Will Target stores reach their holiday sales goals? Join the Pioneer Press in cheering them on
Blogger and Mole reader Karl Bremer writes, via email: “I’ve detested the ’synergy’ between advertisers and local media for years. But this takes it to a new low–a reporter’s blog named after and dealing solely with a major retailer and advertiser.”
He’s talking about Gita Sitaramiah’s new Pioneer Press blog, On Target? , which promises to be a cheerfully boosterish blow-by-blow account of “how this major retailer navigates the holiday shopping season.”
“Around here, who doesn’t shop at Target?” chirps the opening line of her first post, and then the tone switches as she begins moaning Target-friendly buzzwords: “Minnesotans fell for Tar-zhay, even before the Minneapolis-based company developed a cutting-edge national reputation as an upscale discounter…. The cheap chic strategy of recent years featuring Isaac Mizrahi, Mossimo and Michael Graves brands helps create some national buzz as the No. 2 discounter takes on much-larger rival Wal-Mart…. Despite a higher-income audience, Target is faced with one of its most challenging retail seasons… To follow the hometown favorite beyond monthly sales reports… I’ll need your help.”
7 Responses to “Will Target stores reach their holiday sales goals? Join the Pioneer Press in cheering them on”
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I’m a fan of the Daily Mole. I like its distinctive take on compelling issues. I also enjoy Dude Weather. It’s a reminder, isn’t it, that there’s room for all sorts of experiments on online journalism sites. That’s why we’ve launched On Target. It comes with risks, as your initial assessment illustrates. Over the next few weeks the feature will live or die on its ability to connect with readers. For the record, I don’t think you engage folks for very long by waving pom pons. Will On Target work? We’ll see. In the meantime, I’ll be checking out the Daily Mole for those keen insights on current events — and to see if Jimmy Gaines ever teams up with The Angry Clown.
–Doug Iverson, business editor, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Steve, Karl, the committee would like to know:
Have you ever shopped at Target?
Not arguing with your analysis, I’m just curious!
Touche! Target serves all my kitty litter and toilet paper needs.
I won’t be teaming up with the Angry Clown.
That guy scares the bejesus out of me.
Like, for real.
Twice a year max, when I buy film in large quantities. But that will end when I go digital next year!
Karl, you’re far more noble than me. But I suspected that already.
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