Another Target fan here! My favorite sister and I speak via phone several times a week(She's outside of Seattle). Our discussions often include what was found at Target. On a visit to her when she was infirmed she permitted me to do her family's Target run. That's real love I say!!

Had to chime in on Target my all timr favorite store. When I was young (long time ago) and poor I so wanted affordable attractive home design and now Target fills that niche. The designer affiliation is fabulous. I am waiting for my Gig Harbor area Target to get the Mizrahi cashmere sweaters!!!

Didn't know about the upcoming cashmere sweaters. Good show!

While we are in praise of Target, I will add that it is considered a very plum place for a high school student to work. They are considered a good employer. One of our friend's sons worked there in high school and Target gave him a $1,000 scholarship for college! Another discount store, Costco, is also considered a good employer.
I think there aren't many KMarts left in the northwest and Walmart hasn't made a lot of inroads here, either.

love the end of their new commercial song....

Boo...Ya'll !8-X, (I have to repeat that everytime I hear it)

At least 2/3rd of IL K-Marts are gone in the last 3 years. The only ones I know that are open are two Big-K's and I tried to stop quickly for a baby present once this summer at one. NOT! I can see why they are gone.

We still have lots of Wal-Marts but some of them (like the Bridgeview one I mentioned) are beyond chaos and I won't waste my prescious time trying to get any one thing there.

Target has more choices in dishware, glasses and table settings than I thought was possible in that kind of store setting. And the quaility of the products is superior to the other box stores, definitely.

Well, count me as one who wanted a Target. I get very tired of lines at WalMart, but also the WalMart is in a very business parking lot without great access, so I wanted options. A Target just opened up a few miles on one side of me about 1 1/2 years ago, and a second just opened this month on the other side. Now, lots of options (very meaningful when you drive 80 miles to and from work every day). I do agree that WalMarts don't seem as well laid out and are a little more cramped feeling.

Target is one of my favorite stores. I have outfitted my kids for ages with their clothes. They are stylish, very reasonably priced and durable enough. The kids rooms have been decorated with Target stuff also.I even bought a suede jacket there for myself recently - lovely chocolate brown suede with a zipper front. Compared to department stores, the stores are neat and the stuff is easy to find.

Their houseswares are cool looking and reasonably priced. For example - my family goes through glassware like its disposable. We are constantly breaking drinking glasses. So once a year I have to replenish. Target always has something fun, trendy and reasonably priced. We have our Waterford for those times when you want to drink out of something good. But we also have our Tarjay for the rest of the time.

I started a tradition years ago that the girls get a backpack/tote bag filled with goodies to take on vacation. Target always has some cute little bag for less than $10 that I can fill with fun stuff like books, journals, stickers etc. Comes in handy during the trip and after too.

If you're going to a Target or Wal-Mart on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, while unfortunate, I think the management of both companies would view clutter and empty shelves as a good thing.

Both companies have acknowledged problems with keeping their stock levels up during busy weekend periods.

BTW, Target doesn't "hire" the designers. The designers license use of their name to Target. Target "designs" the products with influence from the designer - but the actual designs are usually not done by Michael Graves, et al.

I get excited every time I see blue lights flashing on top of a cop car. Makes me feel like I am getting pulled over so I can get a ticket at a bargain.

Well it seems to me that even after a brand new walmart opens, within a few weeks the parking lot remains filled with litter, the inside of the store is dirty and grimy, and they go on down hill from there. I realize the parking lot litter is mostly due to the class of clients they attract (hey, Bubba, if yall done with that there big mac just chuck the sack and wrapper out the winder, dont be amessing up my 4 wheel drive pickemup truck yall hear?)But even given that a company with the financial means of walmart should hire 7x24 crew of trash getters and keep the place clean. Makes one wonder about the "grocery store" part of the walmarts.....

Ryan, one of Michael Graves most famous quotes is that he had to start designing for Target because he otherwise could not afford his designs.

Also, Ian Shraager designed for Target in the 1990s and his designs were so out there, they would not sell.

Also, Isaac Mizrahi is very vocal about how he loves designing for Target.

I'm not doubting you but do you have a source you could cite?

Ryan, clearly you have not worn Liz Lange -- the maternity designs at Target are very, very similar to the lines of her designs elsewhere, so much so that there is an explanation on the tag as to why they fit the way they do (which is MUCH different from other maternity clothes). I really do think the designers actually design the goods for Target, in this instance at least.

OSB--We live a mile from Target. I am there literally every single day for something. You coulnd't pay me a hundred bucks to go into Walmart. Just the parking alone is a chore -- and the lines are a catastrophe for someone with a young child who doesn't like to wait. Target's goods are made a little better than Walmart's too - more in style and seems less cheaply made.

"Ryan, clearly you have not worn Liz Lange -- the maternity designs at Target are very, very similar to the lines of her designs elsewhere"

Well, with a name like "Ryan", I doubt he's worn maternity clothes ever, or any women's clothing, for that matter.

