I rarely make it to local influencer events because I live in the burbs, and I have 4 kids, and it can be hard for me to find time to brush my hair most days. But something about an invite to come check out and shop at a newly redesigned Target screamed, “OMG your readers are going to want to see this and you get a free shopping trip out of it, childfree, on a Saturday!” So I made this happen today.
Target gave me some cool swag and a gift card, but they aren’t paying me for this post.
I also rarely blog on a Saturday, but this is a great excuse to hide in the office in silence with coffee while the rest of the family does laundry. (BETWEEN YOU AND ME.)
Enough about me, let’s get to Target. (Literally, you’re going to want to GET to a Target that’s been remodeled after you see this.)
One of the most noticeable differences is that home decor has been moved to the front of the store AND it’s displayed in a way that’s meant to inspire you and give you home decorating ideas. Pillows and vases and everything else is displayed at varying heights, and in a way that makes you have to hunt less for those gems we love to bring home even though they weren’t on our list in the first place. Good news… bad news? I’m not here to judge.
Clothing is also displayed in a more creative way, with mannequins showing off stylish combos, and now you can find coordinating pieces like shoes and accessories all in one spot, making it so much easier to run in with toddler in tow, grab an ENTIRE outfit, and head out in time for that event you totally didn’t have time to shop for.
The women’s plus collections are laid out similarly and have a variety of options as its own, separate section. That’s right! It’s no longer smooshed into a corner with maternity! (Junior’s plus size is still incorporated with other junior sizes because feedback from younger women showed they wanted to be able to shop in the same section as their peers.)
You’ll now find maternity around the corner, between loungewear and intimates.
That placement sounded odd to me at first until they explained that this way they were able to combine maternity clothes with maternity (and nursing) bras, camis, and underwear.
Hooray for pregnant women only having to visit one spot to get what they need! Maybe they can put an endcap here with pickles and Sour Patch Kids, too?
Across the way, in the Kids’ Room Decor section, you’ll find rows and rows of Target’s brilliant Pillowfort line. Again, the displays are no longer just plain shelving. They really want kids to be able to walk through and help put together their own room designs by grabbing what grabs their attention. Unfortunately, for us, I anticipate having to keep little hands from pulling off 10 pillows while I’m not looking. A fair tradeoff for the adorable options at amazing prices, though.
The Tech section takes on a Best Buy vibe, looking very legit, and serviced by employees who know their way in and out of all the tech stuff they have to offer.
Their Circo brand nursery line has been phased out, and in the Baby & Toddler section, Cloud Island is taking its place with on-trend, affordable, natural and/or organic pieces. BACK IN MY DAY 9 years ago when I had my first baby, you had to go to very expensive baby boutiques to get crib bedding this cute. I HOPE YOU KNOW HOW LUCKY YOU ARE, WHIPPERSNAPPER NEW PARENTS.
Also, let’s take a minute to slow clap for this.
All you need is a sheet, friends. Not only is Target not displaying all the unnecessary stuff (that they could make money off of selling you), they literally have a sign to tell you YOU DON’T NEED IT. Man, I just love Target. *sigh*
We dress our kids in Cat & Jack clothes nearly every day. I’m obsessed with their basics and their positive messaging. The quality is incredible for the price.
In the re-design, you’ll see more emphasis on the Cat & Jack line in baby, toddler, and big kids.
I couldn’t help but notice this female-looking mannequin rocking the Nasa tank top in a display between the boys and the girls section. Interesting considering this tweet that went viral this week.
In addition to the Cat & Jack line, you’ll also find Art Class in the big kid sections, which is the line for kids who want to dress and express themselves.
I’m all about dressing in athleisure lately, and I’m sure I’ll be adding a lot more to my wardrobe before we take off in an RV for a year. There are now expanded active wear sections in both the mens and womens sections with a ton of high-quality options at wonderfully reasonable prices (says the girl who spent way too much money on her last pair of compression leggings from another store and is now in love with the ones on that mannequin in the blue top).
Also worth noting, their women’s swimwear section is HUGE! And it’s full of options that let you buy just a top by your specific cup size and whatever style of bottoms suit you best, including some high waisted options!
The grocery section is laid out and lit in a way that makes it feel like you’re shopping at a fancy grocery store, not just some other aisles in Target.
The produce section is expansive and specifically designed to make room to add more produce to the floor when it’s in season.
They are bringing in a lot of local food & drinks, the Starbucks is still there, and this grab and go area at the front is a super cool option for quick snacks and lunches. Also, let’s talk about those lights. They’ve replaced all the fluorescent with LED lighting, which means a 35% energy savings and also makes the store just… look better. I really don’t know how else to describe it.
Finally, I know what you all are worried about. “But Jill, what about the Dollar Spot?!” Friends fret not! Behold! It is still there.
What will probably not be there when you visit is the Target dog. He’s very busy. Sorry! (OMG how lucky am I?)
As of June, 2017 these North Texas/Dallas area stores are remodeled- North Dallas Coit Road, Plano West, Frisco North, McKinney, Fort Worth Central, Addison, Mansfield, Watauga
More Dallas area store remodels are expected to roll out as follows:
July 2017- Rockwall, Burleson, Waxahachie, Euless
August 2017- Love Field, Frisco, Dallas North East
October 2017- Medallion, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Mesquite, Hurst, Cityview, McKinney SW, Denton, Allen North, Lewisville
If you’re not in the Dallas area, I don’t have much info for you at this time, but I’ve reached out to see if corporate can provide me with more details about remodels around the country and will update if/when they get back to me.
