So, I kept hearing about the opening of Target Stores across Canada, and always felt like I was waiting for it to happen…because I never actually laid eyes on one!
I always love when a popular, and much mocked about chain store from the U.S. decides to include Canadians cousins into its’ “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” realm. Again, being a fan of 80’s movies…I saw a lot of that in movies growing up and developed an inferiority complex as a result. Anywho, back to present day, I never stopped looking forward to checking out Target…BECAUSE I NEVER GOT THE CHANCE. I mean, I HEARD about it being open, and even saw my neighbour come home with some shopping bags with the Target logo on them…but still, it was that out of reach American store mocked in an SNL skit to me. I THINK I actually laid eyes on a target store on my way down Yonge St, during one of my many commutes, but could never quite put my finger on where that was exactly…Centre Point Mall? Never been there.
If you’re wondering what I’m rambling about – it’s this – I SPEND A LOT OF TIME AT THE MALL, various malls at that. I am always checking out different shopping malls and newly developed plaza’s with friends and family. My daughter LOVES the mall, too, it is a great playground for her to cruise around in and people watch. And in the winter time, it is even more so! So, I cannot believe that I never even stumbled upon a Target store this entire summer, and now winter! Granted, if I was that interested I could’ve Googled it, but that only happens if I have to exchange some equipment with Rogers or something…or if I need to get my hair done. Otherwise, it becomes work and that, my friends, defeats the whole purpose for me. Heck, I even venture out to Ikea every once in a while, so am not totally bound by the accessibility that a cluster of stores in one location offers.
And speaking of Rogers, I just so happened to be walking into their store (at my local mall) this morning to pick up (and drop off) some equipment. The entire staff of the store was hovered around the TV watching a news report on the disappointing closing sale of Target today. SO, even that was a miss and we all discussed (and agreed) on several reasons why their move north of the border did not take. One of which, was the fact that nobody really knew where they were located, and now we have to put up with the possibility of Nordstroms taking over the spaces soon to be evacuated by Sears in our shopping mall. We would have much rather had Target come into our shopping mall! And by “we”. I mean me and all my peeps at my local Rogers store. What about you?
I made it out twice to a Target in the city’s west end. Both times the store was empty and so were most of the shelves. It was a disappointing experience and I wasn’t surprised by the announcement to close all the Target locations in Canada. I’ve heard (in the news) that the liquidation sale has also been a let down.
Yes, that’s what I heard as well about the merchandise! It seems like they were cheaping us out…yes I just made up that word. Is it true that the product that was actually there was pretty poor quality, as well?
I grew up in the US and was MAJORLY excited when I heard Target would be opening up here. However, when they opened (and for the two years after) I never stepped inside a Canadian Target. As a consumer, I already have my go-to stores and heard from friends that Targets inventory was horrendous.
Now Nordstroms is a different story – that company does an amazing job with their customer service and customer experience. Have you ever been to one during Christmas? The decorations and holiday lighting could put the Rockefeller Center to shame. Maybe this is my inner American jumping for joy at the fact that I can now have a Nordstroms personal shopper or eat at their restaurant if I get tired of shopping. The one major difference between Target and Nordstrom is the amount of stores they are opening. Between now and 2017 only a handful of Nordstroms will be open in comparison to the 100 Target quickly opened. The company knows the market is flooded with retailers and will be more careful than Target was.
Wow, what an eye opener! I won’t lie, there is a part of me that is secretly excited that Nordstroms is opening and set to bring our glam to another level. Still think it’s pretty crappy that Target failed so miserably but am actually looking forward to seeing what Nordstroms is all about! Thanks for the inside view…:)