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Collectibles => Past Hasbro 3.75" Lines => 30th Anniversary Collection => Topic started by: Brian on October 31, 2007, 10:27 AM

Title: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on October 31, 2007, 10:27 AM
I was just looking through my "to do" list, and noticed, Target really has a ton of exclusives left to show up in the last two months of the years.  I'm wondering where all of these are going to go, although I'm sure an endcap or two will be involved.  From what I can remember, we've got these on the way:

TIE Bomber
ARC-170 Fighter (Clone Wars deco)
ARC-170 Battle Pack
AT-RT Battle Pack
Battle of Hoth Ultimate Battle Pack
Battle of Endor Ultimate Battle Pack
Galactic Heroes Jabba's Palace Cinema Scene
Galactic Heroes X-Wing Cinema Scene

There might be some others I'm not remembering, but that seems like quite a few to squeeze out in two months.  Plus the fact that many of them can't "fit" in the normal Star Wars aisle.  Like I said, some might be on their own endcap (the GH packs most likely, like last year), the "Ultimate" packs will probably be a limited endcap like the Shuttles, and then that leaves the vehicles/battle pack to fit in with the normal vehicle/battle pack section in the aisle I guess.  Just a heck of a lot of exclusives for one store in a two month span it seems.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: CaptainYoda on October 31, 2007, 11:16 AM
I would have to say the Endcaps is probably the best bet. Last year that was where the Snowspeeders and the battle packs were.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on October 31, 2007, 11:40 AM
That sure is a ton of stuff to come out so quickly.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: CHEWIE on October 31, 2007, 12:30 PM
Endcaps for sure for most of it.  Also the high shelf risers above the regular aisle for the larger Battle Packs - once the endcaps sell some product, they just pull down stuff from the risers.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on November 1, 2007, 10:31 AM
I was wondering the same thing. The BP's will take up the most space, and they'll only be available for a week, so that should help afterwards. I would imagine an end cap or an extended isle section though.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: CHEWIE on November 1, 2007, 11:42 AM
Is it 100% confirmed that those Battle Packs will only be available to purchase for one week?  I could be wrong, but I highly doubt that.  I think someone's getting their details wrong, or at least I hope so.

It makes sense for the contest to only be open to people who bought them during that one week, but not that the items would only be available for 7 days.  I mean, what are they going to do after 7 days if they haven't all sold?  Take them off the shelves and melt the figures down?   ::)

Of course who knows these days, but I highly doubt that there's a sell date of only 11/23 - 11/29, and after that the item won't be able to be sold.  These items will most likely be available until the stores sell out, just like any other high ticket toy at Target.  They may be promoting it as a one week only, but I don't think it's going to play out that way... I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Did the news source reveal a production number on these?  That could be a better indication of how easy or hard it will be to obtain these.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jesse James on November 6, 2007, 03:40 AM
Production numbers are rarely ever released by Hasbro, and few at Target would have access to that information either.  Each individual store's allotment varies, so calculating the exact numbers is pretty impossible unless you're the one negotiating it with Hasbro.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on November 9, 2007, 11:28 AM
Is it 100% confirmed that those Battle Packs will only be available to purchase for one week?  I could be wrong, but I highly doubt that.  I think someone's getting their details wrong, or at least I hope so.

Right-- the contest is only for a week, the product will be there until Target marks it down on clearance.  I believe they used similar terminology with the shuttle last year and depending on the Target(s) you visit, that was there for more than a week.  It's possible they'll be that popular... but at $50?  I doubt it.

(Although yeah, at this rate I'm curious to see if the aisle will be 90% Hasbro product with all the exclusives.)
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on November 19, 2007, 08:54 AM
We were at the newer "Super Target" in town this past weekend, which is equipped with the handy price scanners where you can enter in the DCPIs.  I checked on each of Target's exclusives (or upcoming exclusives) and not a single one was "in stock" or "in warehouse".  I was a little surprised.  I'm not looking forward to all of it at once, but I'm kind of hoping something will pop up this weekend or in the next week or so here.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on November 19, 2007, 09:21 AM
Alright, so the Wow BP's are going on the top shelf. That will free up lots of space. On an end cap, they can probably fit everything there. Bottom shelf - ARC 170 and At-Rt Pack, second up - ARC 170 BP's and Bomber, third shelf with standard ships and BP's and the rest of the sapce is for pegs.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on November 19, 2007, 02:55 PM
I can verify the WOW BP's that DA described. I found them today in the Leapfrog aisle on the top shelf. The other stuff was not there but this is a good indication how this will work.

Darth Anton, thanks for the heads up now I can skip the madness that is Black Friday! ;D
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on November 19, 2007, 04:43 PM
Just found mine on the overstock area (look up) right above the SW action figures-- none within reach of mere mortals, but for NBA stars it shouldn't be a problem.  I was surprised they rang up at $49.00 even before tax.

No other Target exclusives yet, but these are pretty slick when you see them in person.  Easily some of Hasbro's finest packaging work in terms of appearance... one may have dropped and been somewhat crushed while getting them down, so finding C-10+ perfect ones will probably be a real challenge as the clear plastic stresses easily.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on November 19, 2007, 05:33 PM
Just found mine on the overstock area (look up) right above the SW action figures-- none within reach of mere mortals, but for NBA stars it shouldn't be a problem.  I was surprised they rang up at $49.00 even before tax.

I guess that makes me no mere mortal at 6'5. :D Who needs 7ft tall NBA guys when I have the arms of a Wookie.

I was fortunate to get C-10 packages, some Targets may vary how they were handled. The 30+ I came across all looked pristine & case fresh. I am an opener, but I have to say the package is really a spectacular display.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: iFett on November 19, 2007, 05:49 PM
Congrats on the early finds guys.  Must feel nice to get some of this stuff out of the way, right?

one may have dropped and been somewhat crushed while getting them down, so finding C-10+ perfect ones will probably be a real challenge as the clear plastic stresses easily.

I was fortunate to get C-10 packages, some Targets may vary how they were handled. The 30+ I came across all looked pristine & case fresh.

I sure hope there's at least a chance of finding some minty sets.  I never once came across a boxed Shuttle last year that wasn't dinged/scratched/warped to some extent.  My hunts were scattered between 10-15 Targets to boot.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jesse James on November 19, 2007, 06:01 PM
I saw some photos of the gun tower too...  Wow, it's kind of nice, and it's friggin' big.  The logs in the Endor set are no comparison in terms of coolness.  I may now be forced to buy the Hoth set, whereas I was hoping I'd get away without nabbing these.  That gun tower is just too cool looking though. :(
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: evenflow on November 19, 2007, 09:10 PM
Called up target today, they said they had them but said they would refuse the sale becuase they have a street date for black friday.  ::) :-\
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Pete_Fett on November 20, 2007, 07:16 PM
Called up target today, they said they had them but said they would refuse the sale becuase they have a street date for black friday.  ::) :-\

I saw a pallette of 10 cases of Ultimate Battle packs and there was a pink sticker on the side of the box that read:

"Wow or Never
Street Date:
9:00PM on Saturday
November 24th"

So I know they told you Black Friday, but I don't think they are supposed to put them out until Saturday night.

Doesn't matter, I bought two of each from this very same store yesterday. So your best bet is to try and hit your local Target as many times as you can.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jesse James on November 20, 2007, 08:58 PM
WON promo stuff isn't due to go out till, I think Sunday, but it might be Saturday...  Either way, it's not part of Black Friday promos...  They're completely separate.  The Ultimate Battlepacks are part of a promo for NEXT week, basically.

