Shop for Less: The Consumer Guide to Target

Ever since I was young, I’ve had subscriptions to numerous fashion magazines. In my teenage years, I started off with the typical teen magazines like Seventeen and Teen Vogue, and then transitioned into reading Vogue and Lucky as I grew older. For me, it was always fascinating flipping through the pages and seeing new styles each month (and of course laughing at some of the absurd love advice in Seventeen). Over the years, I let the magazines pile up in my room to the point where I now have a mini library of fashion magazines with issues dating back to 2010. With trends constantly changing, I enjoyed following them not just through these magazines, but also by going window-shopping and seeing the latest clothing collection displayed in-store. However, being a student, my wallet was constantly low on cash and thus I always tried to find trendy clothing pieces at prices that didn’t break the bank. With this need in mind, I’ll now introduce you to Target, one of my favorite retailers!

What’s so special about Target? Is it their adorable dog mascot that makes the brand so likable? Well, yes, but there is also a lot more that Target has to offer. Here, I’ll provide a quick guide about Target from the perspective of a Target consumer—me!

Beauty products sold at Target

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Target, it’s a retailer that sells a wide range of products such as food, home products, clothing, beauty products, and other miscellaneous items. At Target, I not only get the utilitarian value of buying essential items such as food and trendy clothing at an affordable price, but I also receive a hedonic value. Specifically, this is found in the shopping experience that Target provides.  

Clothing and food sold at Target

Friendly Target employee providing help

Believe it or not, shopping can be an enjoyable experience, especially at Target! With a culture known for being fun and friendly, smiling employees will always greet you throughout the store and you’ll soon find that this positive vibe is quite contagious. From their creative promotional advertisements on digital platforms to the excellent customer service experienced in-store, Target creates an integrated shopping experience that’s bound to be pleasant for its consumers both online and in-store. 

Some examples of fun and creative Target advertisements

Example of Target engaging with consumers on digital platforms

Starbucks in Target stores

When shopping at Target, value is provided in multiple ways. I not only have a fun shopping experience, but it’s also extremely convenient by being a one-stop shop for trendy clothing, food, cleaning supplies, school supplies and more at affordable prices. There’s even a Starbucks in Target stores so that you can get your coffee fix!

If you’re like me and constantly look for trendy and affordable clothes, Target is the perfect destination. Although there are numerous other retailers available, Target is able to differentiate its clothing by collaborating with well-known fashion designers each year to create a customized designer collection specifically for the young and trendy female consumer that values brand names but not the high price tag that comes with it. What’s really exciting is that this year, Target is collaborating with Lilly Pulitzer for the upcoming spring season. So, if you’re looking for that perfect tropical sundress for the beach, be sure to check out the collection at Target! Here’s a sneak peek in case you’re curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufbb96O0HPo.

Lilly Pulitzer for Target (2015)

I've also included some amazing designer collections that Target created in the past below. That navy Jason Wu dress you see is only $40 thanks to Target!

Jason Wu for Target (2012)

Peter Pilotto for Target (2014)

Prabal Gurung for Target (2013)

Rodarte for Target (2009)

I hope you’re ready to shop at Target now! To get there, you can take a bus (free for students!) to visit or…

Map of the nearest Target store in Ann Arbor

You can always visit www.target.com to start shopping now from the convenience of your sofa ☺ Have fun shopping and comment down below to let me know what you look for in your shopping experience! I also would love to know what trendy and affordable retailers you shop at too!