Oh Target, how I love to hate thee.
It is love/hate, my relationship with Target.
Currently, after a happy shopping trip today, I love Target. Where else can you get a cute new pair of capris, frozen mini chicken sandwiches, Spray-n-Wash, organizing supplies and deli cheese? Only at Tar-zhay.
I love their bins. I bought these for my sons room. In an assortment of sizes. They are so Pottery Barn-esque it makes my little heart skip a beat.
I bought these for my daughters closet. I love closet organization systems. Closetmaid, you speak my language of love.
And look at these! $1. I bought a few. Ahem. More than a few. I can’t wait to use them all.
And when I can get deli cheese and organizing bins and buckets all in the same place, well that is a place that I never want to be without.
But not so long ago, I was singing a different tune about the capital of Khaki and Red.
Two weeks ago, I hated Target. I believe I told my friends, after a lengthy battle at the service desk over a return, that Target was dead to me.
Yes, I did.
Those are some fightin’ words.
But the Target return policy? Please. There is no such thing as an easy return at Target. It is more like approach-the-counter-with-your-head-down-don’t-make-eye-contact-with-the-person-at-the-desk-and-hope-that-they-will-just-take-your-item-back-without-a-problem.
For real.
Can you tell I’ve had a bad experience a time or two with authority figures in the red shirts?
Two weeks ago when Target was dead to me, I was ready to grab Mr. Khaki Pants and pop him upside the head. And I so could have done it too. Because I was fired up. I was returning a set of sheets that were a gift. I had a gift receipt. I was within the 90 day return period. My package was unopened.
What I’m trying to say is, I MET ALL THEIR DARN CRITERIA for a return.
But the barcode on the gift receipt? It wouldn’t scan. At any of the 36 registers. Because the ink was too faded. So I was out of luck.
I totally understood this, since I am responsible for the quality of ink and paper they print their receipts with. And also, the design and manufacturing of their scanner thingies. I should totally just eat the cost of the purchase, since the bar code wouldn’t scan and all. Naturally.
(I hope, Interpeeps, you are getting the sarcasm coming through loud and clear on your puter.)
Ummm, no. That wasn’t exactly my response. I wanted my sixty bucks back. And I wasn’t leaving until Mr. Khaki Pants opened that little cash drawer and gave it to me.
So yeah. Khaki Pants never gave me the money. I’m all bark and not a lot of bite apparently. Because he wasn’t budging. And 45 minutes later, I was tired of arguing with him, and the voice on the walkie talkie. So let’s just say the story ended with me throwing the sheets and the gift receipt on the counter and storming off, telling him that he could just have them and his sixty bucks since Target obviously needs it more than me.
I am obviously soft spoken and demure.
And then the next day I told all the moms at the park that “TARGET IS DEAD TO ME.”
And they laughed.
Because they totally knew I would go back to Target.
And I have. Just not that Target.
Because I have principals.
And I needed bins and buckets. And cheese.
Posted: April 30th, 2008 under Embarrassing Myself with my Ramblings, Home.
Comments: 35
Comments
Pingback from love » Blog Archive » Oh Target, how I love to hate thee.
Time: April 30, 2008, 1:15 am
[…] Stacey Moore wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptI am obviously soft spoken and demure. And then the next day I told all the moms at the park that “TARGET IS DEAD TO ME.” And they laughed. Because they totally knew I would go back to Target. And I have. Just not that Target. … […]
Comment from JanMary, N Ireland
Time: April 30, 2008, 1:36 am
Oh I think I NEED Target - I love storage containers - if only I could get organised enough to use them all!
Even when I do get organised, my plans are sometimes thwarted (great word that!) - I bought great sturdy white ones a perfect size for his shelves to fill with his toys. The problem is these great sturdy boxes are tipped out regularly at 5am, and used as mountaineering devices to reach higher levels of his room. He managed to reach all the clothes in his wardrobe the other morning, and remove every single item, and then put all the clothes hangers neatly to one side. Just a pity about the chaos of toys/clothes all over the floor, so the carpet could no longer be seen. The storage boxes and his toys are now sitting in our landing, and he has been left again with just books and soft toys - he has yet found a way to use them to assist him in his great plans - I blame Little Einsteins.
Any suggestions for toddler -proof non-climbing storage? Maybe in Target?
Comment from Thea @ I’m a Drama Mama
Time: April 30, 2008, 5:56 am
They wouldn’t even give you a gift receipt? Seriously?
And the fact that you were willing to leave them there was a pretty good indication that you weren’t trying to scam them!!
