If you follow my tweets, you may have noticed that I was in New York yesterday for Fashion Week and therefore unable to make it to a Target store for the Missoni launch. I had to catch a 6:30 am train to make it to my 9:00 am backstage appointment at Badgley Mischka. Sorry, but I wasn't about to skip an opportunity that I've worked so hard to get just to shop at Target, Missoni or not.
UPDATE: "Missoni for Target: Redemption Island"
I tried to shop online between shows, but Target.com crashed and was up and down intermittently throughout the day. Instead of taking my own advice (see Shop Missoni for Target This Very Instant), I took a gamble and decided to wait and shop the collection in stores today. Epic mistake. My store was completely cleared out, with the exception of a few pieces of girls' clothing and shoes, one green sweater, three pairs of tights, framed tiles, and a few Missoni underthings like a polyester thong.
Dazed, I stumbled upon an overpriced knit hat and a pair of gloves which I reluctantly bought just because it was all that was left. Pathetic. I was consoled by a few of my fellow shoppers who were equally shocked and dismayed to find the Missoni collection that we had all looked forward to shopping, for so long, had been completely and utterly decimated. Meanwhile, thousands of items have cropped up on eBay.com, and sellers are asking double, triple or even more than the retail price for items.
Am I just bitter because I missed out? You bet. Will I boycott Target? Realistically, probably not, but I will be very, very upset with them for a long time. I think they let us down BIG TIME. According to The Chicago Tribune, Target has no plans to restock shelves. The only glimmer of hope I see is that people may start returning unwanted items in the coming weeks, so with some luck, you might be able to get something. That is, if you aren't completely disgusted and never want to hear the name "Missoni for Target" again.
In conclusion, if you shopped early and got what you wanted, then I'm sincerely happy for you. But for this disappointed shopper, it's all sour grapes.
Photo credit: TheBudgetBabe.com
Dazed, I stumbled upon an overpriced knit hat and a pair of gloves which I reluctantly bought just because it was all that was left. Pathetic. I was consoled by a few of my fellow shoppers who were equally shocked and dismayed to find the Missoni collection that we had all looked forward to shopping, for so long, had been completely and utterly decimated. Meanwhile, thousands of items have cropped up on eBay.com, and sellers are asking double, triple or even more than the retail price for items.
Am I just bitter because I missed out? You bet. Will I boycott Target? Realistically, probably not, but I will be very, very upset with them for a long time. I think they let us down BIG TIME. According to The Chicago Tribune, Target has no plans to restock shelves. The only glimmer of hope I see is that people may start returning unwanted items in the coming weeks, so with some luck, you might be able to get something. That is, if you aren't completely disgusted and never want to hear the name "Missoni for Target" again.
In conclusion, if you shopped early and got what you wanted, then I'm sincerely happy for you. But for this disappointed shopper, it's all sour grapes.
Photo credit: TheBudgetBabe.com
Some things are now on ebay selling for more than the M for Missoni discount line.
If anything, it means that other high end designers might be tempted to create lower-price lines as the demand is there; however, what it does to the brand's value is a concern.
To be honest, I'm not completely surprised, given how previous low-priced designer lines for H&M were raided by consumers and resold on ebay.
Its disappointing, but should almost have been expected. I'm sure Karl is hoping his line at Macys performs similarly.
Ironically, I live in Texas, and our Targets are still fully stocked with Missoni products that no one really wants. If anyone is desperate for a certain Item, I can certainly have a look at one of the five Targets within my area...
I noticed that the Target site just recently changed. It seems like they also changed hosts because my information was not saved and they no longer have the "one click shopping", which may have made checkouts much quicker. Clearly not enough was done to handle the demand on the site.
As for the current prices on Ebay? You might as well invest in an actual Missoni piece at this point!
I'm surprised you could find those heels at your Target to photograph! Those were one of the first things to sell out online!
That being said, I have to hand it to Target's marketing team - they have absolutely created a feeding frenzy (which is what they want - supply and demand!) over their designer collabs. FWIW, the Tagets within a 20 minute drive of me (in St. Louis County, where fashion goes to die) almost all have full stock, from what I've heard from other area bloggers. One of the benefits of living in middle America, I suppose.
Also, I think price gouging by ebay sellers is DISGUSTING. It's nothing new (frequently discussed on Anthro and J.Crew focused blogs), but it's really gross to me.
It disgusts me that people act this way over stuff. Stuff that they would most-likely think is ugly if it didn't say "Missoni" on the label.
I did manage to make a few purchases, but nothing like I imagined. It was all pretty underwhelming. Now if I could just get my hands on some of those bath towels I'd been lusting after ...
None of the knitwear (which I was most excited about, being Missoni and all) was what I expected. The materials were cheap and felt unpleasant against the skin. They weren't worth the ticket price regardless of the label on the inside.
