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Tag: Target

  • In The Year 2023, One New Wii U Was Sold

    In The Year 2023, One New Wii U Was Sold

    Photo: Scott Eells / Bloomberg (Getty Images)

    The Wii U was certainly not the most successful console Nintendo’s ever released, and while some may fondly remember it in 2023, at least one person actually bought a brand new Wii U from a store as if it was 2013 all over again.

    Thank You, PS Plus, For Making My Backlog Even Bigger

    Launched in 2012, the Wii U was Nintendo’s follow up to its massively popular Wii console. While the Wii would go on to become one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time, things went much differently for the Wii U and its tablet controller. The console never came close to selling as well as the Wii, and by 2017 Nintendo had moved on to the Switch, which would go on to outstrip the Wii U’s lifetime sales in its first year. But we can now add one more Wii U sale to its total tally.

    This odd stat comes from Mat Piscatella, executive director at Circana (formerly NPD) who posted on Twitter (X? Whatever) that one (1) new Wii U was sold in the United States in September. According to Piscatella, this is the first time a new Wii U has been sold in the U.S. since May 2022. Which is also very strange, now that I think about it.For those unaware, Circana tracks “individual store level sales data” to keep tabs on what people are buying and selling. They then sell that data to folks who care. What that also means is that this Wii U wasn’t a used one at GameStop or something like that. This was a “new,” sealed Wii U console that was finally sold a decade after launch.

    How did this happen? We don’t know specifically, but as folks who have worked retail at big chains have explained in the comments below Piscatella’s tweet, this isn’t that uncommon. Speaking to some folks I know who have worked at stores like Walmart and Target, old shit can get buried in the back. Or maybe a Wii U had been sitting for the last decade on a store shelf in, like, Georgia or Montana and finally, after a decade, someone decided to buy it and play some Super Mario 3D World. I hope they enjoy it!

    Also, Piscatella added that three new PS Vitas were purchased in November 2021. I’m glad these forgotten consoles, sealed up in boxes and buried in storerooms or lost inside decrepit Best Buys, are finding homes. Brings a tear to my eye.

      .

    Zack Zwiezen

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  • Target’s 8 Foot Jack-O-Lantern Decoration Goes Viral on TikTok | Entrepreneur

    Target’s 8 Foot Jack-O-Lantern Decoration Goes Viral on TikTok | Entrepreneur

    Step aside, Jack-o-Lantern. There’s a new pumpkin in town, and his name… is Lewis.

    The 8-foot Halloween decoration went viral on TikTok after users started posting videos of him on the showroom floor of Target.

    At first glance, the pumpkin-faced ghoul looks like any other spooky lawn toy. But press his “talk” button, and he will eventually utter the catchphrase that has set the internet on fire.

    “I am not a jack-o’-lantern,” he says. “My name is Lewis.”

    @imshannonduh I dont know who voiced this halloween decoration at Target but i hope they got paid a lot of money to do it #halloween #halloweendecor #target #targethalloween #spookyseason ♬ original sound – shan ?

    At press time, #mynameislewis had over 20 million views on TikTok, with users raving about how much they loved Lewis-o-Lantern.

    “He’s so dreamy and cute,” wrote Lucybug.

    “I keep randomly saying Lewis around my house,” Abbeney K commented.

    Says Brynn, “I work at Target and Lewis is the highlight of my day.”

    Even 90s alt-rock band The Smashing Pumpkins got in on the Lewis love, renaming themselves The Lewis Pumpkins in a video.

    @thesmashingpumpkins

    Live laugh love lewis

    ♬ Mayonaise – 2011 Remaster – Smashing Pumpkins

    Related: The Dallas Cowboys’ Owner May Be Fined for His Halloween Costume. Was It Demeaning?

    Who is Lewis?

    Lewis isn’t technically branded as Lewis. Target’s website lists him as an “8′ Light and Sound Pumpkin Halloween Ghoul,” wearing what appears to be a Grim Reaper robe with a hoodie and a tattered shirt. The decoration is manufactured by Hyde & EEK! Boutique, a distributor of Halloween items since 2008. The price tag is a frightening $180.

    But don’t expect to be greeted by Lewis at your local Target anytime soon. At press time, Lewis was listed as completely “out of stock” on Target’s website.

    Origin story

    According to Know Your Meme, Lewis was first discovered on September 27th by TikToker @imshannonduh, whose real name is Shannon Murphy.

    Over six days, the video received roughly 2 million plays and 531,300 likes.

    Interviewed by NBC News about why she thinks the Lewis video caught on, Murphy said, “He’s Halloween’s Paddington Bear.”