The other exclusives, from what I've heard, are intended for the week(s) following next week...  That's what we know thus far.  Anything that gets out now is stuff that isn't technically supposed to get out now, but to me a sale is a sale, so get thee out and buy.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: BrentS on November 21, 2007, 12:54 PM
This was the same thing as the Shuttles last year.  They weren't supposed to hit until Satuday.  I still got one Friday using the DCPI trick.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Pete_Fett on November 21, 2007, 01:38 PM
I've been able to score all of the Target exclusives now...

AT-RT Battlepack - via target.com almost a month ago...

Ultimate Battlepacks, Clone Wars ARC-170, TIE Bomber - Monday of this week

ARC-170 Elite Corps Battlepack - today

My biggest gripe about Target's "street dates" is that they are completely fictitious and are almost NEVER adhered to, so I never just sit back and go "well, I guess I have to wait until X date".

Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on November 21, 2007, 04:05 PM
Our local store seems to be pretty regiment about the dates, I don't think I've ever found anything "early" there.  I stopped in this afternoon just to check, and didn't find a thing.  I checked every aisle in the toy section as well, and didn't see anything.  Its just as well, but hopefully things will start trickling in starting Sunday.  I don't need them all at once, but one or two would be ok :).
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: iFett on November 23, 2007, 08:24 AM
No exclusives out yet at my Target this morning, but it would have been nice to get some of this stuff out of the way.  I just don't feel like using the DPCI trick with this stuff for some reason.  Looks like the Ultimate BPs will be on shelf this weekend and then the rest of the exclusives will be out the following weekend.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on November 25, 2007, 09:08 AM
Alright, so we now know that the endcap is just for the WOW BP's at this point. Perhaps this will change once the promotion is over to make room for the other exclusives.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: DoctorPadawan on November 25, 2007, 08:16 PM
In a conversation with a fellow collector this morning, he noted that his local Target had shelf tags out for both the ARC-170 vehicle and Battle Pack, and that they had cases of both in the back that could be stocked, but for some unknown reason, Target wouldn't stock them.  I know that Wal-Mart gets a lot of flak for their shoddy distribution (and it's deserved), and I am in no way, shape, or form defending them, but Target takes the cake as far as their exclusives go.  I have never seen a retailer that is so difficult to deal with in this regard.  There's simply no excuse for the shelves to be empty when you have a tag, you have the product to put out, and for whatever reason you just don't put anything out.  Given Target's lack of simple courtesy most of the time, as well, the conspiracy theorist in me thinks they do it out of spite.

I mean, seriously, DPCIs are helpful and all, but the fact of the matter is that we shouldn't have to be using them in the first place.  Target should actually have the stuff out where it can be sold, to us or to parents shopping for Christmas, and we shouldn't have to go on a scavenger hunt to find the stuff. 

Needless to say, none of this stuff has shown up near me either, and given my last two experiences with the wonderful folks at Target here in my neighborhood (search for threads on the Mace Windu Attack Battalion and Betrayal at Felucia Battle Packs for those stories), I'm not even going to waste my time asking them to look.  Usually once they heard "DPCI", they already have their finger on the button to hang up on me.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jesse James on November 26, 2007, 01:20 AM
I agree with that instance Dr. P. (having a shelf tag, but no product on it as it sits in the back room).  As a once retail manager with two major companies, I can say that it's pretty inexcuseable to NOT have product on the shelves when the shelves are ready for it...  Especially at stores like Target/WM where the volume moving through is so large.  Those endcaps are regular merry-go-rounds of new stuff.

In my neck of the woods, there's no space for anything other than the UBP assortment though, and even then it seems many of the stores sold out of them beforehand, or they had one HELL of a good Sunday and sold almost all of them. ;) 

I actually had a tough time tracking down the Hoth one today...  most stores had only 2 at most on the shelves...  The other exclusives were nowhere to be found, so I had to DPCI trick those if I wanted them.  I got the ARC Battlepack, but not the AT-RT one.  I left it as I figure it'll be a little easier to track down...  I hope.

The UBP's were really fairly scarce here though...  First (nearest) Target I went to was completely out...  And I was there at 11, so it wasn't like I was running late either.  Methinks theirs got taken before the promo even was in effect.  Fortunately the larger stores had some...  But one store had 4 when I called, but when I got there they were down to 3 Endor, and 2 Hoth...  So 2 sold in the hour it took me to get there.  Yikes.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on November 26, 2007, 09:13 AM
Our local Target only had space for the UBPs as well, which were on an endcap next to the action figure aisle (8 of each were on the endcap I believe).  I didn't even see space for anything else, but I guess I'd be ok if these Target exclusives trickled out a little bit each week, to spread the spending out a bit - as long as everyone can find them.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: CHEWIE on November 26, 2007, 10:54 AM
My Target only had the UBP's out as well.  When I gave them the DPCI numbers for the other stuff they pulled it all out onto a few carts but all I was interested in was the AT-RT set.  A friend I was with however got two of each of everything.

Regarding Target's policy to put stuff out, it does leave me scratching my head.  I can see that if they have a reset scheduled that they should wait to put stuff out, but if there's already a spot for it on the sales floor, then that's just poor customer service to not keep the shelves stocked.

With the DPCI's, it's on a case by case basis in my experience.  Some employees are very helpful, others are not. 
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Adam_Pawlus on November 26, 2007, 08:07 PM
I went to about four or five Targets on Sunday, and, of course, the last one had all the exclusives.  The ARC-170 Battle Pack was with the other Battle Packs (as it had been at other stores), yet all the vehicles were on the "overstock"-- almost out of reach above the Pokemon toys, but they had TIE Bombers, AT-RTs, and ARC-170 vehicles up across from the SW figures.   So apparently, they go in the wrong place.  The endcaps were still stuffed with Hoth/Endor UBPs but they seem to be moving nicely.

(I'm digging the ARC-170.  It seems to be better made than my ROTS one was, plus I love not having to apply labels.  The Bomber is nice too, kinda wish they did it grey the first time, but why buy one perfect one when you can own three barely different ones, right?)
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jesse James on November 26, 2007, 09:35 PM
For the record, from what our Target sources have told us here, the other exclusives have a date of 12/2 on them for release...  Basically after the WON promotion, which is something we reported on the front page a while ago...  The WON promo runs a week, and at that point the other exclusives were to "deluge" onto the sales floor...  Nothing was noted on specific shelving spots for it though, and it's likely slated for the spots where the UBP's are now (endcap).

Around Pitt the stores have been good about not putting things out, including on the risers, which they're not to do unless there's heavy backups in the stock room.

I still need the AT-RT battlepack...  The TIE Bomber if I want it, but it's grey which is inaccurate deco for the TIE Bomber, so I'm doubting I buy one...  Only Vader's TIE and the regular TIE Fighter were grey (ANH colors), while all ships afterwards are the blue-grey hull coloring of the original big-wing TIE, Interceptors, etc.  I would like the AT-RT pack but only one...  Too bad on the paintjob or I'd have wanted two probably. :(
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on November 27, 2007, 08:50 AM
Adam, I'm curious as to which store had all the exclusives out. All the others around here have been pretty good about keeping them in back.