The nicest stuff was the housewares. The plates, mixing bowls, and espresso sets were all very nice and heavy. I have a well stocked kitchen so I didn't get anything, but they were nice to look at and hold and priced decently.
I'm heading back tomorrow to pick up a few non-Missoni house items. If anyone is wanting anything I'd be happy to keep my eye out for you. I could ship it to you for retail + shipping if there's anything you must have.
I hope people won't buy from the eBay sellers. It would make more sense to buy a Missoni piece at that point.
I did get a chevron milk crate and two notebooks that are cute and spice up the office.
Nothing beat my Orla Kiely for Target office supplies, though.
If there is something you really wanted post on my blog, maybe I can get it - there was still a bunch of stuff at my Target.f
I hope everyone finds what they were looking for.
After all this brouhaha I'm left with two thongs to choose from in my store (dallas) & the manager is unhelpful and says she cant help - WTH??!! I can't shop online because their site crashed. How come they made so few pieces and didnt have a strategy for their loyal shoppers?
I am being solicited on twitter from random tweeters selling stuff on ebay?!!!
I am so disgusted with Target.
I still love you, Target, but what a mess you've made of this one! If I want a frustrating, bad shopping experience, I go to Walmart. Target, you're better than this--you hear me?
With that said, this reminds me of the recent $99 HP TouchPad debacle. To keep it short, I never got my order from a seller. HP kept stringing people along and many consumers bought TONS of touchpads and are selling them on eBay for 40-60% markup. Who bids on this stuff is beyond me... I just wanted one particular Missoni dress. But, you know what? The line was a tad overpriced for Target workmanship which is fine for fast fashion but not for long term wear (in most cases).
BB, I think a lot of returns are coming down the pike and we might score some random pieces, maybe even on sale.
-Erin
what is really unfortunate is that the craziness of it all turned people into desperate shoppers. did i have this item in my hand because i wanted it, or because it was missoni and there was only one left? i found myself thinking that a lot yesterday, which luckily kept me from overspending. as for target, i think they slipped up in preparation for the demand on this line. that being said, i'm not giving them up. i think for those of us that can't afford the real deal that these designer collaborations are fantastic and target has been probably the biggest pioneer on this front.
anyway, good luck to those that are still looking for things. i hope you find them at a (truly) reasonable price.
However, I was able to get on Target's website last night and ordered a black maxi skirt and a colorful print makeup bag. That's all I really wanted so I was a lucky one.
Personally, I LOVE the zig-zag pattern and there were a few things I was interested in. But I'm not about to go to Target at 6am or pay $$$ on ebay to have it.
MAC cosmetics does this kind of ridiculous limited-edition insanity constantly, and it's really insulting to the consumer.
On the bright side my target will be getting more. Maybe even tomorrow. They said the have gotten confirmation from corporate that they will have more and I just need to call at around 7:30 each day when they are unloading the truck to see if it arrived.
And I agree about the clothes, most were either not cute, or you can get the same type of zigzag mess at another store. But the bags look great, and that is what I am hoping to get.
That said, I think there will be two waves of "returns to store" where people can score Missoni that's been returned:
1) in a week or so, when some of the eBay vultures get frustrated because their stuff isn't selling. There's over 40,000 Missoni items on eBay right now; they aren't going to sell, and if these folks can't make a fast buck, they'll take it back to Target to recoup their money.
2) right after Christmas. Something tells me that certain people grabbed Missoni as x-mas gifts. And as also mentioned above, Missoni isn't everyone's cup of tea. Therefore, look for some Missoni items to show up as "Christmas returns".
BUT, I think you have it with people returning. A similar thing happened with Liberty a few years ago. Suddenly pieces started to reappear as people returned by the droves.
1. Silk scarf
2. Large tote
3. The brown pink dress that looks like a book. I LOVE that dress, eve since pics first appeared. Largest size possible (xl).
Please email me, alicorne at gmail dot com
Thanks! I'll try to link pics
1. Silk Scarf
ideally the yellow floral or yellow multi http://www.target.com/p/Missoni-for-Target-174-Women-s-Floral-Silk-Scarf-Yellow/-/A-13532671
or http://www.target.com/p/Missoni-for-Target-174-Women-s-Multi-Silk-Scarf-Yellow/-/A-13532672
but one of the others would do as well
2. the large brown tote,
"Colore" http://www.target.com/p/Missoni-for-Target-174-Women-s-Canvas-Tote-Colore/-/A-13532676
3. the actual name of the dress is, Multicolor Stripe Print. I think it looks like a bookshelf! XL. http://www.target.com/p/Missoni-for-Target-174-Sweater-Dress-Multicolor-Stripe-Print/-/A-13474944. THIS IS MY TOP PRIORITY, I LOVE LOVE this dress!