    Jonathan Small

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  • Target Closes 9 Stores Across 4 States Due to Ongoing Crime | Entrepreneur

    Target Closes 9 Stores Across 4 States Due to Ongoing Crime | Entrepreneur

    Target has announced that it will close nine stores across four states, citing ongoing crime in the areas as the main reason to shut the doors.

    “We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” the company said in the release.

    The affected stores are in New York, Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland and will cease operations effective October 21.

    Before the ultimate decision to close the stores, Target stated that it “invested heavily” in efforts to combat the instances of crime, including increased security personnel, third-party guard services, and theft-deterrent tools, but despite the efforts, the big box retailer was unable to fully squash the problem, and can no longer operate the stores “safely and successfully.”

    The decision comes a month after Target CEO Brian Cornell said in an earnings call in August that incidents or threats of violence were up 120% for the first five months of 2023 as compared to the year before.

    Related: ‘Increasingly Serious’ Retail Crime Is Hitting Another Beloved U.S. Retailer Hard — and Its CEO Reveals a Bleak Trajectory

    In the wake of the store closures, Target’s efforts to tackle retail crime presses on. The company says it is continuing to make “significant investments,” including increasing security staffing, implementing theft-deterrent tools, and enhancing cyber defense.

    Target’s decision to close nine stores comes amid rising instances of crime and theft in the retail space. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported on Tuesday that the average loss due to shrinkage, which includes theft, fraud, damage, and other factors, cost retailers $112.1 billion in 2022, up from $93.9 billion in 2021. Additionally, 67% of survey respondents reported witnessing more violence from organized retail crime in 2022 as compared to a year ago.

    Several big-name retailers, such as Dollar Tree, Nike, and Walmart have shuttered stores or ramped up efforts over the past year to address ongoing crime, but instances of violence and theft have continued.

    Related: Retail Theft Forces Nike to Permanently Close Beloved Portland Location

    This week, in an eight-hour crime rampage spanning Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, numerous retail stores in Philadelphia were looted by a large group of individuals, including many juveniles. Beginning around 8 p.m., stores including Lululemon, the Apple Store, and Footlocker were heavily damaged in what authorities believe was a “coordinated attack.”

    Madeline Garfinkle

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  • Target closing 9 stores in major cities

    Target closing 9 stores in major cities

    Target closing 9 stores in major cities – CBS News


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    Target announced that it is closing nine stores in major cities next month, citing “theft and organized retail crime.”

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  • Target says it’s closing 9 stores because of surging retail thefts

    Target says it’s closing 9 stores because of surging retail thefts

    Target said Tuesday it is shuttering nine stores in four states because mounting thefts and organized retail crime at those locations is jeopardizing the safety of workers and customers.

    The closings, which take effect on Oct. 21, include four stores in San Francisco, three stores in Portland, Oregon, and two in Seattle. Target said that it still will have a combined 150 stores after the closures.

    “[W]e cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a statement. “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”

    Target also said it had added security guards and taken other measures in a bid to prevent thefts at the affected stores, but to no avail. “Despite our efforts, unfortunately, we continue to face fundamental challenges to operating these stores safely and successfully,” the company said.

    The rise in shoplifting and other incidents at Target locations comes as other retailers say a rise in crime is hurting their business. Whole Foods in April temporarily closed one of its flagship stores in San Francisco, citing concerns that crime in the area endangered employees. And retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Ulta Beauty have also pointed to rising theft as a factor in shrinking profits.

    During the pandemic, a rise in so-called smash-and-grab retail robberies impacted retailers across the U.S., with organized theft rings targeting major chains.


    Rise in shoplifting losses concerns retailers

    04:36

    Target CEO Brian Cornell told Wall Street analysts in August that assaults on Target store workers increased 120% over the first five months of the year compared with the year-ago period.

    “Our team continues to face an unacceptable amount of retail theft and organized retail crime,” he said at the time. “Unfortunately, safety incidents associated with theft are moving in the wrong direction.”

    A recent survey by the National Retail Federation found that stores reported $112 billion in total inventory losses last year, with internal and external thefts accounting for roughly two-thirds of that figure, up from nearly $94 billion in 2021. The group also noted that more retailers reported a rise in violent incidents. 

    “While theft has an undeniable impact on retailer margins and profitability, retailers are highly concerned about the heightened levels of violence and threat of violence associated with theft and crime,” NRF said.

    —The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

    Khristopher J. Brooks

    Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering business, consumer and financial stories that range from economic inequality and housing issues to bankruptcies and the business of sports.

