Target Apologizes for Tom Emmer Donation

This week, Target apologized for donating money to Republican Tom Emmer (pictured) a conservative candidate for Minnesota governor who loudly opposes gay rights. The Target controversy has been brewing for a while now, but now the Bullseye is finally acknowledging that it's time for some damage control.

In a statement, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel writes:

"The intent of our political contribution to MN Forward was to support economic growth and job creation. While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry."

He goes on to say that Target respects diversity, that it will review its "decision-making process for financial contributions in the public policy arena," and that later this fall it will convene talks with other organizations about GLBT rights alongside other issues.

Despite the apology, the organization MoveOn is still calling for a boycott of Target stores, as are numerous Facebook pages.

Update: Corey Lynn Calter dress for Target

A couple of weeks ago I told you that Corey Lynn Calter was the latest designer to jump on the "limited-edition bandwagon" for Target, and would be creating an exclusive dress for the Bullseye. Well, the Corey Lynn Calter dress is now available on Target's Red Hot Shop. This richly-hued floral frock in silk georgette includes standout details like a blouson waist and flutter sleeves with delicate ties on each shoulder. At $79.99, it's expensive for a Target dress, but a bargain for a designer piece. And Target is running a "free shipping for orders over $50" promotion, however, so at least you can avoid any shipping costs.

Shaun White 4 Target 2010 Collection

The latest Shaun White 4 Target collection is now available online and in stores. The line boasts Shaun's usual offering of skater-inspired graphic tees, hoodies, polos, shorts & jeans for boys and young men. And in addition, this time around Shaun's collection also includes shoes. Now to be honest: I saw the shoes in person several weeks ago (as my local Target put them out early) and I hate to say that the materials seemed extremely cheap and flimsy. Quite a letdown from the quality and styling of his clothing, which we've purchased for our teenage boys in the past and have been very happy with. For same amount of money at Target, you're much better off buying the skate shoes from Converse One Star, which are better-constructed and hold up well.

Wednesday's Rave: this Poketo laptop sleeve

On Sunday, I told you about a new line - Poketo - coming to Target. Well today I was able to check out the Poketo collection up close & personal in the store, and I just have to rave about this adorable laptop sleeve. Believe me, the picture here doesn't do it justice; for another shot of it, check out this one on Unplgged. Now mind you, I don't really NEED a laptop sleeve per se. But I just couldn't resist these beautiful birds on the tranquil blue background. Plus the sleeve is adjustable (via the velcro closures) making it able to fit both my IBM ThinkPad (for work) and my Apple MacBook Air (at home). And at just $19.99, this arty laptop sleeve is a real steal, considering the fact that most "basic black" ones start at around $25.

New at Target: D-Signed by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato seems to be following in the footsteps of fellow Disney stars Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez in more ways than one. The ‘Sonny With A Chance’ star and singer will soon be showing off a new clothing & accessories line at Target. Her line, D-Signed, will differ from Cyrus’ and Gomez’s in that it will reflect her Disney character as if the pieces are straight out of Sonny Munroe’s closet, with lots of graphic tees, fluttery skirts and comfy hoodies (like the ones shown here).

The line will reportedly include all the basics for girls ages 8 to 12, as well as jewelry and bags. D-Signed hits Target stores this week, and I have to admit that I’ve already seen a couple of cute necklaces from the line that I wouldn’t mind owning myself (despite the fact that I’m decades above the ‘tween set it’s aimed for).

Pick of the Week

It's Pick of the Week time: each week I pick one great buy from Target's Weekly Ad (in the Sunday newspaper) and highlight it here on my blog. Today's pick blends form and function into one appealing package and price-point. It's this stylish storage trunk, which certainly offers storage space but also doubles as a coffee or end table. It's made of sleek faux-croc leather - meaning it's easy to clean and maintain - and this week it's on sale for just $49 at Target (regularly $59.99). And while Target is promoting it as dorm or first apartment decor, I can see this versatile piece fitting in to just about any living space.

Poketo for Target

Thank you to reader Rhonda who clued me in to the fact that the arty label Poketo is launching a limited-edition line of wallets, tote bags, and umbrellas for Target.

Poketo – based in L.A. – designs limited edition art products, accessories, apparel, and decor. Founded by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo promotes the work of top international artists by showcasing original artwork through their fun and accessible wares. Poketo products are available internationally in fine boutiques, museums, and at Poketo.com, where you can see a few more preview pics for the Target line. I personally like the bird packpack (fourth photo down) shown on Rhonda’s blog post.

Although the Poketo for Target line isn’t officially supposed to hit stores until Aug. 10th, Rhonda found it early at her local store (in Northern California) and I found this picture on the web of the North Hollywood store where many of the items were already sold out.