In just over two months, Target will open its first store in Canada.
While we've been fully briefed on where the American mega-retailer will set-up shop (here's a list of Target Canada's store locations), we've been sitting around anxiously awaiting news about the clothing the chain will carry. (They're renowned for their designer collaborations.)
And finally, on Thursday, our questions were answered. At an intimate event in Toronto, Target executives and celebrity guests briefed select media on the company's brand and product roster — as well as how they plan to compete with their closest big box store competitor, Walmart Canada. According to company spokespeople, the prices at Target Canada will be very comparable.
So what can you expect? Lots of brands and items that have never been sold on Canadian soil before, like Nate Berkus' decor line, Sonia Kashuk's cosmetics and makeup brushes and Target's own Archer Farms food line, as well as items from some of this country's top design talents, like the iconic Roots label, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
"It's been an exceptional journey and my objective has been luxury for everyone," said makeup dynamo Sonia Kashuk at the event, which included models zipping around a skating rink. "I want to bring the best of the best to everyone. I'm a huge fan of Canada ... And now I have a great excuse to head back here."
The company has already committed to launching a new Canadian line alongside Toronto Fashion Incubator, with a $25,000 prize going to one lucky designer whose clothes will be sold at various Target Canada locations in 2014.
Check out the brands coming to Canada with Target!
And as for groceries, Target will, reportedly, be working with Sobeys — though the company's full fruit and veggies strategy is still in the works.
Thursday's unveiling happened much in the same way Target announced they were coming to Canada. In February 2012, they held a one-day pop-up shop in Toronto featuring Canadian-raised designer (and First Lady favourite) Jason Wu. This time, they brought out some familiar faces from south of the border too.
"It's been such a fun ride with Target so this is really exciting for me," said Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis at the event. "People used to email me and ask about where I got my cookware and when they found out how much it cost, they couldn't buy it. So I decided I wanted to create a line of products that everyone could bring into their home."