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  • 3 Editors Test the Rowing Blazers x Target Collab

    3 Editors Test the Rowing Blazers x Target Collab

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    We got wind of the exciting Rowing Blazers x Target collab just last month, teased with a few enticing images of what was in store: an array of items ranging from accessories like totes and crossbody bags to pullovers, polos, pantsuits, and even home decor. Shortly after that, the retailer unveiled a comprehensive lookbook featuring every item from the much-anticipated collection, allowing shoppers to preview the offerings from the September 23 drop. Our editors were lucky to be able to test a few pieces ahead of the official launch to share our candid thoughts on the collection.

    But first, a little background if you’re new to Rowing Blazers. The American label was founded in 2017 and has since become a leader in the preppy style sphere, known for its rugby and polo shirts and outerwear, among other silhouettes. It’s also known for some major collaborations, with its latest venture being the partnership with Target. This collection is particularly noteworthy because Rowing Blazers is known for premium pricing, whereas many items created in partnership with Target are affordably priced at under $30, all while maintaining the brand’s signature collegiate-cool allure.

    No surprises here, as Target’s designer collaborations consistently sell out, but since the Rowing Blazers x Target release, pieces have disappeared from both virtual and physical store shelves at a rapid pace. But if you still need inspiration for your shopping spree before the stock dwindles, we’ve got you covered. Below, three editors handpicked styles from the Rowing Blazers x Target collection and put them to the test. Dive in to explore their selections with photos showcasing how they styled them, and find out what makes each piece unique.

    Marisa Petrarca

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  • This $45 Weekender Bag Is My Top Target Find of the Season

    This $45 Weekender Bag Is My Top Target Find of the Season

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    Last summer, I stumbled upon the quilted A New Day Athleisure Soft Puff Weekender Bag ($45) at Target. It was available in a versatile beige shade that caught my eye whenever I visited the store, which, admittedly, is often. But despite the temptation, I couldn’t justify the purchase, given that I already had a weekender bag or two at home, with zero imminent travel plans. However, with the arrival of this new season and a Google Calendar full of fall getaways on the horizon, temptation got the better of me, especially when I discovered that the retailer had introduced a stylish dark-green version. I knew this color would be a much wiser choice for me, considering how often I end up accidentally staining my belongings. It felt like the perfect self-indulgence to welcome the fall season, though I do wish I bought it sooner. Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about the spacious weekender.

    What I Love About the A New Day Soft Puff Weekender Bag

    What I love about this nylon weekender bag is, for starters, its aesthetic appeal. At the time of writing, it comes in three colors — green, black, and brown. However, the green version stands out with its 3-D textured, quilted fabric. The other options have a puffy silhouette as well, but they have a smooth texture rather than quilting. I personally love the quilted detail because it strikes the perfect balance between playfulness and functionality, setting it apart from other weekender bags I’ve owned. It even has gold hardware, which I think enhances its overall appeal. (I’m almost always wearing gold jewelry.)

    Another thing I love about this puffer bag is its generous storage capacity. It has both interior and exterior pockets, making it an ideal choice for accommodating a long weekend’s worth of clothing, accessories, and other essentials. The exterior features an unzipped pocket and a convenient luggage trolley sleeve, while the interior has a zippered pocket and two smaller, unzipped compartments that I used to store my iPhone and AirPods. It also has a detachable strap, so you can wear it as a crossbody or hold it by its double straps. No surprise here, but the trolley sleeve is my favorite option when traveling with carry-on luggage.

    While this weekender bag boasts an almost perfect five-star rating from Target shoppers, it’s not surprising that it has garnered a few critical reviews. Some individuals have raised concerns about its quality, with a handful mentioning that the bag’s handle tore during use. In my own experience, having used it for just one weekend trip so far, I didn’t encounter any quality issues. However, it’s worth noting that I didn’t fill it to the brim, which is something you might want to emulate if you plan to add it to your accessories collection.

    Who Is the A New Day Soft Puff Weekender Bag Best For?

    The A New Day Soft Puff Weekender Bag is best for those looking for a weekender bag that’s stylish yet functional at a fair price. It’s a worthwhile option if you have long weekend vacations where you won’t need (or want) to utilize traditional luggage.

    Additional Details About the A New Day Soft Puff Weekender Bag

    • The A New Day Soft Puff Weekender Bag from Target is crafted from 90 percent recycled polyester.
    • Its dimensions are 15.5 x 23 x 10 inches.
    • The brand advises spot cleaning instead of machine washing for maintenance.