I usually pull the DCPI trick, but it's never helped me get an exclusive that turned out to be elusive. So I'll just wait until Sunday.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Nicklab on November 27, 2007, 10:27 AM
My own local Targets have been weird.  They have the Ultra Battle Packs on an endcap, but the rest are all in the stock room.  The DCPI trick has worked out, but when or where are they going to put the rest of these?  Both the TIE Bomber and ARC-170 are in sizable boxes.  The battle packs will fit in their normal location, but for some reason they're not being stocked there.  Strange.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: iFett on November 27, 2007, 11:36 AM
The one Target I've seen that cheated - has one endcap full of the WoN BP's, and the endcap directly to the left of it loaded with all of the other exclusives.  Shark Arc's on the bottom, Tie Bombers & ARC BP's on the next row, then the GH sets, then the AT-RT's up on top.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on November 27, 2007, 12:24 PM
The one Target I've seen that cheated - has one endcap full of the WoN BP's, and the endcap directly to the left of it loaded with all of the other exclusives.  Shark Arc's on the bottom, Tie Bombers & ARC BP's on the next row, then the GH sets, then the AT-RT's up on top.

Damn, wish the hell I could even find a "Shark ARC" or the corresponding battlepack...
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on November 27, 2007, 02:48 PM
I'm just going to join every SW toy forum and have them sticky a thread to answer questions about Target & exclusives we carry.

Stores have the option of setting the ARC, AT-RT, TIE etc. if all other current sales planner merchandise is blown out due to the 2-day sale. They aren't scheduled to go out until 12/2 (this coming Sunday). If the UBPs sellout or down to less than a full endcap before then, they can put the other exclusives on the UBP endcap, and move any remain UBPs to the riser. The other stuff isn't supposed to be on the riser. It's supposed to be in the backroom until the endcap sets. It's not a STREET DATE with the other exclusives, it's a "if you sell out of these, here's your backup plan. If they 12/2 exclusives sellout before 12/2, they'll have nothing to put on the endcap, and then will have to scramble to find a backup for their scheduled backup....see where I'm going with this?

Some stores don't have backroom space to store all the extra toys that are coming in for X-mas, that much is true. They still aren't supposed to put future sales planner merchandise on the sales floor on risers for everyone to see and risk life and limb for. That's just poor planning on the logistics folks at those stores.....or they can't read English when there is clearly a set date on the DC tag.

Eventually, the DPCI trick is going to come to a halt on "collectibles". In some stores already has. Too many folks are using it nowadays, and stores are getting wiser to it.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Ryan on November 27, 2007, 06:26 PM
I'm just going to join every SW toy forum and have them sticky a thread to answer questions about Target & exclusives we carry.

You sure seem like a nice humble fellow. What a great way to introduce yourself here. Welcome to JediDefender! :)

Stores have the option of setting the ARC, AT-RT, TIE etc. if all other current sales planner merchandise is blown out due to the 2-day sale. They aren't scheduled to go out until 12/2 (this coming Sunday). If the UBPs sellout or down to less than a full endcap before then, they can put the other exclusives on the UBP endcap, and move any remain UBPs to the riser. The other stuff isn't supposed to be on the riser. It's supposed to be in the backroom until the endcap sets. It's not a STREET DATE with the other exclusives, it's a "if you sell out of these, here's your backup plan. If they 12/2 exclusives sellout before 12/2, they'll have nothing to put on the endcap, and then will have to scramble to find a backup for their scheduled backup....see where I'm going with this?

Some stores don't have backroom space to store all the extra toys that are coming in for X-mas, that much is true. They still aren't supposed to put future sales planner merchandise on the sales floor on risers for everyone to see and risk life and limb for. That's just poor planning on the logistics folks at those stores.....or they can't read English when there is clearly a set date on the DC tag.

That sounds about right, and is pretty much identical to what our Target sources have been telling us.

For the record, from what our Target sources have told us here, the other exclusives have a date of 12/2 on them for release...  Basically after the WON promotion, which is something we reported on the front page a while ago...  The WON promo runs a week, and at that point the other exclusives were to "deluge" onto the sales floor...  Nothing was noted on specific shelving spots for it though, and it's likely slated for the spots where the UBP's are now (endcap).

Target Ultimate Battlepack News & Contest! (http://www.jedidefender.com/newspro/fullnews.cgi?newsid1193899575,42639,)
Target Winter Exclusives Leaking Out at Retail (http://www.jedidefender.com/newspro/fullnews.cgi?newsid1195518132,64581,)

Target DCPI #'s (http://www.jedidefender.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=10562.0)

Eventually, the DPCI trick is going to come to a halt on "collectibles". In some stores already has. Too many folks are using it nowadays, and stores are getting wiser to it.

Eh, I'm not too worried about that happening. Sure it may get tougher to find employees to get the stuff for you, but it will by no means be impossible. There will always be at least one employee who is either doesn't remember the policy or frankly just doesn't care. Short of one or two guys at the local Targets I have never had any problems with the DCPI and most everyone has always been very helpful.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on November 27, 2007, 06:58 PM
You sure seem like a nice humble fellow. What a great way to introduce yourself here. Welcome to JediDefender! :)

Didn't mean to sound crass or rude there, just jumping in with both feet I suppose. Seems like a lot of folks here are familiar to me from RS, GH, SSG or Yak, so I just came in like I already knew everyone (which I don't).

Anyway, thanks for the welcome. I would be glad to answer questions if anyone had any now or in the future. I'm sure you have your own source for Target info, but I'm always glad to help folks out when I can.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: JesseVader08 on November 27, 2007, 10:37 PM
Eventually, the DPCI trick is going to come to a halt on "collectibles". In some stores already has. Too many folks are using it nowadays, and stores are getting wiser to it.

Getting wiser to it?  Why don't they encourage using it so they can increase their sales and help people find what they are looking for? 

I guess I don't understand Target's philosophy on customer service.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: MetalJedi on November 27, 2007, 11:52 PM
I guess I don't understand Target's philosophy on customer service.

Or lack there of.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on November 28, 2007, 09:06 AM

Getting wiser to it?  Why don't they encourage using it so they can increase their sales and help people find what they are looking for? 

I guess I don't understand Target's philosophy on customer service.

Selling stuff out of the backroom before the item is planned to have a home on the sales floor is a problem. Anybody with a list of DPCIs could clean out a store of everything before the endcap is even scheduled to go up. The stuff has set dates for a reason, usually so the merchandise is held to be used for an upcoming Ad...and who isn't pissed off when they see something in the Sunday paper, only to find out Joe Collector or Scalper Bob cleaned out the store before the promo even started? Sure, it would increase sales, for THAT day that everything sold, but come Sunday, or even later in the week of the Ad, you'll be dealing with OTHER pissed off collectors and parents that can't by them because they're gone already. Exclusives don't usually get replenished like regular stocked items do, since there are limited amounts produced. Stores get allocated a certain amount, and that's usually where it ends. There are occasions where the DC holds stuff, and trickles it out during the week, but for the most part, the amount the store gets before the due date, is it. I can't speak for ALL Target's, but MY store likes to make as many people as possible happy, and if that means not letting one guy buy everything, then so be it.

Example: My store received 24 of the Littlest Pet Shop WoN gift set. The 1st Granny looking lady that walked in at 8am put 16 in her cart. I told her there was a limit of 2 per Guest. She ignored me and went to checkout. The cashiers already knew we were limiting, so they would only let her buy 2. She left with 2, and came back in through Garden, and started stashing more around the store so she could come back later. I found them behind bedding, Lego's, in automotive, and tucked between Christmas trees. In the meantime, we had several other Guests looking for them, and were happy because we actually had some to sell. By the time I rounded up all the ones Granny hid around the store, I still had some to sell later in the afternoon, making alot of people happy, and they bought other things in the store since they found what they came for. They could have left and went to any other Target (we have 6 in a 20 mile radius), and shopped there instead.

