Target scarves that debuted at Target this past Spring? Well they're now on clearance on Target.com for 30-65% off, depending on the design. At just $6.98 - $13.98, they're perfectly-priced for stocking stuffers or small holiday gifts.

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.

Sale Alert: Nate Berkus Fall Decor

The Nate Berkus for Target collection of Fall decor is on sale this week (both in stores and online) at 20% off, including all the items you see here. And in addition, I notice that Nate's previous Spring and Summer collections are now on clearance online at 30-50% off.

Clearance Alert: FEED USA

Back in August I alerted you that some items in the FEED USA + Target collab had gone on clearance, and now the discounts are even deeper. Last night I had a few clothing items in my shopping cart (at 30% off) but never completed the sale. Lo and behold, I logged on this morning and found my items further reduced to 50% off! Which means this cute baseball tee (shown) is now only $10, down from $20. There seems to be a variety of items left in the FEED USA collection, so shop online for the best selection. In store the discounts are deeper - at 75% off - but there are precious few items left.

New at Target: Tanamachi Studio for Target

Target has introduced a very small collection (only 7 offerings in all) of prints & wall decor inspired by family, hearth and home called Tanamachi Studio for Target.  According to their Facebook page, Tanamachi Studio is "a boutique graphic design studio specializing in hand-lettering and custom typography for editorial, lifestyle, food, and fashion brands."

Founder Dana Tanamachi is a Texas-bred/Brooklyn-based graphic designer and letterer who enjoys living a quiet life and working with her hands. After designing Broadway show posters at SpotCo and working under Louise Fili, Dana opened her own design & lettering boutique, Tanamachi Studio. She has been commissioned by clients such as Google, Yahoo!, Rugby Ralph Lauren, The Ace Hotel, Tommy Hilfiger, West Elm, and Bloomingdale’s.

Product Review: Maybelline Master Smoky Eyeliner

The big fat Fall issue of InStyle Magazine had a "Best Beauty Buys" page, in which Maybelline's Master Smoky Eyeliner was touted as a "pro secret cheapie", boasting "this eyeliner makes creating a smoky eye super-simple". Of course, I just had to try it, so I picked one up at my local Target store.

The product packaging promises "long lasting smoky eyes in two simple steps" - those being "1) draw a thick line, and 2) blend with smudger". The pencil end glides well and goes on smoothly without having to exert too much pressure. The color I picked - Smoldering Violet - was a pretty purple and looked very close to the shade shown on the packaging, so no surprises there. Then I popped off the cap to the smudge applicator and began smudging the eyeliner... which resulted in basically erasing the entire line into my skin.  The result was what I would expect my eyeliner to look after a full day of wear, when my makeup is almost all worn off.  It didn't look "done" at all, and the color was almost non-existent. It looked just like a muddy smudge on my eyelid, as if I tested a product and then wiped it off with a tissue.

Needless to say, I'm pretty disappointed in this product. I'll still use the eyeliner part, but with a brush instead (FYI, Sonia Kashuk makes a great smudge brush for just $4.99) and I'll ditch the foam smudge applicator.

Unofficial preview of Peter Pilotto not flattering...

Target surprised just about everyone last month when they announced their next designer collaboration would be with Peter Pilotto: a brand known more for their vivid prints and cool fabrics than for their mainstream appeal.

The collection will feature close to 70 pieces - all womenswear - and will mostly retail for under $60. It's set to launch on February 9, 2014 and the official previews are undoubtedly months away. Yet one member of private fashion discussion forum The Fashion Spot not only says she's seen the collection, she also has details of what shoppers can expect.

According to Racked, the poster - who claims to know someone who is involved with developing the collab - said she got a "random peek" at the clothes a week ago. Her takeaway? "It looks like it's leaning towards a scuba-inspired collection. His signature print style is everywhere, but the fabrics feel so cheap. I remember seeing bathing suits as well. There was one sheath style dress that looked promising on the print level (a mixture of graphic stripes and some florals) until i touched it. I don't know if they were trying to emulate a textured neoprene, but no...not for me."