As you all know, Target is my Disneyland.
Well, Disneyland is my Disneyland. But Target is like unto Disneyland in that it’s a magical kingdom filled with ever-changing affordable and fashionable products. Plus, where else can you buy a cool skirt, a loaf of bread and a power drill?
So I decided to take a little chance and email some people at Target and pass along an idea. And by some people, I mean the CEO and President. (My reporter research skills do come in handy sometimes.)
Here’s what I wrote:
Well, Disneyland is my Disneyland. But Target is like unto Disneyland in that it’s a magical kingdom filled with ever-changing affordable and fashionable products. Plus, where else can you buy a cool skirt, a loaf of bread and a power drill?
So I decided to take a little chance and email some people at Target and pass along an idea. And by some people, I mean the CEO and President. (My reporter research skills do come in handy sometimes.)
Here’s what I wrote:
Dear Target,
You know you're cool.
Just take a look at your merchandise. It's hip and modern with a funky flair. Plus, your advertising is so bold and fresh. Clearly, you aren't suffering from low self esteem.
And people love you. I mean, they really love you. They love you in a way that can only be manifested by daily trips to your store, whether to hunt for new discounts or just admire your latest wares.
Even though you have so many fans, I can't help but let you know that I'm one, too. And I have been one for years. As a teenager, I would often forgo parties in favor of spending a night meandering down your aisles. As a young adult, I would drive out of my way to buy my groceries at your Super store. And as a new mom, I frequent your stores even more often, whether to stock up on baby supplies or just get out of the house.
But you need a fan club; a place for Targeteers to connect and share their love for you. A spot to swap decorating and fashion secrets that incorporate your products. My friends and I already do that when we get together or blog, but I'm envisioning something on a grander scale: a whole Web site dedicated to chatting about you.
I know, I know, you don't need another ego booster. You're already popular enough. But there may be some people out there who don't really know you, Target. Who don't know the joy of daily trips to your stores. Who don't know the thrill of ordering something from you online. Who are casual customers, not part of your culture. These people need some lessons on you.
Please consider my request. And if you need a daily blogger – someone who can chat up your key demographic with totally true tales from Target – I'm your gal. I am your biggest fan, after all.
But you're probably too cool to care.
With love,
Mrs. Dub
P.S. I've attached my resume in case you're a stickler for experience. (Oh, and you can find my blog at www.musingsandmisadventures.blogspot.com.)
And here’s what I got back:
You know you're cool.
Just take a look at your merchandise. It's hip and modern with a funky flair. Plus, your advertising is so bold and fresh. Clearly, you aren't suffering from low self esteem.
And people love you. I mean, they really love you. They love you in a way that can only be manifested by daily trips to your store, whether to hunt for new discounts or just admire your latest wares.
Even though you have so many fans, I can't help but let you know that I'm one, too. And I have been one for years. As a teenager, I would often forgo parties in favor of spending a night meandering down your aisles. As a young adult, I would drive out of my way to buy my groceries at your Super store. And as a new mom, I frequent your stores even more often, whether to stock up on baby supplies or just get out of the house.
But you need a fan club; a place for Targeteers to connect and share their love for you. A spot to swap decorating and fashion secrets that incorporate your products. My friends and I already do that when we get together or blog, but I'm envisioning something on a grander scale: a whole Web site dedicated to chatting about you.
I know, I know, you don't need another ego booster. You're already popular enough. But there may be some people out there who don't really know you, Target. Who don't know the joy of daily trips to your stores. Who don't know the thrill of ordering something from you online. Who are casual customers, not part of your culture. These people need some lessons on you.
Please consider my request. And if you need a daily blogger – someone who can chat up your key demographic with totally true tales from Target – I'm your gal. I am your biggest fan, after all.
But you're probably too cool to care.
With love,
Mrs. Dub
P.S. I've attached my resume in case you're a stickler for experience. (Oh, and you can find my blog at www.musingsandmisadventures.blogspot.com.)