    Marisa Petrarca

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  • 12 Target Jeans That Could Pass as Luxury Denim

    12 Target Jeans That Could Pass as Luxury Denim

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    Few places in the world are as magical as Target. Sure, that’s a bit of a dramatic statement, but the retailer’s stocked with everything: the best beauty products, ridiculously chic furniture, and so many great pairs of denim jeans, including both the timeless and trendy. Target’s product range has become so coveted that it’s no stranger to viral fame on TikTok. Simply type “Target jeans” into the search bar on the platform, and you’ll be inundated with countless videos from content creators fervently praising their new denim favorites.

    So to celebrate some of the most highly rated — and underrated — jeans at Target, we rounded up 10 of the most popular styles from the retailer. Our selection includes offerings from Target’s own private-label brands such as Universal Thread and Wild Fable, as well as options from external brands like Levi’s, all shoppable via Target’s website. Whether you’re a devotee of skinny jeans or a loyal aficionado of wide-leg denim, our assortment covers a variety of styles, all priced fairly. Without further delay, explore our favorite Target jeans for women below, with prices starting at just $25.

    Marisa Petrarca

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  • These 10 Pairs of Target Boots Are Practical, Comfortable, and Affordable

    These 10 Pairs of Target Boots Are Practical, Comfortable, and Affordable

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    As the leaves change color and temperatures start to dip, now’s the time to take inventory of what you need in your fall wardrobe. Arguably, one of the most important things to consider is footwear, namely your boot collection. Do you have what you need for all of your fall activities? Or is it due time to scoop up a new pair or two? If the latter is resonating, we recommend Target, the big-name retailer with some of the best and most affordable fashion around. The store has just about every type of fall/winter boot you could ask for, from rain boots so chic that you can wear them in nice weather to dressy fashion-forward boots suitable for work meetings, weddings, date nights, and beyond.

    Not only do Target’s boots look good, but they feel good, too. Most feature memory-foam cushioning for top-notch comfort and half-sizing to ensure you have the right size, not to mention water-repellant and waterproof fabrics to help your new footwear withstand the elements. But enough talking; let’s get to it, shall we? Ahead, we’ve rounded up our 10 favorite boots from Target for this season and next, starting at $25.

    Marisa Petrarca

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  • 15 Fall Wardrobe Finds From Target That Won’t Last Long

    15 Fall Wardrobe Finds From Target That Won’t Last Long

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    Now that we’ve nearly turned the page on summer, it’s time to update our wardrobes with some fall-friendly fashion. We currently have our minds on chic sweaters and jackets, stylish boots and scarves, and even more cozy silhouettes we started dreaming about when temperatures began to drop. As you work on packing up your summer clothes, take a moment to think about what pieces are missing in your fall clothing and accessories lineup. Handbags? Dresses? Cardigans? All of the above? We’ve got you covered.

    Fear not; upgrading your fall wardrobe with several pieces without dropping thousands is possible — it just comes down to shopping savvy. One of our favorite places to scoop up trendy and timeless items is Target. The retailer’s clothes and accessories are our favorite; they’re equal parts chic and affordable. That goes for its new-arrivals section, its highly covetable collabs, and everything in between. So in celebration of the new season, we’re breaking down the best footwear, snuggly sweaters, and fall maxi dresses to add to your cart, stat. Shop our top 15 picks ahead.

    Marisa Petrarca

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  • 10 Target Loungewear Essentials You’ll Wear on Repeat

    10 Target Loungewear Essentials You’ll Wear on Repeat

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    It’s safe to say that most of us POPSUGAR staffers could easily spend hours perusing Target’s website. The retailer is brimming with fun discoveries, from fall decor gems to fashionable footwear and everything in between. But one of our favorite sections to shop is the clothes section — specifically, the brand’s loungewear. Their team has seemingly been working overtime to bring us so many different options. You can find items like a chic collared sweater paired with matching sweatpants that effortlessly transition from a casual day out to a cozy night in, snug plush sets designed for ultimate comfort during a day spent at home, and so much more.

    All that said, it’s no surprise we have our eye on several affordable, on-trend options from Target for the season. If you need help figuring out where to start, we curated a shopping guide of 10 of our favorite must haves. There’s everything from yoga pants and yarn shorts to half-zips and crop crew necks. So what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.

    Marisa Petrarca

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  • I’m a Plus-Size Editor and Can’t Wait to Get My Hands on These Chic Fall Finds

    I’m a Plus-Size Editor and Can’t Wait to Get My Hands on These Chic Fall Finds

    As a shopping editor, I have nightmares about a few things, one being New York City street rats. The other all-consuming panic I have is finding a cute piece of clothing, looking at the size range, and realizing, yet again, that it doesn’t cater to the average American woman—currently a size 16.

