Forecast gloomy for Smith & Hawken at Target

I hate to say this, but things aren’t looking good for the Smith & Hawken line at Target. As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I had hoped that Target would continue the line (possibly buying out the brand name) despite the fact that the company had gone out of business. However, things are looking grim at my two favorite local Targets; both have taken down the Smith & Hawken endcaps and signage, and the S&H aisle has been reduced to a small – and dwindling – clearance section. And while Target.com continues to carry Smith & Hawken merchandise on their web site, it is primarily a selection of their patio furniture and outdoor accessories vs. their home and garden décor.

PS: Pictured is one of my beloved Smith & Hawken items: a wooden duck that we have on our mantle.

Wednesday’s Rave: this recycled pencil case

Here's a totally fat-free, no-guilt snack! This clever pencil case is made from a recycled chip bag. And get this: it's only a buck! Yep, that’s right: one American dollar. At left is a representative photo I found on the web; it seems that this eco-friendly pouch is a popular craft project, and there are dozens of sites out there with directions to DIY. But at only a dollar, why even bother making your own? Target’s versions come in a variety of “flavors” including Doritos, Sun Chips and Rold Gold pretzels. Unfortunately, I can’t find them on Target’s web site, but you can find them in the store on an endcap in the stationery department.

Sale Alert: Merona Collection dresses

Attention, Merona Collection fans! All Merona Collection dresses are on sale this week at Target for 30% off (just $27.99 down, from $39.99). However, this sale is happening in stores only, and is not available online.

Clearance Alert: Erickson Beamon at Target

The Erickson Beamon jewelry collection (which I found rather garish) is now on sale at Target.com. This charm bracelet (shown at left) is now 30% off at $20.98 (down from $29.99) and most of the rest of the collection has been reduced by 30-50% as well.

Now from what I can tell, the line hasn’t budged an inch in stores. I keep seeing the same fully-stocked display in the jewelry case… so I think they’re going to need to discount the Erickson Beamon line even more if they’re ever going to clear it out!

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. This week's pick is this mod bedding set (including a comforter and two pillow shams) from designer Dror Benshetrit. The twin/XL twin set is on sale for just $39 (regularly $49) and the full/queen size is on sale for only $47.99 (regularly $59.99). Plus, all other Dror bedding is on sale this week, too... including these cool reversible pillows that I blogged about last month.

Target opens 23 New Stores & creates 4,000 New Jobs

Most retailers these days are closing stores and slashing employees. But not Target.

The Bullseye announced on Tuesday that it plans to open 23 new stores and create new 4,000 jobs. All 23 stores, which include 17 general merchandise stores with expanded food options and two are full-grocery SuperTarget stores, will open on July 26 across the country.

The general merchandise stores feature a blend of everyday essentials, including household products, electronics, clothing and an assortment of food and seasonal merchandise, as well as amenities like Starbucks, Target Cafe and Target Pharmacy. Each store employees between 100 and 250 employees.

Wednesday’s Rave: these Merona separates

Target continues to amaze me with their clothing options. These separates (shown) were in their weekly ad this week, and are part of their regular Merona line (vs. their more upscale Merona Collection) but they’re just as stylish, IMO. And even better, both are on sale this week!

The woven wrap dress in a dark aqua and the drawstring halter in chocolate/gold are both on trend and come in hues that transition well to Fall. I can picture wearing them now and then layering the dress with a charcoal gray cardigan and throwing a light jacket over the halter top once the weather gets cooler.