And, while looking on Target's site couldn't help but add a couple of other "wish" items (not as important)
4. black sleeveless sweater dress with front panel, XL, http://www.target.com/p/Missoni-for-Target%C2%AE-Sleeveless-Sweater-Dress-with-Front-Panel---Black/Multicolor/-/A-13565003?reco=Rec_pdp_13565003_ClickCP_Adjacency
5. the Colore Ruana
http://www.target.com/p/Missoni-for-Target%C2%AE-Women%27s-Ruana---Colore/-/A-13532785?reco=Rec_pdp_13532785_PurchaseCP_Adjacency
and finally, the ribbon loop throw pillows, especially the Colore one (I guess I like Colore)
http://www.target.com/p/Missoni-for-Target-174-Toss-Pillow-Colore-Loops/-/A-13444078
THANKS FOR ANY HELP! please email, thanks!
I'm also glad I deleted my ebay account. If it isn't ebay screwing over sellers, it's sellers screwing over buyers. So to hell with ebay.
I have zero tolerance for this greedy behavior. It is the same way with regular grocery shopping now since the TLC show "Extreme Couponing" debuted. Idiots clearing shelves. It isn't just grocery now, it's clothing as well. Target absolutely needs to enforce a strict limit policy.
I stopped into my local Target (Buffalo Grove, IL) and it didn't even look as though there had ever been Missoni items there. I shop here often and notice when things are moved around. If I had not seen a few hats and scarves this would have been my assumption. I did not even see any displays left. I wasn't seriously planning on buying more than a cardigan, but I am shocked at how the Missoni launch went. However, I'm not angry at Target. I'm more disgusted with people (and you KNOW they are out there) that saw the name "Missoni" and scooped up whatever items they could regardless of what they needed. Only to re-sell it online. I hope no one succumbs to buying from those persons. Pretty sad if you ask me.
What is strange, is that all these women were LOADING their carts with everything they could grab like maniacs and it totally made ME nervous! I think I just freaked out and started grabbing things I "thought" I liked. I realized how quickly it would vanish and didn't want to regret not buying something when I had the chance. So I joined in the madness when all I wanted was a blanket.
I have to be honest, I have been tempted to sell on ebay, but I just feel like that defeats the purpose. It crossed my mind to grab the second blanket and I remember thinking I would want someone to leave it for me, and I am glad that I did. All the extra things I change my mind about I will be returning to the store, and I hope another shopper who really wanted those items is thrilled to find them re-stocked.
Target really dropped the ball on this one, no doubt.
There were some flats left, all size 10 and I didn't like the brown heels they had in my size. All the accessories were gone. I was SOOOO lucky about the purple zig-zag cardigan I bought. The fitting room associates were putting stuff away until I asked them if there was any stuff left, and where would it be. She handed me that sweater. I also tried on the blue zig-zag sweater dress, but once it's belted; it's super short. I am soo happy with the cardigan.
I wish I had a full time job and an apartment so I could have went on opening day and get the home and bath decor that I obsessed about.
As for boycotting Ebay, you don't boycott the company because they can't do anything about it. You boycott the users who are selling it. All you have to do, is send a message to someone who is selling the Missoni collection. Maybe next time they will think twice about doing it.
These designs are never of the same quality as the the real deal. I save up for the items I think we will have many happy years together.
but if anyone sees one - i'd greatly appreciate it. our target had a few make-up bags and canisters left, but it was definitely picked over pretty fast.
I think the lack of merchandise is mainly due to people hoarding to sell on Ebay. I mean did you guys see the listings? There are so many and I'm so glad that hardly anyone is bidding! I went to my local Target since I was awake by 8 am and seriously there must have been the same 3-5 women hoarding ALL of them. Can you say...resellers!! I managed to grab only 7 items (although decent picks) and that's fine by me.
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I'm not setting a crazy price to start, I just thought I'd list them there, and if someone wants to pay a ridiculous amount, so be it.
I'm not sure what I think about them buying it ALL up though and whether Target should prevent such activity. Certainly there is precedent in limiting number of purchases on certain items for Black Friday sales and coupons to prevent the very same thing, but then again Targets role as a business is to make sure the product sells. We do live in a free market society after all. Plus, how would you be able to delineate between the person buying a lot to resell and the person that has a large family or is buying the items as gifts to their friends?
id be embarrassed to tell people i was wearing missoni for target
That being said i'm in Northbrook, IL and when I was in Target this week it didn't even look like the missoni stuff had been there. but maybe that's because the people around here who care about Missoni actually own the real thing.
I had no idea it would cause such a frenzy, but I am happy with my purchases. Maybe I'll wait until all the hoopla dies down before I whip it out....