    Thankfully, as more and more brands catch on and create cute clothes to fit everybody, the availability of on-trend, chic fall clothing items is soaring. After scrolling for a few hours during a late-night TV binge, I have to admit that I did heavy damage to my credit card when I stumbled across these inclusive finds. 

    As a plus-size editor, I always feel tempted to buy cute clothing whenever I see it. Let’s face it—when is it ever going to exist again? After years of hoarding and donating clothes season after season, I’m sure these elevated fall basics will last. Below, shop the 36 best plus-size fall clothing items.

    Ana Escalante

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  • Target Says Sales Dropped After Backlash Over Pride Month Merchandise

    Target Says Sales Dropped After Backlash Over Pride Month Merchandise

    In the wake of intense right-wing backlash over its Pride Month merchandise, Target reported Wednesday that its second-quarter sales have dipped for the first time in six years.

    According to a new report, Target’s comparable sales declined by 5.4% during its second quarter, which ended on July 29. The sharp dip in sales is partially due to controversy over the company’s LGBTQ+ and Pride Month merchandise, CEO Brian Cornell confirmed during a conference call on Wednesday.

    Target began selling its LGBTQ+ merchandise in May, ahead of Pride Month in June. The apparel drew homophobic reactions, with some customers confronting and threatening Target employees at various sites nationwide. In June, Target stores located in five states had to be evacuated after receiving bomb threats.

    Target announced that it would make changes to the collection, which included “removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.” Some of its stores in the South moved the collection to the back of the store in light of the backlash.

    Human rights organizations and lawmakers criticized the company for making the changes, which they believed was the company succumbing to pressure from anti-LGBTQ conservatives.

    Cornell said in the conference call on Wednesday that moving forward, the company is applying what they learned from the situation as they “navigate an ever-changing operating and social environment,” Quartz reported.

    “The reaction is a signal for us to pause, adapt and learn so that our future approach to these moments balances celebration, inclusivity and broad-based appeal,” Target’s Chief Growth Officer Christina Hennington said in the conference call, according to NPR.

    The company expects sales to continue declining for the remainder of the year, The Associated Press reported.

    Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Bud Light, experienced a similar drop in U.S. sales and profits following backlash over a company marketing campaign that featured transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

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  • Our Top Picks From Target’s Future Collective Collection With Reese Blutstein

    Our Top Picks From Target’s Future Collective Collection With Reese Blutstein

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    Target is one of our all-time favorite places to shop; after all, who can resist the elevated home decor and furniture offerings, the expansive beauty section, and of course its fashion offerings — all at an affordable price point?! We’re especially impressed with the retailer’s wide assortment of high-quality chic clothing and accessories, whether it’s
    gorgeous dresses , the ultra-soft Stars Above pajamas, or comfortable footwear, like the editor- and TikTok-loved Blakely Rhinestone Mule Heels. However, when it comes to experimenting with our personal style, we always turn to the brand’s Future Collective line.

    Target’s Future Collective is an apparel and accessories line that partners with various style and culture influencers to create a limited-edition, trend-driven collection. This is the collection to browse if you’re looking to add something unique to your closet. Target previously worked with style expert Kahlana Barfield Brown, NYC-based fashion editor and stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, and Brooklyn-based fashion creative Alani Noelle. For its fourth installment, Target tapped Atlanta-based fashion influencer and creative Reese Blutstein, who’s all about vintage trends and neutral, earthy tones.

    Blutstein’s Future Collective collection is perfect for the fall with tailored blazers and trench coats, cardigans and chunky sweaters, and casual yet statement-making denim. The line will add that quintessential autumnal vibe to your wardrobe, whether it’s a flowy pleated midi dress that lends itself to layering or closet staples like a button-down bodysuit. The prints and patterns offered are ideal for the color-changing leaves, the pumpkin patches, and everything else fall has to offer. The collection also has a cute croissant bag we’re eyeing for a statement-making handbag. The clothing is available in sizes ranging from XXS-4X and 00-30, with most pieces under $45.

    Check out a sneak peek of some of our favorite pieces ahead. You can shop the entire collection on Aug. 20.

    Anvita Reddy

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  • Target’s sales slump for first time in 6 years. Executives blame “strong reaction” to Pride merch.

    Target’s sales slump for first time in 6 years. Executives blame “strong reaction” to Pride merch.

