Target's new look in the Women's Department...

This past weekend my husband accompanied me on my Target run (which is a rare occurrence) and as we walked by the Women's Dept, he commented on how much it has changed. Actually, the changes in my store happened several weeks ago, with the goal for it to look more like a "boutique" with capsule collections rather than a traditional department store. Whether or not these changes will encourage shoppers to buy more (or even try things on) I'm not sure. While I do like the mannequins and they way they've curated the outfits, I do NOT like the shoes stacked up at the bottom of the racks. It looks a bit cheap, especially since they only feature one style shoe. I don't know about you, but if I want shoes, I'll look in the shoe department - not womenswear.

What about you, readers? Do you like the changes Target is rolling out, or have you even noticed?

New at Target: Kodiak Cakes Minute Muffins

The makers of Kodiak Cakes Flapjack Mix now have some to-go options at Target: Flapjacks on the Go  (in a variety of flavors) and Minute Muffins in Mountain Blueberry (shown) and Apple Cinnamon Oat. Both the Minute Muffins and the Flapjacks on the Go follow the same model as instant oatmeal: just add water or milk, stir, let sit and eat. These products seem to be very highly rated on Target.com, so I'm excited to try them!

New at Target: Lisa Frank Pajamas

Those nostalgic for the '90's - when the Spice Girls ruled the radio, Saved By The Bell posters blanketed bedrooms, and Lisa Frank designs filled our lives with rainbows, dolphins and unicorns - take note. Target is making your multi-colored dreams come true once again with an amazing line of women’s pajamas by Lisa Frank. The ten-piece offering, available in sizes XS to 2X and ranging in price from $14.99 - $19.99, features the company's iconic animal portraits beloved '90s teenagers. But act fast, as Refinery29 reports that some styles are already selling out faster than the lifespan of your ill-fated Tamagotchi.

Target's On To College Checklist...

Do you have a kid heading off to college soon? Then you might want to check out Target's handy "On To College" checklist, posted here on A Bullseye View, so that you don't forget any of the dorm room essentials.  My own personal advice, after sending two boys off to college in recent years? Shop Target early, especially if you're shopping in a college town where supplies are likely to run out. Another idea - from a friend who saw her daughter off to Rutgers - is to shop the checklist via Target's 'Store Pickup' feature at the store closest to your kids' college. Then simply pick the stuff up on your way to dropping your kid off at school.

New at Target: Method Limited Edition Art Collection

Yesterday at Target I spied a new Method bottle design on the shelf in a scent called "Palm". While the new bottles had a hang tag directing you to Method's site for more info, I couldn't find any more details there, so I headed to Target.com  where I found this description:

This limited edition art collection was curated to celebrate and support Creative Growth, a non-profit arts center for adults with disabilities based in Oakland, California. We paired the work of four amazing artists with four limited edition fragrances to give you something to admire every day. We hope this art collection inspires you as much as the artists inspire us. Artist Barry Regan's carefully crafted circles layered over a subtle texture of vibrant colors are brought to life by the lush scent of fresh bamboo + palm leaves.

So far I've only seen the Barry Regan print (shown here) in stores, but according to the tag there are 3 more designs coming from the Creative Growth collection.

Sale Alert: School Uniform Basics

Target is having a sale this week on school uniform basics. Now through July 29, they have kids' polo shirts on sale for just $5 each and pants at just $10 each. That's a 20-30% savings off Target's everyday low prices.

The Look For Less: Vince Camuto vs. Merona

In case you haven't noticed, low-cut booties are going to be a key trend this Fall. Here are two pretty perforated leather options. You could pick the pair on the left from Vince Camuto, regularly $149.99 but on sale at Nordstrom right now for $99.90 during their Anniversary Sale. That's not bad, but you can get a similar version from Merona (on the right) at Target for just $34.99.

More details emerge on two of Target's new brands...

NBC News posted an in-depth article this week about some of the changes we can expect with Target's launch of new in-house brands (and the phasing out of longtime faves like Merona). Here's some highlights:

• Target is looking to grab the customers who have been left stranded from other retailers’ woes, With Sears, Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, Rue21, Michael Kors, and J. Crew all struggling and closing tons of stores, women have fewer options for affordable business casual and casual clothing. To that end, Target is looking to fill that void with its new line A New Day.
• Although Merona is indeed being canceled, its t-shirts and other basics will continue under the new brand, A New Day.
• Lululemon's struggles (and high prices) open up an opportunity in athleisure, which Target seems to be pursuing with its new athletic line Joy Lab.
• Both A New Day and JoyLab will carry plus sizing.

Target's new womenswear brand A New Day launches on August 27th, and JoyLab launches on Oct. 1st.

