Since moving to the US in 1998, I’ve always lived in cities that are usually excluded from the fashion world maps—Wichita Falls, TX; Lexington, KY; and now, St. Louis, MO for a second time.
If you have fashionable interests, the good thing about living and shopping in these types of “small town” cities, is that you usually have unbelievable access to amazing style treasures. When special collections, like Missoni for Target, hit stores, we don’t have to stand in line hours before stores open. We might even be able to wait a few weeks for markdowns on limited collections. Well, apparently, things have changed in St. Louis.
I went to Target to check out the Missoni collection this afternoon and met empty racks. Yes, empty racks.
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| 3 clutches and one infinity scarf left. There was no sign that clothes were ever even in store, but for a random blouse on an odd rack. |
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| A pair of flats and about 5 pairs of wellies stand alone. |
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| Who knows what was here? |
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| Missoni for Target vase anyone? |
Interviews with Store Employees
In disbelief, I spoke with a few store employees, who each shared stories of the long lines they met outside when they arrived at work this morning. One cashier told me that her first few customers spent over $2000 each on Missoni goods. Puzzled by the purchases, the cashier told me that she asked these customers why they were purchasing so many items with this weird zigzag print (she was not familiar with the Missoni line). She said that many of these bulk buyers replied, “I am going to make a killing selling this stuff on eBay!” Talking about eBay, have you seen some of the inflated prices this merchandise is already selling for on that site?
What’s Left?
If you are still interested in purchasing some Missoni for Target items in local stores in St. Louis, there are lots of baby and children’s items (even the girl’s shoes). The women’s rain boots are also still available. The sleepwear sets seem to be widely available. You might find one or two items in the home goods collection as well.
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| Loungewear and other intimates still available this afternoon. |
Shopping Interrupted
Target appears to be somewhat overwhelmed today as evidenced by the website continuously crashing throughout the day. In stores, there are some price discrepancies between the tags and what the registers are ringing up. I bought a clutch with a tag saying $22.99, but it rang up at $34.99. I don’t know what the correct price is, but I do know that customer service made adjustments in my favor.
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| Something’s not quite right… |
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| Price adjustments promptly made after a quick visit to customer service |
My little piece of Missoni for Target history:
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| Missoni for Target infinity scarf and knit clutch. |
So, did you buy (or try to buy) any Missoni goods?
I knew better! I remember the drama at whole foods over the Anya hindmarch bags. I looked for something to order online, but was less than impressed with the wool content of the scarves.
I went on the Target website today and straight got put in line O_O. A doggy image came up that said WOOF! and told me I was in queue and not to refresh the page or I'd loose my place in the line O_o. I waited, eventually got in around the 2 minute mark, and looke around. Honestly … I was not a fan *hides fashion head in shame* … just wanted to see for myself. People were deathly S.E.R.I.O.U.S. about their Missoni.
@Micki: I heard that. I sure remember that Anya Hindmarch bag fiasco too. I really wanted one of those. Similar to the Anya Hindmarch collection, people are already reselling the Missoni for Target items at seriously inflated prices on eBay. People are bidding on these items too!
@Glamazini: Yes, folks were serious about this collection. Target's marketing team worked diligently at promoting the line, so I am surprised that the company was so obviously overwhelmed by the response. Somewhat shameful. I feel you on not falling over for this collection. The chevron print is the most notable style, so I guess Missoni decided to plaster that on everything for the Target collection. I do prefer some of the more abstract prints that Missoni produces in its regular line. I do, in general, love-love the hippy vibe of a chevron print, so I couldn't resist a scarf and clutch 🙂
You still found some great things! That purple scarf will be great on you. I also bought the infinity scarf, but the gold version. I posted my haul on my blog, my stores were picked over by 10:30 a.m. A bunch of old ladies were there buying cartfulls of it. Damn Ebayers, lol
There was an xsmall girl's sweater and ten plates — and I went to two separate Targets. I'm so disappointed, I was looking forward to buying a number of items!
I went to Target around 1130AM & the only items left were some of the tableware, a few shoes & sleepwear. The bags were completely sold out by the time I got there. I live in Mpls & I heard it was like that all over the Twin Cities, even though it seems like there is a Target on every corner. Oh well…
Wow at least you were able to buy something. My target was completely wiped out…it was horrible. I was so mad. Next time Imma have to travel to some middle of nowhere populate of 5 people town with a target!
Shasie of Live Life in Style
Why did I just go on eBay and people are SERIOUS about selling you some Missoni! LOL! I have a mind to run down to the Target round the corner (since I live in the boonies) and see if I too can make an eKilling 😐
Wow, I should check my receipt to see if it has errors. Good catch!
I live in Jacksonville, Florida and thought there would be no issues with getting what I wanted. When I arrived there was very little people, but those people were the crazy buyers. I saw one women get 6 carts worth of stuff. When asked she said she was selling them to "friends" I think by "friends" she clearly meant eBay.
I don't like the clothing, but was interested in some of the houseware pieces, but really, it ain't that deep to me.
I hope none of the ebay mess sells.
Sure did! In the few moments the site was up and running at Target.com I bought the sweater coat; I can't wait for it to arrive!
@Andi: I enjoyed your haul!
@Kristen: OMG! That's it? I hear that some stores may be restocked again. I am not so sure that'll happen though.
@Jubilance: Shucks! So, the Twin Cities got swept too.
@Shasie: Sorry to hear that. I felt your frustration in the tweets you sent earlier that day. Small towns are where it is happening. I heard from a woman in Cincinnati and she strolled into a remotely located Target after 6PM yesterday and EVERYTHING was still in stock. Can you believe it?
@Glamazini: It's just vulgar! But, I guess that's business. Who are the people bidding on this stuff though? Now, you know I checked all those Targets out where you live because I figured the people in those areas who know about Missoni can afford to buy the real deal. Those stores were cleared too.
@Fashion by Alicia: So, Jacksonville FL did a clean sweep too. Wow. I wish I could've seen some of the folks with the large carts. I needed to have a conversation with some of them.
@Sing: So, I guess you weren't part of the frustrated masses yesterday then 🙂 I was surprised that the houseware items sold out so quickly too.
@Alexa: How lucky you were! I came so close to purchasing one of the sweater dresses that I really wanted online only to have the site crash at the confirm purchase stage.