Target's Bullseye Bazaar, a pop-up shop that overtook 445 North Michigan Avenue from Thursday through Saturday last week, gave shoppers three days to check out the company's spring merchandise before it hit stores. With props such as fruit and veggie carts, hanging produce scales, and chalkboard signage, the 8,500-square-foot space was designed to resemble an outdoor market. Amid the summery tropes, rolling racks offered casual duds from Target's 2009 designer partners, Tracy Feith and Felix Ray. Home goods, maternity gear, cosmetics, and toys were also on display.
Though pop-ups aren't a new concept for Target—its first overtook a boat docked in New York's Chelsea Piers in 2002, and this past fall, Manhattan got four Bullseye Bodegas—last week's bazaar marked the first time the company has set up temporary shop in Chicago. "Chicagoans love Target, and we greatly value their business," said Joshua Thomas, a spokesman for the store. "This is a way to give back to the city through a fun promotion that engages our guests, while showcasing our designer partners and everyday essentials."
On the night before it opened to the public, the bazaar hosted a private shopping event that drew top Target customers and members of the local media, who conducted interviews with celebrity guests Kate Walsh from Private Practice and Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl. Fashion stylist Jorge Ramon and makeup artist Sergio Lopez-Rivera also made personal appearances at the pop-up shop, dropping by on Thursday to dole out spring style tips.
"Early spring seemed like the perfect time to bring shoppers out and give them a great experience," said Thomas, adding that the bazaar's near-Mother's-Day dates "gave our guests a fun and convenient spot to find affordable gifts for mom."
