Coming Soon to Target: Ayesha Curry’s Cookware Line

Get ready to fire up your stoves, because chef, cookbook author and TV personality Ayesha Curry’s new line of cookware, bakeware and kitchen tools is coming exclusively to Target for the month of October, before rolling out to other retailers. Target guests will have the chance to put their favorite recipes to the test using her cutting board, cast iron skillet, sauce pans, baking dishes and more.

And speaking of recipes, check out Ayesha’s recipe for Thai-style chicken burgers (with quick-pickled carrots) here on A Bullseye View, along with more details about Ayesha's cookware line.

The Look for Less: Talbot's vs. A New Day

Ornate sleeves continue to be a hot trend for Fall. And now that the weather is turning cooler, fancy sleeves are showing up on sweaters, like these two bow-sleeved black pullovers. You could opt for the one the left from Talbots, which will cost you almost $90. Or you could choose the more wallet-friendly version on the right - from A New Day at Target - at just $24.99.

The Look for Less: Heath Ceramics vs. Project 62

An eagle-eyed reader pointed out to me that some of the new stoneware dishes from Project 62 (at Target) are strikingly similar to offerings from the luxe line Heath Ceramics. Case in point: you could opt for Heath's "Coupe" cereal bowl (shown here on top) for a hefty $30 per bowl. Or you could save a lot of dough by opting for Project 62's "Tilley" cereal bowl (shown at bottom) which cost just $4.99 each.

Target's Fall Catalog...

Have you received one of Target's Fall Catalogs in the mail yet, with 80+ pages of new products and styles? If so - lucky you! - yours included in-store coupons on the back cover. [Side note: it always amuses me that I - as a loyal REDcard holder for over 15 years - never receives these in the mail anymore]. You can also grab a copy in stores, where I've seen them stacked in the home decor department near the new Project 62 display. You can also check out the online version here on Target.com.

Target Debuts Maps of Stores...

Consumerist reports that Target has announced that customers can soon traverse their local stores using maps of the locations within the retailer’s mobile app. The system will be available in nearly half its stores by the upcoming holiday season.

The feature, described as a “GPS for your shopping cart,” uses a system of in-store beacons and Bluetooth technology to show customers their current location on the map as they move through the aisles. Shoppers can use the map to find the next item on their shopping list. For example, Target customers can already create a list on the store’s app. While shopping they can click on that item and the new map will show them exactly where it is located in their local store.

Integrating a GPS-like map into its app isn’t entirely surprising for Target. For years, the retailer has experimented with mapping stores to make shopping easier for customers. For instance, in Nov. 2014, Target issued an update to its app that told shoppers what’s in stock and where to find those items inside the store. That feature was more broad, showing customers the aisle the item was located in, but not directions to that area.

New at Target: Da Bomb Bath Fizzers

Teenage sisters Isabel and Caroline Bercaw made their first handmade bath bombs in the basement of their Minneapolis home when they were just 10 and 11 years old. After being disappointed by bath bombs that quite literally fizzled out, the girls were eager to create a product that kept the fun going long after the bath ended. It was less than one year ago when these two driven "sisterpreneurs" debuted Da Bomb Bath Fizzers at Target stores across the U.S. And based on double-digit sales growth, these teenage sisters seem to be on to something. Guests are loving these fizzy bath bombs, and so starting this month, Da Bomb Bath Fizzers are getting their very own main aisle endcap at Target.

With catchy names like “Cake Bomb,” “Bling Bomb” and “Cozy Bomb,” the 3.5 oz Target-exclusive bombs include fragrant fizzers made with just a few ingredients. But the bath bombs aren’t all fun and games — they’re about giving back, too. Proceeds from the sale of their “Earth Bomb” go to organizations that help clean up the world’s oceans.

So what sets these bath bombs apart from others out there? To start, each one has a surprise inside, which could be toys, charms, messages and even jewelry. They're also handmade in the USA using just a few simple ingredients. Plus, these bath bombs produce what the sisters like to call a “clean fizz,” meaning they won’t leave a bunch of gunk and residue in your tub, nor will the pigments stain your skin or your tub.

You can read more about the Bercaw sisters here on A Bullseye View.  Da Bomb Bath Fizzers are available at all Target stores for just $4.99 a piece.

Cartwheel Deal: 40% off Halloween Today Only!

Prepping for Halloween? You may want to head to your local Target store today with your Cartwheel app, as today only they're offering 40% off all Halloween costumes and select holiday candy. Offer in stores only, and only with Cartwheel.