    Target’s quarterly sales declined for the first time in six years, with one company executive blaming the drop on the “strong reaction” to its Pride merchandise. Target faced a backlash against its LGBTQ+ merchandise earlier this year, with some conservative shoppers vowing to boycott the store. 

    The retailer’s sales at stores open at the same time a year ago declined 5.4% in the second quarter, the company said on Wednesday. On a conference call to discuss the results, executives, including CEO Brian Cornell, primarily blamed wider economic issues for the drop, such as pinched consumers who are cutting back on spending amid higher inflation and the resumption of student loan payments this fall. 

    But some executives also pointed to the Pride backlash as an issue that ate into sales. “The headwinds were incremental, including the strong reaction to this year’s Pride assortment,” Chief Growth Officer Christina Hennington added on the call.

    Amid criticism in May from some customers over merchandise featuring rainbows and the word “Pride” commemorating the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, the retailer pulled some items off its shelves after employees encountered threats and harassment. Last month, seven U.S. state attorneys general sent a letter to Target warning that some of the clothes sold as part of the company’s Pride month campaigns might violate their state’s child protection laws.


    Top doctor leaving Louisiana over anti-LGBTQ+ rights legislation

    05:41

    The backlash meant that “many of our store team members face a negative guest reaction to our Pride assortment,” CEO Brian Cornell said on the conference call. 

    Target’s Pride merchandise line isn’t new; the retailer has offered it for over a decade, Cornell added. But he said that this year workers “began experiencing threats and aggressive actions that affected their sense of safety and well-being while at work.”

    Cornell added that Target plans to continue supporting Pride in the future, however the company will adjust its mix of merchandise, timing and other factors moving forward. 

    General rise in violence and theft

    Target is facing issues beyond its entanglement in the culture wars. For one, the company is struggling with a rise in theft and violent incidents at its stores that is costing the retailer hundreds of millions each year.

    “During the first five months of this year our stores saw a 120% threat increase involving violence or threats of violence,” Cornell said on Wednesday. 

    Consumers are also growing more price-sensitive. They’re cutting back on spending after a year of record-high inflation, which is eating into their disposable income, according to Neil Saunders, an analyst at GlobalData, in a Wednesday research note. Target’s sales decline is a “somber” reflection of how consumer habits are shifting, he noted. 

    “Target is one of the more exposed retailers to the frugal mindset that has taken hold of shoppers,” Saunders said. “This is mostly because a lot of what Target sells is discretionary — and traditionally, a high proportion of sales are unplanned. This is precisely the spending that consumers are curtailing as times get tougher.”

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  • Home Depot, Target, and More to Watch This Week

    Home Depot, Target, and More to Watch This Week

    Home Depot, Target, Cisco, Deere, Walmart, and More Stocks to Watch This Week

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  • Rowing Blazers x Target Is the Colorful Collab We Needed For Fall

    Rowing Blazers x Target Is the Colorful Collab We Needed For Fall

    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    It’s widely known that Target has mastered the art of collaboration. With a track record spanning more than two decades, the retailer’s history of partnering with designers began in 1999 with the renowned American architect Michael Graves — and it’s been a hit ever since. Who can forget the frenzy surrounding the Lily Pulitzer line in 2019? Anna Sui’s “Gossip Girl”-inspired line? Or the triple designer revelation in 2021, featuring Rixo, Alexis, and Christopher John Rogers? Target’s knack for surprises continues as they unveil their latest venture: a partnership with the timeless American clothing brand Rowing Blazers.

    The upcoming limited-edition fall collection arrives just in time for the academic year, seamlessly fusing contemporary trends with iconic preppy styles. Don’t worry, though; when it comes to catering to your unique taste, rest assured you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The Rowing Blazers x Target collaboration boasts an impressive array of over 100 vibrant, sport-inspired pieces catering to individuals of all ages. From adults to kids, the collection spans apparel and accessories, encompassing rugby shirts, crewnecks, blazers, trousers, and jackets, as well as home, outdoor play, and even options for your four-legged friends.

    Sizes will range from XXS to 5X and, per usual, affordability takes center stage. Prices will start as low as $5, and the majority of items will be priced under $30. For context, most of Rowing Blazers’s clothing goes for over $100, which is just one reason why this collaboration is so major. We already spot plaid pieces similar to the Rowing Blazers Indian Madras Camp Shirt and matching Madras shorts, as well as graphic sweaters like the “I’m a Luxury” Sweater famously worn by Princess Diana.

    If the photos accurately preview what’s ahead, we’re in for a treat. One snapshot reveals a green velvet hat with the Rowing Blazers logo, a striped football, a chevron paddleball set, and blue-and-white dinnerware plates. Another showcases models donning graphic sweaters, cropped polo shirts, lively outerwear, and captivating patchwork plaid silhouettes.

