Exhibit A, Liberty's:
Exhibit B, Target:
When I was working, I was always on the operational and cost-containment side of things. So, I am not a marketing whiz, but it strikes me as odd that Liberty's would tie up with a much less exclusive store. I suppose American tourists don't account for much of their bottom line, and English people don't have access to Target stores, so it all works out all right. I just hope this doesn't mean that Liberty's is in trouble. Dickens & Jones disappeared not long ago.
Having seen the new Target commercial, I wish I could buy some of that stuff! I could just go to Liberty's and buy a mug there I suppose.
Here is one for £15 (about $23).
Or, perhaps a cushion for £69 (about $104).
Obviously, I am jealous. Very jealous.
A few final thoughts. The commercial made me think of the New Alice in Wonderland Movie (I have not seen it, just the promotional materials.) Are we in for a Spring and Summer of Southern English Quirkiness? Does having all this stuff cheaply available at Target take the wind out of a home-sewist's sails? Suddenly sewing with Liberty cotton Lawn at 19£/meter (about $27/yard) doesn't seem so special. It seems like you are paying more and working hard to look like...well, Target!
