After much hype, the William Rast for Target collection arrived at Target stores today and online. As expected, there’s lots of denim, leather jackets with fringe, comfy tunics and plaid shirts. The collection is a snapshot of some of the William Rast brand’s greatest hits. So far, the collection is not a sellout or inspiring a buying frenzy. There are very few reviews of the products online from Target shoppers. Quite a change from the recent Mulberry for Target gold rush type buying. The brand was co-founded by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala in 2005 and has been a celebrity favorite. With prices ranging from $16.99 to $199.99 for the Target collection, I’m wondering if some consumers thought that the price point was too much for a collection of essentially jeans, T-shirts and a few Target made leather jackets. It doesn’t help that William Rast can be found at many discounters (Nordstrom Rack) and online clubs (Gilt Groupe) for about the same prices or even less than William Rast for Target. With cold weather and storms plummeting the US coast to coast, I think many shoppers (self-included) just decided to stay home. Target Addict reports that the free shipping that Target usually offers on purchases overs $50.00 doesn’t apply to William Rast. Interesting marketing strategy, don’t you think?
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| Temple St. Clair for Target is now on clearance, including this bracelet. |
Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of 
4 Comments
OOooh what a great post! I initially was super excited about the WR launch, however after seeing the items and the jeans being priced at $50.00 minimum (when like you said, can be found at the Rack or discount sites), I was not impressed! I definitely may check it out, however will not be rushing to do so! Thanks for also letting us know about the jewels–that is definitely something I am going to go look at right now
xxooPearls&Politics
OOooh what a great post! I initially was super excited about the WR launch, however after seeing the items and the jeans being priced at $50.00 minimum (when like you said, can be found at the Rack or discount sites), I was not impressed! I definitely may check it out, however will not be rushing to do so! Thanks for also letting us know about the jewels–that is definitely something I am going to go look at right now
xxooPearls&Politics
I finally made it to a Target store today. And for me, the William Rast line just wasn't that impressive. The jeans “feel” like premium denim (which is a plus) but the boot cut styles have weird, over-exaggerated “whiskering” on the front. Didn't that look go out a while ago? And the jacket I blogged about (and was so enamored with online) was a letdown when viewed in person. It may be cute on some people, but it was cut too cropped/short for me.
I totally agree with you here. I didn't buy anything either because of the fact that I can get William Rast of better quality on Hautelook or Ruelala for the same price! I did a post about this line too if you want to check out my review! http://gorjessfashionforless.blogspot.com/2010/12/william-rast-for-target.html