In the early 80's I interviewed for a job at the Target design department which at the time designed the look of the buildings. At the time Target was a Dayton-Hudson company and was headquartered in the IDS Tower in downtown Minneapolis. Target built their own headquarters a few blocks away in about 2001 and changed there name to Target Corp. The most high end sophisticatd Target store anywhere is next to the tower. Three stories of curved glass walls, granite and escelators comprise the entry on a pedestrian mall in a building which looks like several tradition style structures instead of one monolith building
http://www.phototour.minneapolis.mn.us/2056

I think Target stores in general have a much better feel to them than its competetors.

Kelly, that is so true!

What IS UP with the horrendous parking at WalMart?

The very rare times I'll even go there I feel like I'm taking my life in my hands walking through the parking lot!

Why is there never a parking space in the front?

Why do people always try and mow me down inside the store with their shopping carts?

Usually doesn't imply always. That's why I didn't say "never." When Target uses a designer name it's under a license arrangement. The designers certainly influence the look of products with that have their "label" but the bulk of the designs are done by much lower paid designers. Graves, et al. have their name on the products and certainly sign off and influence changes. There may be specific designs that they have done but given the need for extended lines, frequent additions, and at least 8 to 10 "merchandise sets" per year, the bulk of the work isn't done by the designer.

No, I've never worn Liz Lange. But, I was a daily reader of Women's Wear Daily for 8 years! (I've done financial work in the retail sector for a decade and I've had dealings with executives from the Neiman level down to the people at Dollar General.)

And yes, my wife hates being married to someone who can spot a new St. John's suit and know exactly how much she paid.

Targets just seem cleaner. WalMart and KMart are just too cluttered. I almost always have at least one child with me when I go to this type of store. Our local Walmart and KMart have so much stuff in the main aisles that I find it hard to keep an eye on my kids. If they walk five feet ahead of you, you can't see them.

Also, why have carts if you're going to design the store so carts can't fit in the departments? At KMart, you can't leave the main aisle with a cart.

OK, my rant is getting out of hand - don't get me started on not keeping things in stock and the quality of the clothes.

I have a friend whose daughter designs for Target. She goes to the designers shows and translates the design in a different fabric and adjust that designs of the Target's designer, making it economical. Another ex-friend is divorced from Michel Graves and he does make the initial design and that too is adapted.

Well NOW I'm just all excited!! Thanks for the info! I have seen worn, run down WMarts but, with the new Super Centers, we don't have that problem at present.

Casmere - won't do me any good...can't wear it much down here and it gives me major 'electricity' (outstanding hair!LOL).

The parking is bad at peak times here as well....I do my best to go an a Wednesday when I can, less hassle!

Go Travel: If you were in LA (Lower Alabama), it was probably me! So sorry! I get excited when I smell a good bargain!

Jorr: Funny, blue light special, eh? Are you telling how many of THOSE you've lucked up on?;;)

BamaKelly: if you haven't already, please notify PM your present and accounted for! He's been missin' ya something fierce!

I'm glad you're back too! Let us know how you've been!?

Yes, I've made internet orders for Brides' Registries from Target.((G))Believe it or not, WM does this as well!

I hate to admit it, but I really don't even recognize the names of those designers...guess that tells you alittle about my fashion statement!

...But I'll surely be checking them out when they get here!

Thanks again!

Belle

"Author: buttercup
Date: 10/25/2005, 06:58 pm
Targets just seem cleaner. WalMart and KMart are just too cluttered."

You are absoutely right. Wal-Mart is an accident waiting to happen. I think they clutter those isles so you run into a display of poducts and they all fall into your cart. The next smart move they could do is make the isles snake around like tiny streets in Europe so you get even more lost.

And what's with those Wal-Mart Greeters? I think Wal-Mart snatches old guys from retirement homes and fills them up with coffee. No offense to them. I aspire to be a Wal-Mart Greeter just like them when I retire.

I bought the Target version of Michael Graves Alessi teapot. I have one of his clocks and just love looking at the MG kitchenware items. Can't justify replacing perfectly good kitchen items - but did buy a set of his steak knives for the mountain place.

Was wondering in Napa one day and just fell in love with the "feel" of one of the wineries I stopped at. Was not surprised to learn that the building was a Michael Graves design.

Here's an interesing link on him -
http://www.princetonol.com/patron/mgraves.html

Is it really true that he doesn't do the Target items that carry his name? If so, I wonder who does...

Target is my fave for that type of store. I'll drive out of my way to avoid Walmart, which is on my way home from work and head to Target.

Funny thing--some of their knockoffs are really good. When we bought the house this summer, I hired a decorator to do a consult for us. When she came over, she looked at our stuff and actually complimented a pair of lamps and one or two knickknacks that I picked up at 'ole Tarzhay. Never let on where I got 'em ;)

I haven't bought a lot of clothes there but I have bought some running pants that are just wonderful and probably cost $12.