Target + TOMS Teaming Up On Holiday Gifts

Target + TOMS is about to light up the holiday season with Apple Watch bands and exclusive iPhone cases that give back. Starting Oct. 8, with every TOMS case for iPhone or band for Apple Watch you purchase, TOMS will help bring solar light to a person in need. (And the need is real—about 1.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe, reliable electricity). So you can feel good about adding some new bling to your favorite Apple devices—all while literally brightening someone’s day. Plus, Target REDcard holders will be able to shop the collection online a week early.

And the designs? They have a story of their own. “The watchbands are inspired by the bracelets I have collected throughout my travels,” says TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie. “They are reminders of the places I have visited and the individuals I have met along the way. Like these bracelets, my hope is that the TOMS Band for Apple Watch will serve as a daily reminder to make a positive impact on another person’s life.”

You can check out more preview pics here on A Bullseye View. Target + TOMS will debut on Oct. 8th, but Target REDcard holders can shop the collection starting Oct. 1 on Target.com.

Have you checked out Project 62 yet?

Anyone get one of these emails (shown) in the past few days? Today I got my third email hyping Target's new Project 62 brand. I've checked out the new brand in stores, and so far, I like what I see. That said, the selection you find will vary by store. One of my local stores had the entire Project 62 display up several days prior to launch, while on Sunday my closest store just had shipping pallets on the shelves with nothing unpacked yet.

That said, fans of longstanding Target brands Threshold and Nate Berkus may want to stock up now while you can, as the future doesn’t look bright for these two popular lines. As noted recently in my comments section, a design consultant with ties to Target reveals that Threshold will continue for now with home décor (but not much furniture) and Nate Berkus will be regulated to “softlines” (like bedding and bath). And one of my faithful readers chatted up a Target merchandiser last week, who admitted that both brands are basically being phased out over the next several months to make way for Project 62 and other new home furnishing lines.

Hopefully Project 62 will fill the void left by Threshold, albeit with a bit more modern slant. I’ll desperately miss Nate Berkus for Target, though; all my bedding is by Nate, and his sheets have held up better than any other brand I’ve ever owned. Not to mention that half my house is furnished with Nate Berkus baskets, throw pillows, table runners, vases, candle holders, etc.

Grieving Grandfather Hands a Toddler $20 in Target....

There's still good in this world. Heartwarming... just read this link. 

Consumer Alert: Room Essentials Dresser Recall

Consumerist reports that Target has announced the recall of its Room Essentials four-drawer dressers after receiving reports that two children were injured when a piece of the furniture tipped over.

According to a notice posted with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the unstable dressers pose a serious tip-over and entrapment hazard if they are not anchored to the wall. In all, Target is aware of 12 reports of dressers tipping over or collapsing, including one incident in which a piece of furniture tipped over on two three-year-old children. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far.

The affected Room Essentials dressers contain four drawers and come in three colors: black, espresso, and maple. Measuring about 42 inches tall by 31.5 inches wide, the dressers were sold exclusively at Target and Target.com from Jan. 2013 to April 2016 for about $118.

Recalled dressers can be identified by the following model numbers printed on the furniture packaging:
• 249-05-0103 (black)
• 249-05-0106 (espresso)
• 49-05-0109 (maple)

Consumers who have the furniture in their homes are urged to stop using dressers that are not properly anchored to the wall and place it into an area that children cannot access. The dressers should be returned to Target for a full refund. Customers with questions can contact Target at 800-440-0680 or online at www.target.com.

Fab Find: Halloween Luminary

At Target the other day I found these fun Halloween luminary mason Jjrs. They light up with batteries (included) vs. candles, and come in brightly-colored pumpkin, skeleton and cat designs. Best of all, they're just $3 each in the Dollar Aisle.

New at Target: Brit + Co. DIY Planners

Brit + Co. has a new collection of DIY planners at Target. As described on Target's website, they are "Designed for creative gals on the go, these stylish planners are customizable for any lifestyle. Start it any day of the year, plus mix & match inserts and accessories to truly make it your own. Perfect for school, work, play, or anything in between!"

The collection includes undated weekly planners, mini 3-ring binders, tab dividers, calendar inserts, bookmarks, labels and more - all in a variety of colors and patterns. Best of all, everything is $14.99 or less.

Coming Soon to Target: Hearth & Hand with Magnolia

Chip and Joanna Gaines—the duo behind  Magnolia and the hit HGTV show “Fixer Upper”—announced some big news yesterday. This November, Target will launch Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, an exclusive home and lifestyle brand designed in partnership with Chip and Joanna. It’s Magnolia’s first time working with a retailer to design and create product, with over 300 items spanning tabletop, home décor and gifts.

