Oprah is Loving Target, and Issac Mizrahi -- Not so Much

Everybody loves Target, also affectionately known as Tar-jhay by those who feel that the retailer is more swanky than its counterparts. I must confess that I would rather go into a Target any day of the week over Wal-mart simply because it just feels better. The stores are clean, they are fast, fun and friendly, and they have always on top of technology and the latest fashions... And have you seen their trendy commercials-- very nice. Target is consistently keeping up with the current pulse of the people and therefore there are lots of changes going on at Target.

I am not alone in singing the praises of Target. Oprah Winfrey is on the band wagon. Oprah has mentioned that Target Corporation now has reusable bags. And you know if Oprah says it's cool, then it's doctrine, right? I got a chance to see the bags. They are very nice actually. The bags come in 3 different sizes and are the popular red color. On the bags there is a leaf-less tree with a bird sitting on them. One very interesting bag was the one that after its use can be zipped up and looks the size of a small pocket book.

Other changes that are happening is that Target's popular Issac Mizrahi clothing line is leaving. Good ol' Issac is making a mad dash for Liz Claiborne. He says that it is not for any particular reason, and that Target has been good to him. I would say that they have been good to each other. Target has gotten great benefit from his line of very fashion-forward, yet affordable clothes. The good thing is that Target will not leave you hanging. I am anxious to see who replaces him. What I do know is that Converse is coming to Target with a line of clothing and shoes that are geared toward the rebellious urban professionals. Good stuff.

Finally, for those of you with stock in Target, it has been announced that the CEO, Bob Ulrich has announced his retirement. He has led Target for more than a decade and can probably be credited with its differentiation from Wal-mart and the whole "speed is life" model that the consumers enjoy. However, you probably won't expect to see any major changes any time soon because the change does not take effect until early May 2008. His replacement will be the current president Gregg Steinhafel. He's been there for over twenty years so all should be well with Target.

So all you lovers of the beloved Tar-jhay. Keep watching for great changes. I only see that place getting better.