My friends and I all like Target and they definately seem to attract a higher demographic than the other discount stores. Our big joke is that we can never walk out of there w/o spending $100.

The Weasel: My point exactly. Duh!

Ryan: You always make me laugh. :)

OSB: See the Bamakelly and Dan thread -- I updated everyone there. Thanks for missing me!

Yeah, I caught it bambakelly, glad you found a few minutes to resume your (our) acddiction!

Sounds like you're life has been a tizzie!

I've got news, when you have the 2nd Jr., you'll REALLY find out what busy is! Hope you can manage to keep posting...then again,there's always NAPTIME! Problem is, I remember myself needing the nap too!:))

Glad to hear from you again! Keep it coming!

The comment about the good MIL...well it's the DIL that's the good one! She's wonderful, smart, beautiful and has been a great mate to my son! I thank the Lord for her!!

Belle

Bamakelly:...So due date is just after New Years?

Belle

OSB: January 1! Can you believe it?

Those who described Wal-Mart workers as often looking dazed or depressed nailed it. That's what I usually saw.

I won't shop at Wal-Mart anymore. At first, it was because it always took forever to check out and the place was so chaotic. Now I've watched enough documentaries on the corporation itself to convince me to stay away. I won't rant about it here. Just my personal choice to avoid it.

I prefer Target. As others have said, saner employees, cleaner aisles, nice selection. We live near a Target Greatland now and I love it. I was able to run there to buy chicken soup, Kleenex and medicine for my ill DH this week. And was not hassled about my coupons!

Many of the Kmarts in Atlanta closed when the company downsized a few years ago. In fact, the one in Fayetteville is now a stand alone J.C. Penny's. My mother and I were there a few weeks ago and she turned to me to say, "Wow, they really de-Kmarted it." HA! A new verb!

Actually, Kmart is fine. But the last time I was there, I felt like I had time warped back to 1978 for some reason. Maybe it's the whole Jaquelyn Smith thing...

atlswan, I saw the Wal-Mart documentary on MSNBC last winter. I was shocked. They want to dominate the world including China. They have a Super Store in Bejing which dwarfs any in America. They have a computer center somewhere on the east coast that looks like the CIA situation room or something. I almost got the chills watching the show. And they are relentless when they want to put a store in a community and will do almost anything to get it there.

I stopped shopping at Wal-Mart about two years ago. The stores are a mess and the corporation gives me the creeps.

Bamakelly: What a great way to start a new year! Stay healthy!

Belle

jorr, that reminds me of a quote I saw. It was something like, "Walmart doesn't want a share of the market. They want to BE the market."

I'm a total Target shopper because the stores are clean and friendly, and their milk tastes better than the brands at the grocery stores. I go to Walmart about twice a year because my mom likes the cans of arabica coffee they sell and it's the only place I can find a home permanent for her. The stores are filthy and the shoppers seem downtrodden. Confession, though. As much as I dislike Walmart, I love Sam's Club.

It's not just the employees at Walmart that are dazed and depressed some of the regular customers are too!

Once I spotted the boxes of ammunition for sale I was outta there fast!

I feel safe at Target whereas I felt a like a target at Walmart! :)

I have a friend who works at WalMart. Every Monday she has to go to other stores and do comp shopping. She says that Target is the only store that regularly undercuts their prices.

Another reason to shop Target.

Hi travgina, that is very interesting. I never go to WalMart but assumed there prices were cheaper. Thanks for the information!

hithflyer

People that normally shop at Target have to go somewhere to buy thier ammunition. Just remember one big thing, what does the "TARGET" logo look! if you said a target you win!!!
Just hope the unhappy WM employees don't think that is a firing range..!!

While I prefer to shop at Target for the better service, easier aisles and cleaner stores, I do not hate Wal-Mart. I've skimmed some of the comments above and I'm blown away at how people think that one corporate behemoth is better than another. Both Target and Wal-Mart are in it for the bucks, plain and simple. You've gotta be crazy to think that Target execs don't salivate at the opportunity to expand into China or to have the kind of inventory controls that Wal-Mart has.

Let's not forget the savvy marketing, people. If you think Target is any more "employee friendly" than Wal-Mart, then you've definitely bought into the dogma... cough... PR.

I think it's funny when people try to feel good by saying that they don't shop at Wal-Mart because of the company's "evil" ways.... puh-leaze. Target isn't that much better.

I, at least, am honest and will admit that I like Target, simply because it fits my needs as a customer in regard to products, service and availability. Plain and simple.

Both stores carry merchandise from China - where child labor and other inhumane treatment of workers goes unchecked.... But, I don't see anyone willing to give up their cheap goods for THEIR sake. :rolleyes:

I never really had a problem with K-Mart until they started running those tv commercials with that horrid country music.Thank God for the mute button.

You mean you didn't fall in love at a K-Mart store!!

Target has a return policy that is not to my liking. Wal-Mart IMHO has the better of the two. I have had very few things to return but WM is the easier to get along with.