An Open Letter to Target

Dear Target,

Oh, the love affair we have experienced for the last several years! Together, we shared my wedding registry, my baby registry, date nights with my husband, girlfriend shopping trips, mommy-daughter excursions, and me-time. You've provided me with everything from personal items to impulse buys, and my love for you grew and grew over time. Then, slowly .... you began to change.

First came the Christmas shopping I tried to do online last year. I found the perfect toy for my daughter advertised on the main page for toys. I searched and searched for it by category, age, and brand but could never find it. Finally, I gave up and called the customer service line to inquire about the toy. Guess what I was told? You don't always carry all of the items advertised in pictures on your website, so that item probably wasn't even available for purchase from Target. Um .... what?!?!

Then, came the day I was quietly shopping with my daughter. She was being such a sweetheart that day, sitting quietly in the buggy, eating away at her fruit snacks. Suddenly, an employee appeared out of nowhere and practically shoved me aside as she reached into the cart to buckle my child in with the seat straps, all the while lecturing me about shopping cart safety. She walked away and happily chirped for me to have a nice day as I stared at her with my mouth wide open. It was that day I learned you have crazies that work for you.

One of the things that really began to mark a turn in our relationship was your new return policy. I know it's not just me, dear Target, who has a problem with this policy. I've heard many of your other faithfuls complain about the way you've changed in this area. I now shudder any time I think of making a Target return. It's the biggest hassle I've ever experienced at any store.

And, now, the Britax carseat fiasco, which I think may be the final nail in your coffin with some. You began to regain some of our affection when you offered this $280 carseat for $43. It was as if it was a small sign you still cared and wanted good things for us. So many moms jumped right on this offer. I, even though I wasn't in need of a carseat, considered buying it because you were offering us such a good deal ... for the next one I told myself. Although I didn't make the purchase, I can only imagine how enraged the other moms must have felt when you canceled their order citing an employee error for this pricing. Oh, sweet Target, do you realize what you are doing to your reputation with us? We're slowly, slowly growing apart because of your new ways. How we wish things could be the way they were.

With a heavy heart,
Your Friend