Back at Target: Project 7 Champagne Gummmies

Remember the Champagne Dreams Gummies from Project 7 that I raved about back on NYE? The ones that are supposed to be a dupe for the super-expensive Sugarfina version, only these have no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives? Well, they're back at Target! While they're not available to ship, you can use the "Free Order Pickup" feature to buy online and pickup in store. And if you're hunting for them in your local store, I've spied them in the checkout aisle next to the candy, gum, and other "impulse buy" items.

Fab Find: Merona Denim T-Shirt

As you can probably tell by my recent blog posts, I'm not taking the news that Target is dropping the Merona brand very well. So I'm coping by buying up all the cute Merona stuff I can before the brand disappears from stores forever. Yesterday I nabbed this fun denim t-shirt top with frayed edges and a trendy exposed zipper in back. I was afraid it was going to look too boxy once on, but it actually fits perfectly. Although it's now sold-out on Target.com, I found it at my local store on clearance for just $7.48!

New at Target: Naturebox

Target is carrying a new line of "healthy snacks" called Naturebox. Mostly carried online (vs. in stores) I'm obsessed with the variety shown here: the Asiago & Cheddar Crisps, which are delicious. Dubbed "snacking made simple," their philosophy is that snacks should taste great and be part of a healthy diet. All their snacks fit into one of 3 categories: Healthy, Smart, or Crave. I've also tried the Sriracha Cashews, and those are pretty addictive as well.

One caveat: these snacks aren't cheap. If you end up liking them and want to try more varieties (above and beyond what Target carries) plus save some $, you might consider going directly to the source. Naturebox runs a whole "snack membership" program from their website, where you can buy in bulk and schedule ongoing deliveries.

Target adds gender neutral kids' line...

InStyle reports that Target is partnering with global kids brand Toca Boca on a playful line of clothes and accessories for the back-to-school season. Toca Boca is known for its digital toys and designed the collection with diversity and inclusivity in mind.

“Everything we make at Toca Boca is designed for all kids; it's our mission to make sure no kid ever feels excluded by Toca Boca," Head of Consumer Products for Toca Boca Mathilda Engman said in a press release. "True to those values the collection was designed with inclusivity in mind, and we are so excited to see it will be merchandised together as a collection sitting between the boys and girls aisle of many Target stores."

The collection will also include boys and girls items. Toca Boca hits Target stores and target.com July 17 and comes in sizes 4 to 16. But if you can't wait a week until it comes out, scroll through the entire collection via the InStyle slideshow.

My top Merona sale picks...

InStyle has posted a primer on what to buy from Target before they eliminate some of your favorite brands. They cite that both Merona and Mossimo will be going away - and most of their picks are from Mossimo - but from what I've read Target is only eliminating Mossimo for men (and not for women). Here are some of my own top picks:

Merona Denim Tie Front Skirt (shown here), $19.99

Merona Paperbag Waist Tencel Shorts, $19.99

Merona Utility Blouse, $17.99

Merona Modern Ankle Pant, $27.99

Merona Striped Boatneck Top, $12 (or 2 for $14)

Merona Favorite Cardigan, $22.99

The best part? Most women's Merona items online are on sale through July 15 for 20% off; just use the code MERONA at checkout.

Target tests curbside pickup... again

Target isn’t new to the online retail game, but they seem to perpetually be playing catchup to rivals like Walmart and Amazon. Case in point: Target is once again testing a curbside pickup program one year after shutting down a similar pilot program.

According to Consumerist, Target stores in the Twin Cities area are testing a new curbside pickup service with employees. As with similar pickup services at other retailers, customers place an order through Target’s app or website. They then drive to the store, park in a dedicated space next to the store and an employee will deliver items to the waiting vehicle.

For now, the service is only open to employees and available at the company’s northeast Minneapolis, Roseville, and Maple Grove stores. A rep for Target says the company hopes to make the service “customer facing” and available at more stores in the coming months.

If you're wondering how this program differs from Target’s previously scrapped pickup option: the idea is the same but the logistics are different. Previously, Target worked with a startup company called Curbside (ironic, yes?) to run a pilot program that eventually reached 121 stores in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. The previous iteration of the program used Curbside’s app, whereas this new pilot uses Target's own app and website. While the test program with Curbside ended in June 2016, Target notes that the company learned from the experience, and saw it as a good opportunity to build its own service.

This new curbside pickup program is just the latest in Target’s plan to improve convenience for customers while coordinating its online and physical store presence. Target appears to be stepping up its efforts to beat — or at least even the playing field — with rivals Amazon and Walmart.

Coming Soon to Target: Isabel Maternity

Hot on the heels of the news that they're eliminating some old brands and bringing in new ones, Target announces the introduction of a new maternity fashion line called Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel. Created in partnership with high-end maternity brand Ingrid & Isabel, this new line will offer on-trend, fit-focused clothes for moms-to-be.

