The Shops at Target

The Shops at Target. If you haven’t heard of the concept yet, you’re missing out! When I first heard that Target had hand-picked five boutique stores from across the country and were collaborating with them to bring their products to the mass consumer, I was thrilled! I will probably never travel to the Cos Bar in Aspen, CO, or the Webster in Miami, FL. But here Target is, allowing me to sample some of their best boutique products!

{Image via A Bullseye Review}

Being a blogger for a small local business, I did immediately have my reservations, mostly about the line from Privet House, an antique and home goods shop in Connecticut. An antique shop partnering with a giant retailer? How can you mass-produce antique goods? How can you get the charm of the shop and feel it’s old-world ambiance while shopping in a Target? How can they sell these items for a Target (eh hem, Tar-Jey) audience? It just seemed too good to be true.

And well folks, that’s because it was. The concept, I must admit, was genius. The actual implementation? So, so. After rushing to Target on the day the lines debuted, I am sad to say I couldn’t find even one item that I HAD to have. And of course, Privet House was the worst offender.

These images are from the actual Privet House shop. Impeccable presentation, beautifully curated pieces!

{Images via Driven By Decor}

This is a picture of the Privet House collection for Target. Cute? Sure. A boutique collection? Not quite. Where are those awesome blankets Privet House? Or those fun, colorful pillows? Why is it just an end-cap of predictable items? Why is everything just stamped with Privet House’s logo? I think for Target to be successful in this venture they should have put more effort into the presentation of the items. Of course, I may be a tad biased and this is just my own opinion! Target is rumored to be coming out with another batch of Shops this Fall, so we will see how that one turns out. But for now, I’m sticking to my story. BUY LOCAL! One-of-a-kind treasures are closer than you think, they’re just not at your local Target.

{Image via Charleston Grit}

What do you think of the Shops at Target? Did you like Privet House’s collection? I’d love to hear your opinion!

And Privet House, I will one day visit you, the real you!