The best part? This is not a limited time collab. This partnership will last multiple years, and will refresh season after season, bringing Target’s guests stylish home goods on an ongoing basis. The first collection debuts in early November, just in time for holiday gatherings. The collection reflects a modern take on Magnolia’s signature aesthetic with modern, classic, industrial and vintage touches. And in true Target style, most of the items are under $30.

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia arrives at all Target stores and Target.com on Nov. 5, with prices ranging from $.99 to $129.99.

Method's Limited Edition Art Collection

A couple of months ago I told you about Method's new Limited Edition Art Collection, which supports Creative Growth, a non-profit arts center for adults with disabilities based in Oakland, California. At the time, I only saw one design on store shelves, by artist Barry Regan. Now the other 3 artist's creations have hit shelves, as shown here. Scents include Cedar Spice, Jasmine Lily, and Vanilla Sky (in the bottle on the right with the cute cloud print).  The entire collection is now available online at Target.com.

The Look for Less: Steve Madden vs. Mossimo

Embroidery details are everywhere this Fall, and not only on clothing: now it's showing up on footwear as well. You could catch the trend with the Steve Madden embroidered bootie on the left, regularly $129.95 but currently on sale at Nordstrom for $77.96. Or you could save some dough and get the Mossimo version on the right, which is just $37.99 at Target.

First Look: Project 62

Of the new brands Target is rolling out, their new home decor line Project 62 is dubbed "modern pieces made for everyday living." Named after the year Target was born, the line offers a range of mid-century modern silhouettes. You can view preview pics here on Target.com, with items available for sale online on 9/16 and in stores on 9/19.

So far I like what I see, but it also makes me a bit fearful for the future of Target's popular Threshold and Nate Berkus lines. It seems like both lines have been dwindling in stores - perhaps in anticipation for making room for Project 62. Then again, Nate's Fall Collection doesn't usually hit stores until mid-September, so perhaps I'm jumping the gun a bit.

Target slashes prices as Amazon heats up grocery wars...

As Amazon heats up the grocery store wars with new discounts at Whole Foods— which has been bringing in more shoppers since the two companies became one — Target is fighting back by promising to cut prices on thousands of items. Comsumerist reports that Target has slashed prices on a slew of items, including cereal, paper towels, milk, eggs, baby formula, razors, bath tissues, and thousands of other products.

Instead of focusing only on sales or promotions, Target says it’s trying to “cut through the clutter and provide guests with everyday value, while continuing to offer additional savings on the right products at the right times.”

To that end, Target has eliminated more than two-thirds of its “price and offer call-outs,” which just means any signs or labels touting specials or deals. Mark Tritton, Target executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, says the company spent months looking at everything it sells, “with a focus on offering the right price every day and simplifying our marketing to make great, low prices easy to spot.”

At the same time, Target isn’t doing away with promotions all together, he adds. “We want our guests to feel a sense of satisfaction every time they shop at Target,” Tritton said in a statement. “Part of that is removing the guesswork to ensure they feel confident they’re getting a great, low price every day.”

Business Insider reviews Goodfellow & Co...

A reporter at Business Insider went ahead and reviewed Target's new mens brand Goodfellow & Co. You can read his first-hand account here, but to summarize it for you: he found it on-trend, but ill-fitting. One telling detail is that the reporter - who's a slim fit himself - found several items even too slim for him. That's a shame, because not all men (my hubby included!) are built slim, so it seems like Target is leaving out a whole segment of male shoppers.

Sale Alert: Select Furniture on Target.com

Target.com is having a furniture sale, with up to 30% off select items. This sale also applies to Patio Furniture and Accessories. Plus, now through Monday, you can get an additional 15% off with the code LABORDAY at checkout.

Mom alerts police to child left in hot car at Target...

Even though summer is winding down, temperatures can still be pretty hot, and it’s especially dangerous to leave children or pets behind in your car. That’s why it was fortunate that one shopper at an Ontario, CA, Target store happened to notice a small child in the backseat of a locked car in the store’s parking lot.

As Consumerist reports, the alert shopper knew exactly what to do. She called 9-1-1 and attempted to free the little girl herself, sticking her hands in the slightly-open window and attempting to break it. “As a mom you want to prevent a tragedy,” she told CBS Los Angeles.

Local police arrived and freed the little girl, comforting her until her mother emerged from the Target store. The girl, whose father is currently out of the country, went with child protective services, and her mother was arrested.

The toddler was left alone for at least 15 minutes while her mother was inside the store shopping, and police say that the temperature inside reached 104 degrees. “I just think I was in the right place at the right time and that was God,” the woman who noticed the child and called for help told reporters.