Now, if I would have sold those last week, when someone came in with the DPCI, I would have pissed off more than that one old lady, I would have pissed off everyone else that came in after the fact, and they may not want to come shopping at my store for Toys, because I'm always sold out when the Ad starts, so why bother.
The same situation happens with the Wii's. We may get 48, but if there is an Ad coming with them featured, we HAVE to hold them, otherwise we have a line of people bitching about it Sunday morning at 8:01am. Sure, we could have sold all 48 earlier in the week, but when people see something advertised, they expect to see it in the store. So, the first 48 people that come in looking for them got them, and everyone else that didn't think it was that urgent to show up early misses out.

Target stopped looking in the backroom for "unique items" years ago. Collectors and parents made enough fuss about not being able to find certain toys, because scalpers were having Team Members bring out sealed cases, and cherry picking them for the HTF stuff. People got sick of it and complained to Corporate, so they started the policy that everyone hates so much. If the store has enough room to fit a full case on the pegs, they are supposed to pull a case to fill the pegs/shelf up, but they are supposed to dig through cases looking for that ONE thing, that people are looking for. It's more fair to everyone, that one person doesn't get everything HTF by pilfering the backroom stock.

If the pegs are low, they SHOULD bring stuff out to fill it to capacity. We have a computer system that creates batches that is supposed to request the right amount to fill the floor, but sometimes it's off. New cases won't come in until stores hit a minimum ON HAND count, that is determined before the store even opens its doors for the first time. If the minimum ON HAND is 6, then stores may not get another case until that 7th pegwarmer sells. It sucks, but that's the way it has been for years. Stores typically get more before an Ad is coming up, but those cases may have a date on the tag, so stores may hold them until the Ad breaks, even though they are regular stocked items, that are almost out of the floor.

Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on December 3, 2007, 09:33 AM
I ran over to Target on Sunday morning hoping to see the new exclusives (the GH Jabba pack in particular), but none of them were out on the floor.  The UBPs were still there, although moved to a different/shared endcap (and a couple in the aisle - with a shelf tag).  No signs of them out on the floor yet though, although I see the ARC, ARC BP, and TIE Bomber are all in stock at Target.com.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Pete_Fett on December 3, 2007, 10:00 AM
Darth Chuck - I see your point, but now please hear me out:

1. I have a Target in my area that "profiles" the collectors, puts out alerts that "no new Star Wars should be brought out for the next 30 minutes" when we enter the store and outright REFUSES to stock EMPTY figure pegs even though they have more in the back.

2. I have spoken with Target Corporate Customer Service, and everytime I do they confirm to me that the price scanners with the key-pads are to assist customers in looking-up items that are not out on the shelves/pegs.

3. The same Target that I mention in item #1 will allow an 18 year old kid walk in with DPCI numbers, ask customer service for those items, get them for him and let him walk back out again. I know this for a fact - I've gone to the store with my step-son, I go in and I get denied. He'll go in after me and then call me into the store to meet him at the register to pay. WTF?

4. Items ALWAYS leak out early, all you have to do is hit the store when the dictator who manages the area that includes Toys is not working.

5. They never set limits in my area. EVER.

6. Why is it that Target seems hell-bent on lumping scalpers in with collectors? I should be able to get my two of everything w/o any hassle. Clearly I'm not buying in quantities to resell like the Granny you describe below when I'm only getting two.

7. If Target finds these exclusives such a "hassle" - I'll be perfectly happy not having to worry about even stepping foot into a Target if you guys stop getting them from Hasbro.

and last but not least...

8. I dropped over $500.00 on a single day picking up all of the exclusives and UBPs. I shop at the store for toys all year 'round. Where's the customer loyalty for someone like me? You make it sound like you'd rather let the moms who shops for toys once, perhaps twice a year get something before the toy department "regular" customers.

Let me just end with, I am not the type of person to "abuse" or yell at the Target employees if they won't help me, and I always only ask for stuff if the spot for it is empty (or close to empty).
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on December 3, 2007, 11:35 AM
Well said Pete!  :)
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jesse James on December 4, 2007, 02:20 AM
A lot of my experiences counter a lot of the things you listed Chuck, but that's me...  I have found, even with management, that if you're polite and clearly aren't buying up the stock the store has, they're happy to help you out...  I cannot speak for those buying everything up, but in general the only times I'm "denied" at Target are these:

-Stock Boy, nobody of any "Power" at the store, decides he'll concoct some story why he won't help me...  Usually I'm able to simply go to customer service and resolve this.

-CSR doesn't help, but that's very rare...  I had my first encounter of this recently with the UBP's where she said, "Oh those aren't in stock here", when I clearly had already checked and they were.  She simply lied so she didn't get bothered...  It happens, I left it go...  But that doesn't make it right either, and it reflects poorly on the store.

I've found that usually the help I get comes from the people who seemingly would know the in's out's of the store better, which sort of flies in the face of the notion that Target's just out to see to it these get in the hands of the "little guy" and everyone gets a fair chance at them.

I'm not saying everyone views it the same, but I've gotten very different impressions of Target from sources at varying levels in the company.  They don't all seem to feel that the same on the matter.

So far, my stores have never had a problem with an exclusive being out for a sale's ad, however...  How often are exclusives ever even listed IN Sales ads?  Seriously?

Shuttle last year maybe?  The UBP's this year?  None of the AT-RT packs, or the Redeco ARC were in the ad this week...  I don't recall Order 66 sets EVER in a sales ad.  I don't recall a battlepack advertised that wasn't a general release item...  This is many years of collecting I'm running through my mind here, so maybe I'm mistaken, but usually the sales-ad promotional exclusives are VERY uncommon even, so the argument that "we want them there for the ad so we won't get them for you" doesn't hold up well to me either... 

I can probably count on one hand the number of times I ran into a real problem getting anything though, so as long as that's the status-quo I'm pretty content.  It's better than some place's customer service pattern's I've dealt with though, so that's good.  Nothing beat the time though that the stock guy in toys at one Target I visit was asking me how I knew about the exclusive I wanted, and was mad because I got it.  He was mad because, and he said this to his stock friend, "Anything clone sells great on Ebay, so let me know when the rest of these are going out after you get this for this customer, and don't pull anymore". 

I think that's a rare occurance, but still...  Clearly not everyone's enforcing limits for good reasons, and sometimes the wrong guy's the one getting screwed.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 4, 2007, 09:14 AM
First, good to see you around again Pete.

Second, I have to back Pete up in that what's happening to him does happen. We have about 8 Target store in a 15 mile radius and I would say there's a good 3 or 4 that are exactly like Pete describes, they do everything they can to not sell to collectors because they think collectors and scalpers are the same thing. Sadly, one of these stores give preferential treatment to certain Hot Wheels scalpers. I wonder why? ::) Another one of those, it's purely the immature manager on a power trip. All the other stores are pretty indifferent except for one which actually goes out of their way to sell to everyone.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on December 4, 2007, 08:11 PM
Ok, I'm answering these as honestly as I can, as both a fellow Collector that's been on the outside, and as a Team Lead on the inside.

Darth Chuck - I see your point, but now please hear me out:

1. I have a Target in my area that "profiles" the collectors, puts out alerts that "no new Star Wars should be brought out for the next 30 minutes" when we enter the store and outright REFUSES to stock EMPTY figure pegs even though they have more in the back.