    Excited? Us, too. Make sure to circle early September on your calendar, because that’s when the full Rowing Blazers X Target lookbook will be revealed. While the exact date for its release is yet to be announced, mark your calendars for the official availability on Sunday, Sept. 23, while supplies last.

    Keep scrolling to shop our favorite Rowing Blazers pieces and stay tuned for more details on their collaboration with Target as they’re announced.

    Marisa Petrarca

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  • Target recalls more than 2 million scented candles after reports of glass shattering during use

    Target recalls more than 2 million scented candles after reports of glass shattering during use

    Target has recalled about 2.2 million scented candles sold exclusively at its stores because the candles’ glass jars may suddenly shatter while the wick is burning. 

    The recall, issued Thursday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), affects Threshold Glass Jar 5.5 ounce 1-Wick and 20 ounce 3-Wick Candles sold in a variety of scents like Blue Agave & Cactus, Frosted Holly Berries and Pineapple Sage. Manufactured in Vietnam, the candles come in glass jars that can crack or break during use, posing laceration and burn risks, a the recall notice on its website.

    Target has so far received 19 reports of the jars breaking or cracking during use. One such incident caused a minor injury, the CPSC said. Target sold the candles nationwide for between $3 and $12 from February 2020 and July 2023. 

    screen-shot-2023-08-10-at-11-51-13-am.png
    Target has recalled millions of Threshold brand candles sold exclusively at its stores because of laceration and burn hazards posed by the products’ glass jars which may shatter during use.

    Consumer Product Safety Commission


    The recall affected Threshold scented candles with the following item numbers which can be found on the product stickers located on the bottom of the glass jars.

    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Pineapple Sage & Sugarcane -Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0056
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Berry Lemonade & Melon – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0200
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar White Gardenia & Jasmine – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0266
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Charcoal & Black Teakwood – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0268
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Rose Petal & Lotus – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0271
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Peony & Cherry Blossom – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0275
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Pineapple Sage & Sugarcane – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0276
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Woodland Cypress & Bergamot – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0294
    • 20 oz 3-wick Jar Macintosh & Pumpkin – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0562
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Frosted Holly Berries – Threshold. Item number:  054-09-0589
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Harvest Festival – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0679
    • 20oz 3-Wick Jar Macintosh & Pumpkin – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0697
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Merry Berry – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0701
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Christmas Velvet – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0723
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Blue Agave & Cactus – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0743
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Wild Honeysuckle & Lilac – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0774
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Soft Cashmere & Lavender – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-0816
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Candied Almond & Vanilla – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-1164
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar White Gardenia & Jasmine – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-1222
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Lidded Glass Rainwater Lily – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-1442
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Citrus Zest & Aloe – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-1534
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Smoked Cinnamon & Hickory – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-1589
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Golden Orchid – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-1798
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Candle – Apple & Evergreen – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-2225
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Pineapple Sage – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-2682
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Vanilla Pumpkin – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-2683
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Candle Fresh Linen & Sea Salt – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-3080
    • 20 oz 3-wick Jar Cashmere Cinnamon – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-3142
    • 20 oz 3-wick Jar Pine & Juniper – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-3218
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Cinnamon Beignet – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-3233
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Twilight Woods & Amber – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-3888
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Cerulean Surf & Sea – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-3919
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Blue Agave & Cactus – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-3970
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Candied Almond & Vanilla – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-4045
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Apple Blossom & Breeze – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-4079
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Wonder Berry & Sage – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-4722
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Spiced Vanilla – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-5026 
    • 20 oz Lidded Milky Glass Jar 3-Wick – Frosted Vanilla Cupcake Candle – Threshold.
      Item number: 054-09-5706
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Green Mango & Pomelo – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-5711
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Spiced Gingerbread Cookie – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-5888
    • 20 oz Lidded Glass 3-Wick Strawberry & Hibiscus – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-6079
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Pumpkin Spice – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-6795
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Fresh Fraser – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-6993
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Spiced Gingerbread Cookie – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-7437
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Red Mandarin & Guava – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-7504
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Warm Cider & Cinnamon – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-7849
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Water Mint & Eucalyptus – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-7915
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Christmas Velvet – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8165
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Candle Coconut White Woods – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8380
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Caramel Latte – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8559
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Tonka & Vanilla Amber – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8670
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Berry Lemonade & Melon – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8758
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Pumpkin Spice – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8768
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Green Mango & Pomelo – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8942
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Garden Herb & Cucumber – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8993
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Pumpkin Woods – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-9017
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Merry Berry – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-9120
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Tangerine Ginger – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-9293
    • 20 oz Lidded Milky Glass Jar 3-Wick – Orange Blossom & Oak Candle – Threshold.
      Item number: 054-09-9306
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Fresh Fraser – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-9690
    • 20 oz 3-Wick Jar Harvest Festival – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-9801
    • 5.5 oz Jar Blue Agave and Cactus Candle – Threshold. Item number: 054-09-8268