Isabel Maternity will include 120 different items with unparalleled fit, function and fashion, ranging from the exclusive Bellaband for Target and seamless basics to on-trend fashion pieces like off-the-shoulder dresses. From expecting moms who are just a few weeks in with pants that don’t quite button to the moms-to-be who are starting down the final stretch, there’s something in the assortment that caters to everyone. Isabel Maternity will be available soon in most Target stores and on Target.com at prices ranging from $9.99 to $39.99.

You can read more about Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel - plus see more preview pics - here on A Bullseye View.

Sonia Kashuk ends partnership with Target...

I haven't blogged about Sonia Kashuk products for a while (since February) because it seems like they haven't introduced anything new or exciting lately. And now, I've figured out why: according to MusingsOfAMuse, she's ended her association with Target. Muse points out that Sonia Kashuk’s social media accounts have been mysteriously closing down (which I noticed as well) and she reports that a few people mentioned that she made an announcement on Facebook about it.

After some digging, I found another site that reported in December that Sonia actually sold her brand back in September 2015 to Target, and has only been hanging on as creative director.  And according to Sonia's Instagram account, this past Spring was her last collection for Target before stepping down permanently.

So what does this mean for the brand's future? MusingsOfAMuse predicts that Target will keep Sonia's brushes and makeup bags, but may phase out the makeup to make room for newer brands. But I don't think this is happening in the immediate future, as a quick check of Target.com shows over 200 Sonia Kashuk products in stock, and only 2 of them are on clearance.

Fab Find: Nate Berkus Fringe Pillow

Yesterday morning I swung by Target before work and was lucky enough to find two of these fabulous fringe pillows by Nate Berkus - on clearance, no less! The quality on them seem great, and the neutral colors will go with a variety of decor. Best of all, I got them at 50% off (just $12.98 each).

Retailers offer deals for Amazon Prime Day, but not Target

As Amazon gears up for its Tuesday's Prime Day - a sales event exclusively for Amazon Prime members - other retailers were choosing up sides in deciding whether to participate with their own discounts, deals and free shipping offers.

According to USA Today: while JCPenney, Kohl's and Macy's are all offering exclusive discounts before and during Prime Day, Walmart, Target and Lowe's are among the big names who are so far skipping the event.

Target says it offers deals every day and next week will be no different. It's focusing on Back to School promotions instead. "At Target, we're focused on offering compelling promotions year-round based on our guests' shopping mindset," says spokeswoman Shandra Tollefson.

This is a far cry from Target's old strategy, which previously included a "Black Friday in July" sales event held in mid-July. This event started back in 2010, and I believe Target ended it in 2015. 

Fab Find: Dollar Aisle Pin Cards

How cute are these?? Target's Dollar aisle have carried fun greeting cards before (as documented here and here) but these are special. Not only do they have fun phrases like "Let's Taco 'Bout It" and "You Have A Pizza My Heart", but each include an adorable enamel pin. Amazingly, each are just $1!

Apartment Therapy's Picks from Target's 4th of July Sale...

Apartment Therapy has put together a handy list of their top picks from Target.com's 4th of July sale. For example, right now this groovy blue barrel chair by Threshold is on sale for just $143.99 (regularly $179.99). Plus, get an additional 15% off when you use the promo code AMERICA at checkout.

Target to phase out Merona and Mossimo brands...

I have sad news to report, dear readers. A Wall St. Journal article published yesterday revealed that The Bullseye plans to shelve some of their bigger brands for new niche labels in order to draw in shoppers seeking something more "special".

Target is cleaning house (literally) by shedding some of it's stalwart brands to launch a dozen new ones over the next 18 months in the apparel and home furnishings departments. To make room, men's and women's Merona lines and men's Mossimo merchandise will be phased out, deemed "too homogenized to garner shoppers' affection".

Each new brand will have a defined personality and purpose. For women, A New Day will offer a more fashionable line of women's classics. For men, Goodfellow & Co. promises a modern take on traditional menswear. Other lines include the athleisure-inspired JoyLab, for women going from "crunches to brunches." And Project 62 will be a home brand with a more modern aesthetic (as compared to the more traditional-leaning Threshold).

While I understand the need to grow and evolve, I have to say I'll really miss Merona. They were my go-to brand for wardrobe staples like these cropped work pants (shown here) and I also have several shirts, shorts and jackets from this brand in my closet.  As for Project 62: Target's recent line Modern by Dwell never sold that well, so if Target is going to try the mod approach again, they'd better tweak their designs to be less like Ikea and more like West Elm. 

PS: To read more about Target's plans - plus see preview pics of some of the news brands mentioned above - read this article on A Bullseye View.