That is simply wrong. Not your statement, but the fact that they are doing so, and especially blatantly in front of you guys. Unless there has been numerous complaints from other Guests, about rude behavior from 8am Collectors (which happens more than you think), I can't justify WHY they'd adopt that policy....which ISN'T corporate at all. Some stores in my area DO wait to stock HTF items after a few of the regulars leave, only because these guys have been hassling Team Members and even Guests for years. Refusing to fill empty pegs when there is stock in the back should be brought up to the STL or Hardlines ETL if the Team Lead isn't helping. If that doesn't work, ask for the DTLs email or phone number.

2. I have spoken with Target Corporate Customer Service, and everytime I do they confirm to me that the price scanners with the keypads are to assist customers in looking-up items that are not out on the shelves/pegs.

Technically, yes. That's why they are there....the issue is, people are using DPCIs found online weeks before items are even due to be on the sales floor, and seeing them IN STOCK. Some are then demanding product be brought out and sold to them, or asking people that don't know any better, to pull the items so they can buy them early. Just because it's IN STOCK, doesn't mean they HAVE to sell it to you or that you're entitled to it. Until you've paid at the front lanes, it is Target's merchandise, and they can do whatever they want with it.

3. The same Target that I mention in item #1 will allow an 18 year old kid walk in with DPCI numbers, ask customer service for those items, get them for him and let him walk back out again. I know this for a fact - I've gone to the store with my stepson, I go in and I get denied. He'll go in after me and then call me into the store to meet him at the register to pay. WTF?

Again, it's NOT what they are supposed to be doing. I'm not being facetious here, but have you ever "caused a problem" at this store? You know, pitched a bit of a fit over a toy for any reason, that would make them single you out? I'm only asking since I can't think of another "valid" reason they may single you out.

4. Items ALWAYS leak out early, all you have to do is hit the store when the dictator who manages the area that includes Toys is not working.

Items leak out because of several reasons.....it usually has nothing to do with the "dictator" though. All stores have a Flow Team. Some work overnight 10pm-7am, some come in around 3am-11am. These people are pushed to work 1,200-2,000 piece trucks (and by piece I mean Cases) every night....sometimes 2 trucks. If a case with a "set date" slips by and makes it to the floor, instead of backstock, it may get put on a riser or flexed in where that BRAND normally resides. Accidents happen when people are overtired and in a rush. Of course, people using DPCIs to having stuff pulled from the Backroom doesn't help either. If they don't by the whole case, the Team Member usually walks over to the aisle, and just puts the leftovers anywhere to avoid having to Backstock them (since most don't know how, because they aren't trained to).


5. They never set limits in my area. EVER.

Limits are set per store discretion.


6. Why is it that Target seems hell-bent on lumping scalpers in with collectors? I should be able to get my two of everything w/o any hassle. Clearly I'm not buying in quantities to resell like the Granny you describe below when I'm only getting two.

The average Team Member really doesn't know the difference. They see 20-30 something year old men, showing up daily to buy toys, and naturally, after years of seeing it happen, assume that they are one in the same. The only reason I know the difference, is because I make it a habit to introduce myself to these crazy 8am'ers to find out who's who.


7. If Target finds these exclusives such a "hassle" - I'll be perfectly happy not having to worry about even stepping foot into a Target if you guys stop getting them from Hasbro.

Collectors seem to be making these more of a "hassle" than anything. If people wouldn't go into panic mode everytime me or some other Target spy slip DPCIs to let you guys know what's coming, there wouldn't be a hassle for anyone. If we say, "Target is gonna have Star Wars exclusive "X", and we don't leak the DPCI, people start slamming us for holding out on them and being jerks.


and last but not least...

8. I dropped over $500.00 on a single day picking up all of the exclusives and UBPs. I shop at the store for toys all year 'round. Where's the customer loyalty for someone like me? You make it sound like you'd rather let the moms who shops for toys once, perhaps twice a year get something before the toy department "regular" customers.

Just because you shop there daily, weekly, monthly, doesn't entitle you to anything more than the next guy. What exactly are you expecting for "customer loyalty"? I have Mom's DAILY that shop for Toys....some for SW, some for TFs, etc. The 10-15 minutes you spend in the store are a very small snapshot of who the "regulars" really are.

Look, I'm not saying Target is perfect by ANY means. I will say there are far worse stores you could have to deal with (at least in my experience). Walmart has NEVER checked the back for me, because they CAN'T. There stuff is shoved on pallets and shrink wrapped until they start stocking again overnight. Target can at least tell you "YES we have that!", and sometimes even go get it for you.

TRU, from my experience, has a built in Collector Ring in every store. Probably because the guys hired there are collectors to begin with. I'm sure quite a few flip stuff on eBay to cover the cost of their own collections. I personally know of at least 2 in the Orlando area that do this.

KB, well, not much else to say, they may be worse than TRU.

Kmart shouldn't even bother carrying toys, plain and simple.

If retail is bumming you out, busting your balls, or generally pissing you off, I'd say try Etailers or just find a new hobby. SW toys are supposed to be fun (as are all toys). I think people take them too seriously. When you're stressing this much over plastic and carboard, it may be time to try something new.

Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: MetalJedi on December 5, 2007, 01:52 AM
If retail is bumming you out, busting your balls, or generally pissing you off, I'd say try Etailers or just find a new hobby. SW toys are supposed to be fun (as are all toys). I think people take them too seriously. When you're stressing this much over plastic and carboard, it may be time to try something new.

I think it's funny that you see being treated poorly at a Target by employees "stressing over plastic and cardboard". It makes no sense to hold something in the store room and not sell it to a consumer. Target employees shouldn't lump any consumer in any category we are there to spend money in the store and it shouldn't matter if we're there to buy plastic men or toilet paper.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on December 5, 2007, 08:51 AM

I think it's funny that you see being treated poorly at a Target by employees "stressing over plastic and cardboard". It makes no sense to hold something in the store room and not sell it to a consumer. Target employees shouldn't lump any consumer in any category we are there to spend money in the store and it shouldn't matter if we're there to buy plastic men or toilet paper.

I don't think it's OK to be treated poorly at all, I NEVER said that. I told him to talk to the STL if he felt he was being singled out by employees. If that didn't work, contact the DTL (district manager).

Some things are SUPPOSED to be held in the stockroom, such as Exclusives before a Set Date. They can hold merchandise in the stockroom, managers office, AP office, wherever, if it becomes an issue. It's their merchandise until paid for by the Guest. Regular stocked items SHOULD be pushed to the pegs/shelf when empty or low. IF there is backstock, which usually isn't the case, they should be filling it to capacity daily. There is a automated system in place that "pulls" the merchandise that sells through the checklanes. If 6 figures sell, and there are 6 in backstock, the system tells the backroom team what item and how many to pull, in order to fill the shelf.

I don't think consumers should be lumped into any category either.....but after 5 or so years, you get to know who your regular Guests are, and who the royal pains in the butt are. It may not be YOU, but someone that visits your store has put a bad taste in those employees mouths about "collectors". It may have been a Hot Wheel guy, or a Marvel Legends guy, but someone has made an ass of themself enough, to make that store believe Collectors are an unsavory bunch.

I have about 5 regular HW guys, 4 regular SW guys, 2 regular TFs guys, and a bunch of Moms that visit DAILY. I know them all pretty well, and have no problem helping them out if possible. Since I too, am a Collector, I know how hard it can be to find stuff in the wild.

