Target’s new collection offers fine products at not-so-fine prices.
After Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday steals, there is one shining bargain that might prove better than all others — at least in hype. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, designer versions of clothing, shoes and home decor items are returning to Target — and in more volume than ever before.
Tomorrow, Target and Neiman Marcus will release their collaborative collection featuring more than 50 gifts created by 24 top designers. Announced in July, the collection promises both great products and deals — what more does one need during the holiday season? — but price decisions may ultimately doom it.
Featuring designers and labels such as Oscar de la Renta, Rodarte, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler and other members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the collection boasts products ranging from cookie cutters to capes and skateboards to shot glasses.
The collection promises to do good, too. Target and Neiman Marcus have pledged to jointly donate $1 million to the CFDA to support the designers slated to contribute to the collections.
The items will be for sale at brick-and-mortar stores and online.
There is, however, a drawback to the collection. While each of the pieces are incredibly cute and appealing (read: matching best friends hats), they are also rather expensive, especially for the average Target shopper.
For example, a pair of leopard print slippers designed by Derek Lam go for $49.99, while a colorful bicycle created by Alice + Olivia goes for a whopping $499.99.
While this price range is doable and even expected for many Neiman Marcus customers, most Target shoppers are going to have a problem justifying that kind of spending. A dog bowl for $29.99? Think again, Target. With your shoppers making an average of $55,000 yearly according to your website, they tend to be looking for savings at the store, rather than spending big on name brands.
It seems the Target-Neiman Marcus collaboration will be a flop solely for this reason. Typical Target-shopping masses simply cannot afford to buy into a designer fund, no matter how nice it looks.
And for Neiman Marcus shoppers used to seeing designers like these in their favorite department store, it will surely not be all that exciting.
While the return of designers to Target is exciting, shoppers beware: It’s a classic case of the present having prettier wrapping than what’s inside.
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