Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Please Target Canada, Make it Good

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The year is just about over, and most of my friends and peers are busy looking back, reminiscing about the days past. I too enjoy thinking about how awesome 2012 has been, but for the most part, I’m too preoccupied looking forward to 2013. It is going to be epic. I’ve got press trips booked; spokesperson contracts signed, and oh… that’s right… TARGET IS COMING TO CANADA!

Now I know so many people are excited about the giant retailer making its way north of the border, but lately, my jubilation has been reigned in just slightly. You see, I have a fervent wish – a prayer, if you will. And that is: Please Target Canada, Make it Good.

For we know what happens when other US chains make their way into Canada. The prices are higher, the selection is lower, and we often receive a “light” version of what is currently retailing in the States.

Walmart Light. Crate and Barrel Light. And we definitely have Marshall’s Light.  

Trust me, Americans have it GOOD. Way too good – in fact, there’s no reason why every US Citizen shouldn’t be an authentic fashionista. Just look at the brands – and prices – currently available at www.target.com:

Do not adjust your monitor. You are actually seeing Brian Atwood leather gloves for less than $25. And a Tory Burch lunch box? If I actually took a lunch to work this would be a necessity. (There’s a matching insulated water bottle available as well. Sigh.) Most of the Target + Neiman Marcus collection’s goodies have rave reviews on the site – further proof that the collaboration does not sacrifice quality at the lower price point.


Okay, I have just one question: Who’s coming with me on a cross-border trip to grab that Alice + Olivia bike? I mean – it’s got a belt across the basket! If that doesn’t scream fashionista I don’t know what does. Makes me wish I lived in Cali so I could prop it against the side of my Spanish-style bungalow. With an ocean view, of course.


If you haven’t noticed a pattern, the entire Target + Neiman Marcus collection is currently marked down by 50%. I didn’t have a chance to list all the designers, but there are also enviable items from Jason Wu, Lela Rose, rag & bone and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few. Tell me, who will Target collaborate with in Canada? The Bay? Woo hoo! We can grab striped blankets and moose droppings for a steal. Ugh.

So please, Target Canada. Make it Good. Bring your brands, bring your prices, bring your most fabulous self to the patiently waiting Canadians. And if you’re looking for collaborations, I have a list of amazing Canadian designers I would love to see “targeted” (pun intended).

Just four months to go! To celebrate, I’ll be wearing red today :)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ugh. I hear you sister! I am sick and tired of these mega conglomerates parading up to Canada to be able to make even more disgusting amounts of money off of us! C’mon guys, like we don’t know the prices available in the States – there is this thing out there called the internet. Duh! I too share in your prayer to Target Canada!

    • Hahaha I suppose we could get an Internet “chain prayer” going :) Seriously though, I don’t mind paying a little extra – keeping in with Canadian prices and the economy… etc. But it’s when we lose out on the designer collaborations that really breaks my heart! I would gladly pay a little more for that Marc Jacobs pouch – I just want the opportunity to buy it!

    • Ha! Judging by the tweets and comments, I think we could put together a day trip to Target to grab that bike!

  4. I’m looking forward to shopping at Target and hopefully the quality of their merchandise and pricing will attract a lot of Canadians to their store.

  6. Oooh, love that dress! I can’t wait to check out Target, there will be one really close to my house. I’m hoping it’s good as well…

    • I know, makes me want to have a little girl! Actually scratch that, if Marchesa made a women’s version I’d be all over it :)

  7. I can’t wait for Target to open here! I cross border shop there already – so much amazing style at amazing prices! Yeah Target!

  8. I was really looking forward to Target opening in my town next year…..now you’ve scared me :(
    Guess Im going to have to get informed on the products so I dont get ripped off.

    • Oh, don’t be scared! And as I mentioned in previous comments, it’s not the prices I’m worried about, it’s the selection. I’m hoping that all the amazing collaborations will be available to Canadians too! Fully admit to crossing the border for Target’s William Rast collection.

  11. Our Zellers is closing but we are not getting a Target :( All we’ll have left is WalMart. I wished we had a choice.

  14. I’ve shopped Target in the States and was impressed by the prices so I’m anxious to see what they have to offer to Canadians.

    • Me too Nancy :) I’ve never forget the flat iron I scored from Target for $88, when they retailed for $150+ here in Canada!

  15. I am hoping that they actually have American content…I would love a few sets of American Made sheets! When Wal-Mart came in they were forced to bring in a % of Canadian Product.

    • Oh, never thought of that Teresa! Of course, Canadian made products are a good thing, but it’s nice to have variety!

  19. I just moved to Canada and getting used to the whole “higher prices, worse selection” is making me batty. But the thing I miss most is Target. Not joking.

    • Hopefully you won’t have to wait for too long Michelle! I’ll have to confer with you on the prices and selection :)

  21. A Target is opening up in my city and I am really anxious to check it out. Walmart is good for food and essentials, but it seems everyone shops at Walmart so it’s hard to find unique things in clothing. I can’t wait to see what Target has to offer. Although I don’t like that US companies are invading Canada, it does create jobs and gives us different options in merchandise.

    • Hear hear! I have no problem with US companies coming to Canada because of the positive influence they have on the economy and workforce. And totally agree – Target laps circles around Walmart when it comes to clothing. Fingers crossed!

  25. I have only been to Target (US) once. Overwhelmingly RED! Wow, now we have a Red Store and a Yellow Store. :D
    They did have some wonderful clothing specials for children and a pretty wide selection. Looking forward to the Rosy Glow of Target Canada!

    • Mandy! I actually haven’t been yet… I’m waiting for the Square One location to open so I can experience it in my hometown. A hopeless romantic, eh?

    • Ooooh… I hate hearing that :( I still haven’t been myself; Square One opened on Thursday, so I’ll likely go this week.