Maybe if all Target's had a Collector working in Toys, things might be a little more organized or run better...I don't know. Of course, then some people would complain that he/she was taking all the good stuff for themselves or accuse them of hooking up their friends, or cornering the market to sell everything good on eBay.

Anyway, I digest....as much as I love SW toys, and my two walk in closets and wife can attest that I do, I don't think getting upset to the point of being redfaced, yelling at a store employee, is really worth the effort or embarrassment. That's why I suggested trying Etailers vs. Brick & Mortar stores.

Sometimes it may be a good idea to just take a step back and reflect on WHY you're doing this in the first place. Is it the thrill of the hunt, is it building armies of plastic people to relive your childhood, is it (a worthless investment) because you hope it will put your Grandkids through college some day? Me personally, I do it because of my love for SW........and because I like have armies of plastic people to relive my childhood. I'm getting f-ing old man, I have to have something to cling on to.  ;)
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on December 5, 2007, 11:43 AM
How often are exclusives ever even listed IN Sales ads?  Seriously?

Shuttle last year maybe?  The UBP's this year?  None of the AT-RT packs, or the Redeco ARC were in the ad this week...  I don't recall Order 66 sets EVER in a sales ad.  I don't recall a battlepack advertised that wasn't a general release item...  This is many years of collecting I'm running through my mind here, so maybe I'm mistaken, but usually the sales-ad promotional exclusives are VERY uncommon even, so the argument that "we want them there for the ad so we won't get them for you" doesn't hold up well to me either... 

How often you ask? I would say with 100% certainty, that everytime there is a Target Exclusive (or in most cases several at one time), at least 1 is shown in an Ad the week of or after the item is planned to hit the floor, with the caption "other slected Star Wars toys on Sale".

Here's a quick list of Target Exclusives I know for a fact that have appeared in previous Ads.

AT-RT Squadron (next week)

Ultimate Battle Packs

Imperial Shuttle www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=http://www.rebelscum.com/toys2006/TSCshuttlead.jpg

Boba Fett's Slave I www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=http://www.rebelscum.com/toys2004/Target04ad.jpg

12" Speeder Bike with Scout Trooper www.rebelscum.com/toys/targetspeederad-tn.jpg

Those are a few I could find proof of.

I can tell you that these have also appeared in Sunday Ads:

Ambush on Ilum
Rouge Two Snowspeeder
Kit Fisto's Starfighter
3 3/4" Figure with Cup
Tatooine Skiff with Luke

I'll try and dig up images later.


 
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: I Am Sith on December 5, 2007, 12:24 PM
I don't want to get caught up in the current discourse but wanted to just state that I went to my local Target yesterday on a quick stop to pick up essentials for my 2 year old (I'm sure you get the idea).  I took a quick burn through the toys section and there were absolutely NO exclusives anywhere to be seen.  Also, the only 'new' merchandise was the latest round of regular Battle Packs (Hunt for Grievous, Clone Attack, Bespin Betrayal).  I didn't have time to do a DCPI check, but there was nothing out on the floor at all...
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Ice on December 5, 2007, 12:30 PM
Ok, I just got back from two targets. One the low volume store had a end cap with the exclusives, suprise the high volume store didnt even have an end cap. Ok Pete what should we do in that case? If the street date was dec 2nd..hmmmm.  If Target dosent want my $$$ for Star Wars, then they are not getting my  $$$$ for Clothes,Video game, food, or anything else they sell in their dam stores!  >:( I have to also add this same store has stocked action figures maybe 3 times since mid summer!
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on December 5, 2007, 01:10 PM
There could be several reasons WHY they don't have them out.

1. They sold out before the set date due to collectors or scalpers using DPCIs to get them early.

2. They were put out on the Endcap and sold out due to collectors, scalpers and Moms.

3. They haven't built the Endcap yet, because they just haven't had the time.

4. They haven't built the Endcap because they don't have a Toy Team Lead (happens in a few stores around here) running the department.

5. They aren't checking their Planogram Set Dates, and don't even know it's supposed to be out.

6. They don't care about Set Dates, and just let stuff sit in the backroom until it gets Clearanced out eventually.

7. They hide the SW toys everytime you walk in the door, and wait for you to leave so they can have a laugh at your expense and post it on Youtube.....just a theory of course.

8. They never received the product because they continually sell Exclusives BEFORE the set date, and are being excluded from the program because of past infractions.

9. The toys are lost in the backroom, not scanned into a location, so they can't set the Endcap because nobody knows where it is.

10. The store is in a low volume area, where exclusives don't have a good sales history, so they are not included in the program, and the allotment for them was shipped to stores with better sales.



--------------------------

To answer your other question....if they haven't stocked in months, it could be for several reasons.

1. They haven't received any new cases, because they haven't hit their Minimum On Hand count.

2. Someone is beating you to the NEW stuff everytime.

3. They keep getting the same assortment over and over, because that's what the DC was shipping them.

4. They had the same assortment in the backroom, and kept filling it with the same old crap everytime it sold down a few pieces.

5. Someone has stashed a bunch of figures. It is affecting the systems On Hand count, because the Team Members see (5) on the peg, but the system shows (40) On Hand. They don't change the count in the system because it affects the inventory levels, and they just hope someone finds the missing figures, and either buys them or returns them to the pegs so the #s even out.

Everytime you change the count of an item, it throws off the systems accumulator, and can slow shipments to the stores until those missing items are tracked down or accounted for.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jeff on December 5, 2007, 01:29 PM
You forgot...

11.  A wizard did it.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Pete_Fett on December 5, 2007, 02:27 PM
Ok, I just got back from two targets. One the low volume store had a end cap with the exclusives, suprise the high volume store didnt even have an end cap. Ok Pete what should we do in that case? If the street date was dec 2nd..hmmmm.  If Target dosent want my $$$ for Star Wars, then they are not getting my  $$$$ for Clothes,Video game, food, or anything else they sell in their dam stores!  >:( I have to also add this same store has stocked action figures maybe 3 times since mid summer!

Are you asking me? I think you have me confused with Darth Chuck.

Personally, I would politely ask for help/assistance on whether or not they have the items in stock. In the Target I did get the exclusives at, they have the UBPs on the top of the shelves as well as some of the vehicles with only a handful of stuff in the actual SW section - I would definitely recommend that everyone check up high in all of the aisles if you're still looking for the exclusives.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: JACKOFTRADZE on December 5, 2007, 04:34 PM
I had no idea these were "hard to find". You guys should come to Chicago, this exclusive crap is at every Target. Scalpers are not picking these up. The only thing you cannot find are the Ultimate Battle Packs, those got gobbled up!

The Arc shark, Arc BP, AT_RT BP are not even worth the hunt, they kind of all suck. The Tie Bomber is nothing special if you have the old one. It comes with the crusty POTF2 Pilot, so even that's not worth fretting over.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Pete_Fett on December 5, 2007, 06:49 PM
Hey Chuck - just so you know I didn't want this thread to become a flame war. I do appreciate the help that Target-insiders such as yourself provide.

In response to your question about what kind of customer service I expect...

I guess what I was getting at was that when I go into TRU or the WalMart around the corner from my house or even the lower-volume Target that I also shop at, the people who work there recognize me, they are friendly, they know why I'm there, they've taken time to get to know me (and vice-versa), they know I'm not a scalper, etc...

The Target I'm referring to as a problem is the exact opposite. If you are a collector, you are the scum of the earth. You are mocked and you are refused service.

