Hello, Good Buy

Just a couple of years ago, Target was the darling of discount shoppers. The retailer profited from exclusive, stylish goods created by such big-name designers as Issac Mizrahi and Michael Graves. But in today's rocky economy, Target seems out of fashion. Same-store sales are down, and net income is sinking. Even Target executives pin the troubles in part on the widespread perception that the chain is more expensive than Wal-Mart because of its focus on trendy clothes and home accessories.

So how is Target revising its sales strategy as it heads into the holidays? It is actually ramping up its designer collection, with more labels than ever. But the $63.4 billion company is also recalibrating its marketing pitch to highlight low prices. In other words, customers can have hip brands and afford them too.

If you know me at all, you know that my name is synonomous with daily trips to Target. Besides the advertising strategy of Target being (in my opinion) complete genius, I think the PR/Marketing efforts to direct consumer attention to high styles for low prices is a strategy that can almost guarantee success. With our economy being in the lows, consumers are cutting back on their spending; perfect opportunity for Target to promote their affordable, stylish clothing.