Nifty Gift: Pair of Thieves Dad/Kid Sock Set

As the holidays approach, I'm starting a new feature called "Nifty Gift" with fun gift ideas I've found at Target. Today I'm sharing a product from Pair of Thieves, a brand I've blogged about before and adore. This holiday season, in addition to a variety of mens' socks, Pair of Thieves are also offering Dad/Kid sock sets with matching socks for dad and kids, ranging in size from kids S (18 months - 3yrs) to L (8-10 yrs).  At just $9.99 for the set, this would make a great stocking stuffer, or a cute gift for a kid to give dad.

Virginia Artist Accuses Target Of Ripping Off Designs...

Consumerist reports that a Virginia artist, who has created and sold original cellphone covers online since 2013, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court this week accusing Target and supplier Weihai Luda Craft Co. of copyright, vicarious and contributory infringement.

According to the lawsuit, the artist specializes in creating cellphone covers decorated with carefully chosen flowers and plants in original arrangements. Two of those designs, titled “Lemon and Honey” and “Morning Dew” have been available for purchase through the artist’s website since August 2013. 

The artist claims she recently discovered a Target store in Washington selling unauthorized copies of these two designs under the Target-owned Merona brand. After searching other stores, she found the cellphone covers for sale in Virginia stores as well as online.

The artist is seeking $300,000 in damages, an injunction to stop Target from selling the covers, and attorney fees. In my opinion, the evidence in her favor is compelling, since it seems Target copied her not once, but twice. As shown here, each cell phone on the left is the Merona version, with the artist's original design shown on the right. 

Target Now Offering International Shopping...

Yesterday Target announced it has launched an international version of its website, available to shoppers in more than 200 countries and territories. According to A Bullseye View, the new site - which Target recently began testing - will also allow U.S. customers to ship Target orders to family and friends around the world.

“We believe international consumers will love shopping the great brands, great prices and exclusive products that are synonymous with Target,” said Jason Goldberger, president of Target.com and Mobile. “Target.com already gets tens of millions of visitors every year from outside the U.S., and this test will give us even greater insight into how shoppers around the world engage with Target.”

Guests in the U.S. and abroad can now visit Intl.Target.com to shop about half the assortment of Target.com, including apparel, beauty products, home décor, housewares, baby goods and toys. Here’s how it works: when international guests visit Target.com, they will be taken to Target’s new international website. Guests can then designate the country they would like to ship to and also choose their currency. The prices will be the same as those offered in the U.S. on Target.com, and shown in the local currency sitewide at the current conversion rate. The checkout page will be translated into the local language and the all-in price with shipping charges, duties and tariffs will be clearly shown.

Cartwheel Deal: 40% Off All Boots

Target is running a deal today only - via their Cartwheel app - for 40% off boots for men, women and children. This offer is good in stores only, excludes slipper booties and clearance items, and is limited to 4 items per guest. Download the deal here on Cartwheel.

New at Target: French Bull Luggage

I've blogged before about the fun prints and color combos from the French Bull brand at Target. And now faithful reader Cynthia alerts me that French Bull has introduced a new line of luggage for the Bullseye. I happened to see it in person yesterday and snapped this pic. The zig-zag patterns remind me of the Missoni for Target luggage that flew off the shelves a few years ago, and this Jet Set design features a cool collage of vintage postcards.

Clearance Alert: Adam Lippes for Target [Select Items]

The Adam Lippes for Target collection is on sale already - well sort of. In store, I saw the home goods (as shown here) on clearance already for 30% off. However, none of the bags, totes, clothing or shoes were included in this sale. Meanwhile, over on Target.com, the Adam Lippes clothing is part of the sitewide "buy one item, get one 50% off) on select clothing, but nothing else in the collab is on sale.

Man Posing As Target Employee Stole Almost $50,000 In Cellphones...

Consumerist reports that a man in Georgia allegedly impersonated a Target employee in order to steal more than $50,000 in cellphones.

On at least two occasions, police say a man walked into two separate stores pretending to be a Target Mobile representative in order to gain access to a inventory storage locker full of cellphones. According to police, the most recent incident occurred Oct. 17 when the man –dressed in standard attire for a Target Mobile employee, which is a black polo shirt and khaki pants – approached the customer service desk asking for the key to the cellphone locker.

The man then reportedly told the Target employee he was a new hire and needed an escort to the locker’s location. After reaching the area, the man placed 26 cellphones – worth $18,000 – in a duffel bag. He then put on a grey sweatshirt, returned the key to the desk, and left the store.

Police say the man is also a suspect in an Oct. 3 incident at another nearby Target. In that case, the man allegedly stole nearly $30,000 in cellphones using the same tactic. He reportedly returned to the first store after the second heist, but was turned away. Authorities say they believe the man may be a former employee as he seems familiar with the practices of Target and knows the names of store and district managers.