This is really no way to be treated.

I understand the wages must stink. I understand that customers must be rude at times. But if I'm polite and utilize the tools that the Target Corporation has placed in the stores to assist my shopping experience, then yes, I do expect some degree of customer service from the employees at this store. Since these same employees are the ones who see me regularly making purchases in the store, it would be nice if they would treat me better as a store "regular" as opposed to a "toy collecting scumbag".

Does that make more sense?

If you were to go ask the managers at this store if I was a "problem" customer - they would tell you that I am.

I have been told point-blank by the manager of this store that even though the pegs are empty and they have more product in the back, that does not mean that they have to bring more product out. I told him that Target customer service told me that I should ask for more items to be brought out of the place where they are displayed is empty. He screamed back at me that I couldn't possibly know Target policies better than him.

I have been told by the lady who manages the area that includes toys that X date is when they will reset the aisle to include an exclusive, only to return before X date, find the exclusive on the shelf (this happened with the Order 66 2-packs) and then when I ask her if she could bring out some more so I could get the rest of the set of six different pieces, be told that I couldn't even buy the ones I found on the shelf even though some of that very same product sold earlier in the day.

I have been told by this same person that even though there was only one figure on the eight pegs dedicated to SW figs, I needed to buy that figure in order to clear the pegs and have them bring more product out, only to wait for 30 minutes for them to finally bring out three figures that all looked like they had been stepped on and be told that that was all they had left in stock, only to have a friend check the price scanner two hours later and have the scanner report that more was still in stock.

Needless to say, all three times when I called the Target customer service toll free number, the operator I spoke with responded by telling me that none of these situations should have taken place. I have given them names of these managers and yet they are still working there.

It was after these events that the a.p.b.'s started going out. I have friends who are also collectors in the local area who have run into the same kinds of problems at this store but have no problems at any of the other locations where they shop.

Last point on this: I would be perfectly happy with a consistent Target policy that was adhered to at all times. But since we all know that is impossible, all I ask is for help when I go into the store.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Ice on December 5, 2007, 07:54 PM
I got the target Corp # today, Im so tempted to use it.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Daigo-Bah on December 6, 2007, 12:01 AM
I'm completely shocked all of the UBPs are gone at my 2 local Targets.  Shocked.  I thought for $50, and full of mostly rehashes, these things will sit like the much-cheaper regular battle-packs do.  Never underestimate X-Mas shopping moms!
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Dressel Rebel on December 6, 2007, 12:06 AM
  Never underestimate X-Mas shopping moms!

They're crazed, they're ruthless, they're well-organized and worst of all, well-funded - they've got a Christmas Club account and they are not afraid to use it.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on December 6, 2007, 12:16 AM
Hey Pete,
 I wasn't trying to flame either, just asking questions. Text comes off a little dry sometimes. :D

I'm gonna PM you Pete to finish this post...some stuff shouldn't be out in the open.....sorry other guys reading this...just covering my rear.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: JediMAC on December 6, 2007, 05:02 AM
Quite a spirited discussion!  Since we're all sharing, please allow me to add a novel of my own...  :P

I certainly see both sides to this "argument", but I think I look at the chasing down of Target exclusives slightly differently than most folks do (or just more realistically, perhaps).  I look at it as more of a "game" - me against Target, and me against my competition (scalpers and other collectors).  Obviously, we all know how the Target system works and how to use it to our advantage, how Target employees view us, how our competition for the figures operates, etc.  To me, it's "May the best man win", or perhaps the most clever, diligent, lucky, and/or persistent man.  It often takes a combination of all of those things to continuously have success with these tricky and very popular exclusives.

Of course, one thing to keep in mind here on the boards is that the factors can really vary by geographic locations.  I know that here in SoCal we have far more "scalpers" and toy dealers than in most other areas of the country because we often get the newest stuff first here on the West Coast (so on to eBay it often goes).  However, that's offset by the fact that we also probably have more Target stores per square mile than anywhere else in the country as well (9 w/in 20 minutes of me).  With all those stores also comes a wide variety of employees and managers, some who pay us no mind, and others who loathe our every breath.  Lots of collectors 'round these parts too, so the combination of all of these elements can often lead to some less than desirable shopping environments for us at our local Targets.

While it certainly annoys the **** out of me that Target employees often lump the collectors and "scalpers" into the same despicable group, I can understand how our "high maintenance" toy demands might not look all that different from eachother to the average Target employee, so I just have to take the occasional gripes and attitude in stride.  They don't always understand that we're actually competing against eachother (good vs. evil, for all intents and purposes), so if I ever get the sense they think I'm a scalper, depending on my mood at the time, I'll probably point out how off base they are (and that I don't appreciate the insult).  Along those lines, I know I've had a few moments over the years where I've gotten rather pissy with a Target manager or employee, which doesn't really help matters, but I usually reserve that type of behavior for when they're seriously trying to screw with me thinking that I don't know any better.

Now back to "the game" of trying to nab these exclusives...  Yeah, we all know the DPCI trick.  But with enough experience in our local stores, we should also know who to NOT try to use it on, and who looks like a good candidate for offering some help (a new employee, or a younger employee who doesn't care what the "rules" might be, etc.)  I'll "profile" someone to try my luck on as far as pulling something out of the back if it's listed as "In Stock", but not on the shelves.  Do I think they "owe it" to me to go and retrieve said item(s)?  No, not really.  It might not seem like the best business practice to not sell something to a customer if they want it, but I understand that they might have their reasons (as Chuck alluded to above).  If I get rejected with my request, I'll simply meander on over to another part of the store and take another stab at it with someone else, or move on to one of the many other nearby stores to give it another go.  Obviously, the more you try, the better your chances are that you'll eventually succeed, and in that respect, I always do.  Of course, I know I'm more fortunate than most to have a seemingly endless supply of resources (Target stores) available to me to aid in my quest.

It can just take a little patience and perseverance to finally score the desired loot, but if you just alter your mindset into treating it like a "game" (or a challenging scavenger hunt), it can actually be sort of fun, in a masochistic kind of way.  :P  I believe some of us old-timers still refer to this as "the thrill of the hunt", which is usually magnified with these Target exclusives.  But I know that many of you have "wussed out" over the years and resorted to the dark side, and now shop online for your wares.  Cheaters!!  :-X  (back to the topic at hand)  Target managers and employees will occasionally try to play their "games" in an effort to deter me, and I'll counter 'em with every trick in the collecting book that I have to offer.  They may win a few battles here and there, but I ultimately win the war and get my goodies (and may make myself, and/or some of them, look like an ass in the process, but who cares).  However, considering the fact that I spend thousands of dollars each year on Star Wars crap at Target (I prefer to buy all my SW stuff there), I can understand Pete's point about wishing we could have some level of respect for our customer loyalty, but unfortunately it's something I've grown never to expect since regardless of everything, at the end of the day we're often viewed with a bad rap.  But it's on a store-by-store and employee-by-employee basis, so it's just something you have to live with as a collector, I guess.

Not sure what the hell my point was with all that rambling, other than to say that I get both sides of the issue, but looking out for #1 will always compel me to try to beat them at their own games (when they choose to implement them).  That's my game, anyway...
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 6, 2007, 09:03 AM
Two quick observations regarding all these exclusives...

#1, one of my local Targets is selling the Wow BP's for $60 each. ???

#2, a different Target re-stocked all the other exclusives and literally got a ton. Seriously. ARC 170s, TIE Bombers and At-RT PBs stacked to the ceiling.

