Oh boy. This is going to be a really unpopular post.
In theory, I love Target. Tarr-jzzhaay. The Targster. I love the idea of it: design for all. I love the ads. I love the logo. I love goofy Isaac Mizrahi and his goofier little head wraps.
But I don’t love bad quality. And I love poor organization even less.
The stores are a mess. Each one seems to be slightly different, so I never stride in with a sense of purpose. They’re designed to get you lost.
Target is so hung up on “design” that “quality” is nowhere to be found. Nor is “ordinary stuff that people need.” Try looking for a set of plain white cafe curtains. Or a butter dish that isn’t plastic. Or tonic, for that matter. Go on: I dare you.
There’s a new Tarr-jzzhaay on Maryland’s eastern shore, in Easton. There’s serious “mitigation” (aka “remediation“) going on to offset the environmental damage that the zillion square miles of Target blacktop hath wrought. You don’t know what irony is until you’ve seen wispy little hair-implant native grasses cordoned off by bright orange construction tape in the shadow of a massive big-box store. Yeah, I’m sure the ducks will come back. No prob. Maybe if you offer them 25% off coupons.
But I digress. Not the purpose of this post.
What Target is probably good for:
- Decorating dorm rooms
- Organization accoutrements (my professional organizer friend Nicole Anzia knows the local Targets and Container Stores like the back of her busy little hands)
- Maternity clothes
- Curtain rods, as long as the curtains aren’t too heavy
- Bulk shampoo
What Target is not good for:
- Most furniture, especially case goods (wooden stuff)
- Sturdy housewares
- A normal clock-face outdoor thermometer
There it is. I’m going to hell, I know it. But “inexpensive” doesn’t have to mean “cheap.” And “design” doesn’t have to mean “futzy crap.” That’s my issue.
Butter dish is by BIA Cordon Bleu, not available at Target. Picture of the ducks from a website called “Duck Pictures and Facts.” How handy was that? Bedding is from Target’s Xhiliration collection. Shelf is Target’s Corner Spacesaver Bookcase – Cherry. Chair is the Hamilton Club Chair in dark brown from Target.