    The candles were manufactured in Vietnam and Target has so far received 19 reports of the jars breaking or cracking. One such incident caused a minor injury, the CPSC said. Target sold the candles nationwide for between $3 and $12 from February 2020 and July 2023. 

    Anyone with the candles should stop using it immediately and return it to Target for a full refund, the CPSC said. Customers can also contact Target directly to get a prepaid shipping label to return the product by mail. 

    The company announced a similar recall for the same brand of candle in May, which included the 14-ounce sizes. They too had problems with the jar’s glass breaking.

    Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Target at 1-800-440-0680 or visit help.target.com. 

    Khristopher J. Brooks

    Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering business, consumer and financial stories that range from economic inequality and housing issues to bankruptcies and the business of sports.

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  • Republican attorneys general issue warning letter to Target about Pride merchandise

    Republican attorneys general issue warning letter to Target about Pride merchandise

    Seven U.S. attorneys general sent a letter to Target on Wednesday warning that clothes and merchandise sold as part of the company’s Pride month campaigns might violate their state’s child protection laws.

    Republican attorneys general from Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and South Carolina signed the letter, writing that they were “concerned by recent events involving the company’s ‘Pride’ campaign.” 

    The attorneys said that they believed the campaign was a “comprehensive effort to promote gender and sexual identity among children,” criticizing items like T-shirts that advertised popular drag queens and a T-shirt that said ‘Girls Gays Theys.’ They also highlighted merchandise with “anti Christian designs such as pentagrams, horned skulls and other Satanic products.” 

    The letter also criticized Target for donating to GLSEN, an LGBTQ+ organization that works to end bullying in schools based on sexual and gender identity. The company stated in a 2020 guide that school staff should not tell parents about a child’s gender or sexual orientation without consulting the child first, something the attorneys general said undermines “parents’ constitutional and statutory rights.” 

    Take Pride, merchandise display, Target Store, Queens, New York
    Take Pride, merchandise display, Target Store, Queens, New York.

    Getty Images


    The letter did not include any specific demands nor did it outline how they believe the campaign could violate child protection laws, but the attorneys general did suggest that Target might find it “more profitable to sell the type of Pride that enshrines the love of the United States.”

    The attorneys general also said they believed Target’s Pride campaign threatened their financial interests, writing that Target leadership has a “fiduciary duty to our States as shareholders in the company” and suggesting that company officials “may be negligent” in promoting the campaign since it has negatively affected Target’s stock prices and led to some backlash among customers. 

    “Target’s management has no duty to fill stores with objectionable goods, let alone endorse or feature them in attention-grabbing displays at the behest of radical activists,” the attorneys general wrote. “However, Target management does have fiduciary duties to its shareholders to prudently manage the company and act loyally in the company’s best interests.” 

    KSTW, a CBS News affiliate, reported that contrary to the letter’s claims, stock prices were less impacted by backlash to the Pride campaign and more by general economic factors. Other retail giants suffered major stock impacts, with some companies like Children’s Place seeing a drop twice as large as Target’s. Inflation and changes in spending habits likely also impacted the retailer, KSTW reported. 

    Backlash to the Pride campaign did involve threats of violence to Target stores and workers. Some merchandise was relocated to less popular areas of the store, and other pieces, including the swimsuits criticized by the attorneys general, were removed. 

    “Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work,” Target said in a statement earlier in June. “Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.”

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  • Prince Harry gives evidence against U.K. tabloid media for breaching his privacy by phone hacking

    Prince Harry gives evidence against U.K. tabloid media for breaching his privacy by phone hacking

    Prince Harry gives evidence against U.K. tabloid media for breaching his privacy by phone hacking – CBS News


    Watch CBS News



    Prince Harry will make an appearance in court Tuesday as he sues one of Britain’s tabloid newspapers for phone hacking and illegal intrusion into his private life. The publisher admits phone hacking once took place at its newspapers but denies that the Duke of Sussex was ever a target. Holly Williams spoke with media lawyer Matthew Gill about what Harry hoped to achieve by taking the very public case to trial.

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