"As Seen On Shark Tank" Products coming to Target Stores

Those of you who watched the season premier of ABC's "Shark Tank" last Friday already know about the new deal they've inked with Target.  On the show, Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran revealed they've sealed a deal to sell six of their Shark Tank products in a special display at 1,000 Target stores nationwide.

In one of the "Update Segments" on the show - in which they catch up with past contestants - the entrepreneurs from Lollaland, Kisstixx, Monkey Mat, Kazam, U-lace, and Ry’s Ruffery were thrilled to see their products on Target's shelves for the first time. Before their deals on “Shark Tank,” the combined value of the entrepreneurs’ products equaled $1.3 million dollars in sales. Today, that value has increased to $7.7 million dollars, a 500% increase.

I watch the show fairly religiously, but from the list above, I honestly only remember "Ry's Ruffery" (formerly known as "Ryan's Barkery" and re-named per advice by Barbara Corcoran). Given the booming pet supply market, I'm sure this line of healthy dog treats will do well at The Bullseye. 

Target Announces Collab with Faribult Textiles

Target has announced an exclusive collab with Faribault to bring you a classic-meets modern collection of American-made accessories and gifts starring the heritage mill’s signature 100-percent wool textiles. According to A Bullseye View, "the assortment of limited-edition bags, throws, scarves for men and women and tech accessories will be available on Target.com starting Nov. 2 and come in an array of exclusive stripes and plaids." That is their exact wording, so I'm wondering if this collab will only be available online and not in stores - ?

Founded in 1865, Faribault is known for its durable, comfortable wool blankets. The family-owned company is located on the banks of the Cannon River, near Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis. “We couldn’t be more proud of the final product,” said Stacia Andersen, senior vice president of apparel and accessories at Target told the Star Tribune. “The quality is remarkable and the fact that it’s the result of two Minnesota companies coming together, we feel, is very special.”

New at Target: Pre-cut Fabric

One of my local Target stores is now carrying pre-cut fabric (display shown here) in the sewing machine/mending supply aisle. What caught my eye were all the fun prints and patterns. The pre-cut fabric comes in 3 finishes - cotton, burlap and canvas - and there are "kits" you can buy to make things like a tote bag, pillow, or fabric wreath.

The odd thing is that just one of my local stores seems to be carrying this line. I wonder if this is an "experiment" for Target to see if it sells, and if so, they might expand it to additional stores - ?

Target's Fashion BOGO Event

Target is having quite the sale on women's Fall fashions this week. Starting today, they have a buy one/get one 50% off deal on all Merona apparel and women's shoes, jewelry and accessories (all brands). Shown here is just a sampling. The best part of this sale is that it extends to both stores and Target.com. Offer good through Sept. 27th, 2014.

Altuzarra for Target: what did you buy?

Hello readers! Did you shop the Altuzarra for Target collection today? And if so, did you shop from the comfort of your own home (purchasing online) or brave the lines (if there were any at your particular store)?

My cats work me up at 5:30 this morning (insert frowny-face here) so I decided to fire up my iPad and take a look at Target.com, and I ended up taking a chance on the sweater and the ruby peasant dress. I know, I know... I said I was going to pass on this collab, but I caved ;-) Then I went back to bed for a couple of hours, and later on that morning (around 10am) ventured to my local store. There I was pleasantly surprised by this tuxedo jacket (shown) with the cute peplum detail. I had to size up, but this will be a piece I'll wear again and again. I was in a hurry and I also grabbed the tuxedo pants (without trying them on first) but unfortunately they run small so I'll have to hope that I can find them in store (as they already seem sold out online).

As for the aforementioned items I bought online: I was not as impressed with them in person. But once I have them in hand I will take The Recessionista's advice and try them on, as she notes that "some of the things we thought we would love were not the most stunning on when we actually tried everything on." Like her, I found the satin jersey items to be cheap-looking, and therefore did not bother to try them on.

I didn't bother with the shoes or the boots, as the heels were way too high for my fussy feet. And all the belts were sold out at my store (as they were online). When I arrived at mid-morning, the Altuzarra section seemed oddly quiet and the racks seemed filled with a range of sizes. However, in the 15 or so minutes I took pouring over the goods, at least 3 women flitted in and out picking up a ton of stuff to try on. The salespeople seemed well prepared to answer questions (two women asked whether there were more belts in the back inventory, and the answer was "no") and they were also doing a great job getting the merchandise back on the floor after it was tried on in the dressing room.

To note: this designer collab has a 14-day return window, which is probably to deter the eBay vultures from making a profit. Target kindly notes this on your receipt, with a note next to each Altuzarra item of the return deadline.

Also to note: Target's site has been p a i n f u l l y   s l o w today, so I would have LOVED to provide links to the items I bought but it wasn't possible as I couldn't access the pages.

New eBay scam: pre-orders for Target designer collabs

Just out of curiosity, I decided to check eBay this evening to see how many Altuzarra for Target items were already for sale. Keep in mind that the Alturzarra press event happened last week which means some PR folks may already be hawking the samples they scored. But this caught my eye on eBay: a listing only lasting until mid-day tomorrow hawking the coveted pencil skirt in ALL SIZES for a BIN price of $250. Clearly this eBay vulture is taking "pre-orders" and then will show up in line at their local store (which I presume to be Rhode Island, as that's where their eBay account is based) to buy whatever sizes have been ordered. Oh, and don't forget the $12.95 shipping charge this scalper is charging for standard shipping. Buyer beware: don't fall for these inflated prices.

Altuzarra for Target debuts tomorrow; do you care?

Good evening, readers! Just a friendly reminder that the Altuzarra for Target collab debuts tomorrow in stores, and at some point tonight it'll hit Target.com (probably right after midnight). While some of the looks are interesting, I think I'll pass on this one. The styles seem geared to someone younger, thinner, and taller than me. And in fact, some of the "office looks" are giving me a "Devil Wears Prada" vibe. I adore that move, and can't you just picture Andrea wearing the outfit shown here?

What about you? Will you be loving this designer collab, or skipping it?

Chris March's Halloween Wigs for Target

For the second year in a row, Chris March is teaming up with Target on a fun collection of Halloween wigs. Remember his collection last year? This year's line again concentrates on big foam wigs, but adds in some accessories to the mix. The
former Project Runway star has designed six styles for Halloween 2014, including a beachy surfer girl, a rockin’ red lobster, a hook-handed pirate, a curler-casual character (shown here) and more. The limited-time only collection debuts Sept. 14 in stores and on Target.com, and each item is $20 or less.

Target teams with TOMS

Target is teaming up with TOMS - the beloved shoe company - on a limited edition holiday collection. Following the TOMS model of 'one-for-one' (meaning each time you buy a pair of shoes one pair is donated to charity) this Target collab will similarly provide donations with every purchase from the collection. The collab debuts in stores and online on Nov. 16th, and includes than 50 items under $50, from home goods and apparel and accessories for women, men and kids. A sampling is shown here, but check out the Target + TOMS Brand Shop for the entire line (including a version of TOMS iconic slip-on shoes). This line seems very similar in look/feel/intent as last year's Target + FEED USA line, and I'm happy to see The Bullseye offer another designer collection in time for the holidays in addition to the upcoming Altuzarra collab (which seems more high-fashion and not as accessible to the masses).