And here’s what I got back:
Dear Mrs. Dub,
Thank you for your great letter regarding the creation of a regular Target blog. We love the passion and the support for the brand but I’m afraid that we’ll have to pass on your proposal. As much as we like the idea, we avoid any attempt to control our ‘buzz’. Once we begin to take ourselves too seriously or appear to be fronting enthusiasm we believe that we’ll loose some of the goodwill that has been created.
We wish you all the very best and thank you again for taking the time to contact us.
Sincerely,
Michael
EVP, Marketing
Target
P.S. Love your blog.
I wasn’t expecting a response, much less such a personal one. Thanks Michael. And thank you Target for not taking me up on my idea. It’s so true. Target doesn’t need any hype. Target speaks for itself. (In a soothing come-hither voice I might add.)
So get yourselves over to T town today! There are some amazing clearance sales going on right now … but you probably know that already. You are my friends.
(And for the record, I did mention my dislike of Target’s current return policy. Michael said they’re aware of the problem and are working on it. A double helping of gracias! for that.)
Thank you for your great letter regarding the creation of a regular Target blog. We love the passion and the support for the brand but I’m afraid that we’ll have to pass on your proposal. As much as we like the idea, we avoid any attempt to control our ‘buzz’. Once we begin to take ourselves too seriously or appear to be fronting enthusiasm we believe that we’ll loose some of the goodwill that has been created.
We wish you all the very best and thank you again for taking the time to contact us.
Sincerely,
Michael
EVP, Marketing
Target
P.S. Love your blog.
I wasn’t expecting a response, much less such a personal one. Thanks Michael. And thank you Target for not taking me up on my idea. It’s so true. Target doesn’t need any hype. Target speaks for itself. (In a soothing come-hither voice I might add.)
So get yourselves over to T town today! There are some amazing clearance sales going on right now … but you probably know that already. You are my friends.
(And for the record, I did mention my dislike of Target’s current return policy. Michael said they’re aware of the problem and are working on it. A double helping of gracias! for that.)
10 comments:
mrs. dub, you are so cool.
seriously, so cool.
i am so proud to be able to call you my bff. you might now be my full blown idol. but not in a clay or kelly way.
Got to love her. She is tenacious. I think she should now turn her skills to other companies such as: 7-11, Chuck E Cheeses’ or Long John Silver's. 'Cause can how can you beat a Slurpee, cardboard pizza or a nice fish and chips basket.
I'm stunned with amazement!!!!!!
Great letter--Target missed out when they opted not to pick you up--but then I guess the whole idea with viral marketing is to make it appear to spread by accident even if it is really by germ-laden blankets or bloggets. Love the simile, too. Target is definitely Disneyland. Maybe Kohls is Six Flags, occasionally more exiting, but lacking the thematic consistency and freshness. K-Mart is the local amusement park--been around forever but time is passing it by and Martha Stewart with it. And WalMart some discount store nightmare blending Dollywood, a nursing home, a NASCAR race, and globalization in the worst possible way. I'm proud of ya kid.
lu, as always, you are my hero. i love that you do things that you think about. i guess i am just a thinker and need to be inspired by actual doers. i am in total amazement!!!!
AND p-daddy i should tell you that my grandpa (a utah farmer) calls Wal Mart "the cancer of america." i thought you would enjoy that!
first off, you're all too kind. second, you're all way too impressed. i wrote an email; i didn't save the world. but i'm glad that my small attempt inspired some.
fabulous - love Target, love the email, love it all.
While I completely agree. Next time (and since you're friends now)could you please ask Target to not move all the stuff to a new and mysterious location every single night. While I once enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, or pointless wandering through treasure filled aisles, and still do on occasion. I would really prefer that the size 5 Huggies, and Clorox cleanup wipes are in the same place they were when I last had to run in to grab these same things with an impatient one-year old in tow.
Post a Comment