Target has done it again.
A maxi dress from the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection that you may not be getting.
Today, the Minneapolis based retailer launched its latest designer collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer and before crazed consumers could even start shopping — traffic overload let to website issues and a two-hour delay in the launch time on Target.com early this morning.
The online issues were documented on social media as Target tweeted updates to customers starting as early as 2 a.m.:
The updates continue in the wee morning hours with more apologies and delays until this final one appeared around 7 a.m.:
All the while, even shoppers who managed to get through the site roadblocks and start shopping were tweeting their frustration with the meager offerings. Plus-size items had sold out, inventory was showing up as out of stock, etc., etc.
Things now appear to be in working order, but good luck getting what you want — online or in-stores.
Many styles and sizes are out of stock online and reports of empty store shelves are already flowing in from Cobb and surrounding areas.
It’s all pretty ironic considering Target had a similar experience in 2011 with its Missoni for Target collection. Back then, the website had an all out crash, and there were Black Friday-esque lines at stores.
It’s also interesting considering the backlash surrounding this particular collaboration. Lilly fans on social media suggested Lilly herself would be mortified that her beloved brand was being shopped by the Target masses.
If you’re hoping to score Lilly for Target stuff, I’ll offer the same suggestions as I did in 2011 (Target may not have learned anything, but hopefully we did):
- Hit the least-likely-to-sell-out-of-Lilly Target store that you can find. In 2011 for the Missoni collab, the Buckhead and East Point Target locations still had inventory when other stores were sold out.
- Downgrade your expectations. If you were going for the popular items — shift dresses, jumpsuits, plus-size fashions — you may have to settle for something else like makeup bags and hair ties.
- Hit eBay. This is where most of the Jason Wu stuff from 2012 ended up. Yes, you will pay more than you would have it you got it at Target, but if you have your heart set on a certain item, this may be your only chance.
- Wait it out. Again, many items may get scooped up now, but in a year or two you will find these very same items at resale stores (online and brick and mortar) for pennies.