Goodness!
Comment from ValleyGirl
Time: April 30, 2008, 7:11 am
Haha, I hate it when that happens ~ when I hate a store so much because of some grave injustice, but just can’t stop myself from shopping there! I feel your pain, Lisa!
Comment from Darcy
Time: April 30, 2008, 7:18 am
I hope I don’t have an experience like that with Target. I only have one to choose from! I just reorganized my girls closet with Target’s Shabby Chic fabric storage containers and was going to post about it on my blog. We are thinking alike!
BTW, I finally got around the to doing the 7 Things About Me meme you tagged me for. It’s ‘must reading’ I tell ya! 
Comment from Amy @ By His Grace
Time: April 30, 2008, 7:33 am
Those bins are way too cute…I’m headed to “my” target next week and will have to check them out. I’m glad a form of Target is alive in you again!
Comment from New Diva
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:06 am
Target was dead for me momentarily when they stopped giving free cookies. I caved.
The return thing though, my friend’s sister-in-law was literally informed that she was no longer allowed to shop at Target because she did too many returns. Apparently she was dead to them.
Comment from Christie
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:07 am
Their return policy is the WORST. You know, I am a faithful shopper of places that let me return stuff. That I’ve worn, even. Places like Nordies. I would spend my last dollar there because I love their return policy so much. Target? They act like you’re a criminal for returning something. Even the nasty W is a little better. A little, but not much.
And those cute silver buckets? Just picked me some up yesterday. LOVE them!
Comment from Jen
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:40 am
Oh, I know. A return there is a most unpleasant experience. I’m so sorry for you.
I would have been just as angry.
Comment from Sister HOney Bunch
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:42 am
OK. That return story made ME angry. That is plain ridiculous. Did they at least offer an in-store credit?
And are all those bins just $1
Comment from Ashlee
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:48 am
I would have been angry too. Dumb man at the register. So sorry for your loss. :0)
I loves me some Target too. The people there know me. It’s sad. But you are right. I can get clothes, toys, ink cartridges AND cereal all in one spot. I can’t pass that up! Can’t wait to go buy me some of those bins for my basement!
Comment from Queen B
Time: April 30, 2008, 9:10 am
That is so ridiculous. I detest Target’s return policy. After reading this, I now detest it more than I did before. Should we laminate the receipts upon departure? Just in case?
But I would totally go back for the bins.
Comment from Becky
Time: April 30, 2008, 10:29 am
I truly feel your pain. I thought maybe it was only me that had those types of Target issues. The gift receipt is a giant scam in my mind because even if you have it and the items have since gone on sale or marked down, that’s the price you get. When you good and well, either you or some loving family member, paid FULL price.
Love those bins!!
Comment from Ellen
Time: April 30, 2008, 11:08 am
I completely agree. They changed their return policy right when we got married - thus screwing us with many returns we tried to make from our wedding. I seriously hate target anytime I have to return anything! Those buckets are cute- were they in the $1 area?
Comment from Ashley
Time: April 30, 2008, 11:41 am
I wrote target a letter when the crib they sold me was broken and chipped. I was very generous and asked that they consider what it means to have an 8-months-pregnant woman hauling a crib box (all broken and disheveled) back into her tiny sedan and lugging it back to the store. Never heard back from them.
Boo on Target.
Comment from Jenny
Time: April 30, 2008, 12:43 pm
Oh yes, the good ol’ Target return policy. I’ve been burned by it a time or two myself. But you’re so right, they have everything. And nearly everything is cute too, all in one place.
Comment from Jan
Time: April 30, 2008, 12:46 pm
I love Target, too, and I’ve been lucky, no return problems, ever. Hope my luck holds up.
Comment from Nicole@OnTheRun
Time: April 30, 2008, 1:04 pm
My only complaint against Target is that I can never again wear red and khaki together. EVER. Because I feel like one of them.
Even on the Fourth of July when I put on a red tank top with a flag on it and khaki shorts.
I felt like an employee going to a corporate 4th of July party.
Comment from Wendi
Time: April 30, 2008, 2:08 pm
You are so funny! I have a love/hate relationship with Target for exactly the same reasons. Maybe if we all ban together we can get them to reexamine their ridiculous return policy. Maybe not. I think they know they have us with cute bins, Spray n Wash, and cheese all under one roof.
Comment from the roost
Time: April 30, 2008, 3:05 pm
Never did like Khaki….on anyone!
Comment from Heidi
Time: April 30, 2008, 3:56 pm
I knew you were a girl who sticks to her guns…!
