The inexpensive face of toys; Let Target be Target

Last week I ventured into a Target store ain New Jersey and was immediately struck by the presence of a fairly large $1 section just inside the front doors. It contained an eclectic mix of products and many of them were toys. 

Then I moved on to the toy department only to be confronted by an end cap on which were displayed $2.99 and $3.99 plastic cars and trucks. The display was thin and there could not have been more than $75.00 worth of merchandise on display.   It didn’t look sold down, it just looked thinly merchandised.

How bizarre. This was the same company that was featuring end caps of Butterscotch the Horse for $300 just a couple of years ago. Now they were peddling dime store goods.

The great recession has certainly had an impact and I am certain that Target is trying to peddle away from its Tar-Jay profile as fast as possible. Is it really necessary, however, for the chain to go this far? I appreciate the twelve aisles dedicated to toys but isn’t it a bit short sighted to move away from what made Target an interesting destination for those looking for a variety of interesting toys?

The recession is ending. Let Dollar General be Dollar General and let Target be Target.