The Shops at Target Fall 2012

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Last week, Target announced via their online magazine A Bullseye View the next installment of shops in its latest design partnership platform. Coming September 9th, the second flight of The Shops at Target will include merchandise inspired by the independent boutiques Kirna Zabête, The Curiosity Shoppe, Odin and Patch NYC.

Kirna Zabête will create a 100-plus-piece women's collection at Target featuring tops, dresses, skirts, pants, outerwear and accessories inspired by the cutting-edge fashions offered at their SoHo hot spot.

The Curiosity Shop will offer a 60-plus-piece collection of entertaining accessories, stationery, kitchenware, games, crafts and curiosities inspired by their San Francisco shop.

Odin will debut a men's collection featuring sweaters, henleys, button-downs, pants, shoes and accessories inspired by Odin's posh Manhattan outposts.

Patch NYC's 50-plus-piece collection will feature nature-inspired lush bedding, decorative pillows, figural lamps, glass drink ware, serving bowls, coasters and more inspired by their Boston-based boutique.

I have to admit, I haven't been to Target yet to shop the first installment (which launched May 6th) but that's mainly because my schedule's been crazy. Also, I was chatting with my mom about The Shops at Target and she thought the products were the same as those sold at the various small stores. When I told her the items are actually "inspired by" the boutiques, she was disappointed and said she wouldn't be checking it out. I think the concept is a little bit confusing and wonder if anyone else agrees. As long as you find compelling new products, do you care about the backstory?

How do you feel about The Shops at Target?

Comments

From a marketing standpoint, I understand and the idea of 'The Shops.' I do see how the average consumer would be confused. Unless you know of, or are looking for particular items from the inspiring shops listed I feel as though a lot of people will think it's interesting, but perhaps not something they wait in line for like Target's designer series.

#1 jen_cam on 2012-05-14 16:18 (Reply)

This whole "The Shops" thing has just not intrigued me at all, probably because I haven't seen anything that's impressed me yet. The ones currently in stores are just "meh." Haven't even gone to look at them in person.

#2 Heather, Clearance Couture (Homepage) on 2012-05-14 16:42 (Reply)

I have been to Target and find the Webster pieces to be quite appealing. I surprisingly like the flamingos. My mom purchased a few pieces, but other than that, we did not find the rest to be very impressive. The shops are not set up very well and don't stand out as the other limited collections have. The unfortunate part is that the Target employee we spoke with did not seem to understand that these "shops" would be coming in installments and that these particular ones are limited, but that new ones would arrive in a few months. It does not seem as though the employees are aware of what is going to be ahead. I think many of them are over the "limited" collections after the Missoni debacle.

#3 Katie @ Mizz Sunshine (Homepage) on 2012-05-15 02:40 (Reply)

I like the idea of The Shops because - and I could be mistaken - it seems like another form of collaboration to bring you pieces from a brand/line that might otherwise be out of your reach. It also seems educational to me in that I didn't previously know The Webster or Privet House. I wonder if we've gotten so used to Target "hitting it out of the park" that we're quick to dismiss if a collection doesn't reach the same heights as previous ones? In the end, we have to remember it's still Target.

#4 Kate on 2012-05-15 12:07 (Reply)

I see what you mean, I like the idea of teaming up with small, lesser known boutiques, too, and think it's a nice reprieve from the Missoni debacle. I actually like it when things don't sell out in a matter of hours and I can shop at my leisure. My mom just wasn't sure how a collection could be inspired by a store (rather than a designer) and I told her that these stores curate entire lifestyles, hence a collection of items inspired by the boutiques themselves was a cool idea. But like I said, she was not convinced. Anyways, I might make a trip to Privet House since it's located here in Connecticut but I probably won't shop at any of the other stores (unless they have online stores but even then, it's not very likely). Thanks for sharing your insights!

#4.1 The Budget Babe on 2012-05-15 15:09 (Reply)

To me, Privet House and The Webster are the best of the bunch. The Cos Bar and The Candy Store are nothing to write home about; there's nothing special about the cosmetic offerings from Cos Bar, and The Candy Store is just re-packaging famous candy varieties (like Necco wafers and Malted Milk Balls) into cheap plastic jars. And nothing seems particular unique about the pet treats from Polka Dog Bakery, although some of the dog toys are pretty cute.

#5 Target-Addict (Homepage) on 2012-05-15 16:31 (Reply)

July 2012: The Shops ended up being a total dud! They weren't set up very well at all- scattered all over the store, hard to find, etc. I liked a few Webster Miami pieces but the rest were UGLY! They didn't have the shoes in the stores. The candy was over-priced and nothing special. Privet House over-priced, Cos Bar very poor quality, and the pet stuff was just lame. I was really disapointed. I want the Go International stuff back with well-known designers! I wish Isaac Mizrahi NEVER left Target either.

#6 Samantha on 2012-07-18 02:07 (Reply)

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