Heidi
Comment from Traceytreasure
Time: April 30, 2008, 5:32 pm
You must have a Super Target if you got cheese and not just Velveeta! Target has died in my past too. Their return policy drives me nuts. I’ve left there crying. I cry easily because I’ve seen all of my kids do it when they don’t get their way. It’s contagious! Joking! Anyway, I returned something at another store without a sucky policy because I don’t mind showing my I.D. to return something but I draw the line at urine and blood samples if you don’t have a reciept! Joking again! I will never look at another Target, male employee without thinking “Mr. Khaki Pants” LOL I love that and I will use it for Target employees. Sorry about the sheets. Did you really just leave them there? I’m just wondering!
Comment from Jill
Time: April 30, 2008, 7:04 pm
I would have thought at the very lease a gift receipt. What a crock. And, I’m not sure I could go Target-less for very long either.
Comment from Darcie
Time: April 30, 2008, 7:37 pm
Too bad it was Target and not something a little less necessary like Bed, Bath & Beyond. Not them, I could totally do without.
You know what store is dead to me? Sears. And luckily, I don’t find myself needing to run right down to Sears to pick up bins. Or cheese. And it’s a good darn thing because I’d have to use paper bags and go cheeseless instead.
Comment from Jennifer
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:14 pm
I love Target, Wal-Mart is pretty much dead to me unless I need a florescent bulb, because they are pretty expensive at Menards
BTW, howdy sort of neighbor. We’re in Dupage Co. You must be out where we used to live.
Comment from Mary@notbefore7
Time: April 30, 2008, 8:27 pm
Oh yeah…a girl has GOT to have principles!
Now…don’t get me going on WAL.MART - you would have to pay me to go there….ugh.
Comment from Nicole
Time: April 30, 2008, 9:15 pm
Target used to be cool about returns, now they’re total jerks! I stopped going to Staples for a few years, but then I got mad at Officemax too, and I was kind of screwed. Principles are tough to have, you know.
Now I just get my office supplies online. No one is the wiser….
Comment from Org Junkie
Time: May 1, 2008, 12:23 am
Bins? Baskets? Buckets? Pick me up off the floor and wipe my drool! I love those first bins, is that chaulkboard on the front? I’m having a slight jealously problem right about now.
Sigh……
Comment from Jackaroos Boutique
Time: May 1, 2008, 6:48 am
I don’t get it. They have to know that they piss people off all the time with returns. But then again, they know that we’ll be back, because it’s like the greatest store ever!
I’ve considered boycotting too, but I just can’t do it
Comment from OHmommy
Time: May 1, 2008, 7:40 am
“….and the voice on the walkie talkie” Heehee.
LOL. What a hysterical post. I have a love/hate relationship with Target.
Comment from Autumn Dahlia
Time: May 1, 2008, 8:28 am
I say it… but alas, I cannot do it. Can’t.break.away.
And why is it that I always seem to wear red when I go to Target and people keep asking me where things are? Sadly, I always know.
Comment from Carolyn
Time: May 2, 2008, 9:23 pm
OH NO! that’s horrible! I would have gone over their heads! I would have been barking all the while! (this was too funny though!)
I do understand about the love/hate relationship with Target. I have one with Dell. But at least you got your principles right!
Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: May 3, 2008, 1:23 pm
I return things to Target every time I go and I’ve never (EVER) had a problem.
My secret? I buy everything with my credit card. To return something, I just hand them my card, they scan the items, credit is issued immediately back to my card, and I’m on my merry way. The whole process takes about 15 seconds. Seriously. Hassle-free, and you always get the price you paid.
Now Wal-Mart? Where I have to bring my receipt? And wait for them to find the item on my receipt (of approximately 150 items)? And then show them my driver’s license, even though I have my receipt? And then wait for them to count out some change for me, even though I’d rather have credit put back on my credit card?
No thanks. Now that I’m in the city again, I’ll never shop at Wal-Mart again.
Pingback from closetmaid
Time: July 11, 2008, 7:03 pm
[…] […]
Comment from Sarah
Time: August 9, 2008, 7:09 am
That happened to me with sheets I got as a gift and tried to return to Target, too! Except they told me I could get return credit, which would have been fine, except for the fact that they would ONLY let me use the return credit in the same department as sheets. I told them that if they had sheets of any quality, I would have gladly taken them, but at the time (4 1/2 years ago), they didn’t carry king size sheets above 180 thread count. (I’m a sheets snob.) Long rambling story, sorry, and I don’t even remember how it was resolved. My children ate my brains.
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