The Shops at Target
January 14, 2012 12:23 pm

The Shops at Target. In Canada?

Target has announced plans to open small boutiques in its stores. The first series of boutiques will open in May and run for an initial 6 weeks with plans to repeat the program in the fall.

Five small retailers will be featured in the first round including;

Polka Dog Bakery, a Boston based pet food and accessories boutique.

The Webster, a Miami based apparel retailer.

The Candy Store, a San Francisco based retailer of cutting edge candies.

The Cos Bar, an Aspen based skincare shop.

Privet House, a Connecticut based housewares retailer

This follows on the heels of it’s recent highly successful collaboration with Italian design house Missoni. Missoni created an exclusive line for Target that resulted in a crash of the retailers e-​commerce site with demand and hype that certainly surpassed even the savvy strategists in Minneapolis expectations.

As Target continues its push towards grand openings in Canada it will be interesting to see if some “Canadian” exclusive store-​within-​store concepts are included. Here are a few suggestions in the event that you’re listening Target Canada.

1. A Missoni-​esque partnership with Canada’s winter wear captains Canada Goose.

2. A Cirque du Soleil partnership with vibrant troupe inspired apparel. A relationship that has already been established with Spanish clothing brand Desigual.

3. A store-​within-​store opening with small Toronto retailer Lileo.

4. Dufflet Pastry shops in a select number of locations.

5. NHL team experience kiosks focusing on each stores “home-​town” favourites.

Any further ideas? Send me (and Target) your thoughts.

  • Ryan Leroux

    Seeing as most of the first Target stores will be based in and around the GTA this would be a great opportunity for GTA-​based Lileo and Dufflet to expand their business.

    And let’s be honest, there’s going to be a lot of patriotic Canadians hesitant in embracing a large American retailer into their cities. What better way to extend an olive branch to Canadians than showcasing some local retailers.

    Target will need a cafe of some sort. Lettieri Cafe could work if they want to get a more upscale feel. Williams Coffee Pub for something a little more down to earth.