And for the record, I'm glad to see DarthChuckmc around these parts, finally.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on December 6, 2007, 09:08 AM
Hey Chuck - just so you know I didn't want this thread to become a flame war. I do appreciate the help that Target-insiders such as yourself provide.

In response to your question about what kind of customer service I expect...

I guess what I was getting at was that when I go into TRU or the WalMart around the corner from my house or even the lower-volume Target that I also shop at, the people who work there recognize me, they are friendly, they know why I'm there, they've taken time to get to know me (and vice-versa), they know I'm not a scalper, etc...

The Target I'm referring to as a problem is the exact opposite. If you are a collector, you are the scum of the earth. You are mocked and you are refused service.

This is really no way to be treated.

I understand the wages must stink. I understand that customers must be rude at times. But if I'm polite and utilize the tools that the Target Corporation has placed in the stores to assist my shopping experience, then yes, I do expect some degree of customer service from the employees at this store. Since these same employees are the ones who see me regularly making purchases in the store, it would be nice if they would treat me better as a store "regular" as opposed to a "toy collecting scumbag".

Does that make more sense?

If you were to go ask the managers at this store if I was a "problem" customer - they would tell you that I am.

I have been told point-blank by the manager of this store that even though the pegs are empty and they have more product in the back, that does not mean that they have to bring more product out. I told him that Target customer service told me that I should ask for more items to be brought out of the place where they are displayed is empty. He screamed back at me that I couldn't possibly know Target policies better than him.

I have been told by the lady who manages the area that includes toys that X date is when they will reset the aisle to include an exclusive, only to return before X date, find the exclusive on the shelf (this happened with the Order 66 2-packs) and then when I ask her if she could bring out some more so I could get the rest of the set of six different pieces, be told that I couldn't even buy the ones I found on the shelf even though some of that very same product sold earlier in the day.

I have been told by this same person that even though there was only one figure on the eight pegs dedicated to SW figs, I needed to buy that figure in order to clear the pegs and have them bring more product out, only to wait for 30 minutes for them to finally bring out three figures that all looked like they had been stepped on and be told that that was all they had left in stock, only to have a friend check the price scanner two hours later and have the scanner report that more was still in stock.

Needless to say, all three times when I called the Target customer service toll free number, the operator I spoke with responded by telling me that none of these situations should have taken place. I have given them names of these managers and yet they are still working there.

It was after these events that the a.p.b.'s started going out. I have friends who are also collectors in the local area who have run into the same kinds of problems at this store but have no problems at any of the other locations where they shop.

Last point on this: I would be perfectly happy with a consistent Target policy that was adhered to at all times. But since we all know that is impossible, all I ask is for help when I go into the store.

You are so totally on the mark with your comments. Target by far has been the worst location for my shopping experience. I can point out at least 4 times where I was made to feel like a petty criminal for just asking for product.
I spent 45 minutes explaining to a store  manager that not only am I a regular to the store, but that I don't just buy toys, but toilet paper, bedding, music, (fiancee buys beauty products and clothes), etc. So in the rare chance I do ask for help finding and bringing out stock they have in the back and have room for on the shelves, that it's not an unreasonable request.
Further, I proved a point that I'm not "one of those collectors" by the very fact that once the manager finally came up to me, I was in the middle of repegging figures that had been strewn about by who knows how many other customers. I was doing THEIR job for them. So a little appreciation for that could be said in the way of helping me too...

I could go on and on about my problems with Target. I rarely ask for help anymore because I just know I'll get shot down and disappointed. So in turn, I have severely decreased my other spending there and defer it to Wal*Mart or local stores.

That's really the only way that we as a whole collecting community can make a direct impact without taking legal action.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: jedi_master_sal on December 6, 2007, 09:33 AM
JediMAC, I appreciate your comments. The only comments I'll say as a small rebuttal are, that this shouldn't have to be a game in the first place.

When collecting something like this which is available every starts to feel like work or that you have to play "games" to aquire what you desire, then the fun is drained quickly from the hobby,

It's one of the many reasons I shop online mostly now. With exceptions to those store exclusives, I don't often go into stores actively looking (especially Target). The shipping cost I pay for buying online are greatly offset buy the gas, time and frustration I save on not having to "hunt" down figs.

"I'm getting too old for this sort of thing."

JediMAC, this was not meant as a flame, as I respect your comments and for the most part agree with them (except the game part). I'm just stating my opinions and did so with no malice when typing this post.

-Sal


Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on December 6, 2007, 10:02 AM
I stopped by Target yesterday to check for the GH Jabba pack.  Our store had reset their endcap, and it was set up like this:

Top Shelf - Miniatures Packs (plenty of 'em)
2nd Shelf - 1 X-Wing Galactic Heroes Pack
3rd Shelf - 1 AT-RT Battle Pack
4th Shelf - 6 ARC 170 BPs
Bottom - 2 UBPs

I'm not one who often uses the DCPI trick (I have a couple times, but not very often), but I did ask an employee nearby if they had anymore of the Galactic Heroes packs.  She told me that whatever they had for that endcap was out on the floor.  Maybe she was telling the truth, or maybe she was lying.  I had my daughter with me, so I thought she would at least be truthful thinking I could possibly be asking for our kid (even though she is a bit young for those yet).  Anyways, no luck there, and its the only one I'm really looking for.  I'm hoping that this store will get more, or one of the other ones in town will have these big shipments some people are talking about.  I ordered the other exclusives I wanted (ARC BP and TIE Bomber) online so I wouldn't have to worry about finding them (or worry about having to buy them all at once with the Mrs. along ;)).  On a side note, the UBPs do seem to be selling pretty well at our store too.  There are some left (mostly Endor I believe), but they are moving.

On the current topic, it has been hit or miss with me with Target exclusives as well.  I will say that I usually am not quite as worried when Target has exclusives I'm interested in as other stores.  WM is really hit and miss here, and TRU is usually overpriced (although Target can be high on individual exclusive figures too).  Like I said, I don't use DCPI much, but the few times I have I've only once been lied to (or denied).  That time, I checked the DCPI scanner which said the exclusive was "in back", and asked someone in customer service if they could look it up for me.  They did, and said there wasn't any in town, anywhere, ever.  I came back the next day, asked some kid at the video game counter, and he brought it out for me.  It all depends on the people, but overall my experiences at Target have been pretty positive.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Ice on December 6, 2007, 10:06 AM
JediMac you are so right when you wrote this;

"You are so totally on the mark with your comments. Target by far has been the worst location for my shopping experience. I can point out at least 4 times where I was made to feel like a petty criminal for just asking for product."

Kesslerrunking, and vouch for me on this..

The only time I have really made a scene at a Target was when about year or so ago, when we were looking for exclusive and got no help with the dept managers. So he went to the CSD to ask, and this manager walks up behind us, and tells the target employee to help us! We were looking to see if other stores had the items in stock.  She called us "collectors" which is true, but the way she said just got under my skin. So I told turn around and told her "NO WE ARE CUSTOMERS" she started again, and as I walked out I yelled no we are "CUSTOMERS"!!

I like you Jedi, have stopped buying other "goods" at the main Target and use the newer lower volume store.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: JediMAC on December 6, 2007, 06:47 PM
JediMac you are so right when you wrote this...

Actually, I didn't write that.  Sal did.  And Sal, no offense taken by your post there whatsoever, so no worries.  I obviously don't expect everyone (hell, most anyone) to start treating the hunt as "a game" like I do.  That's just what makes it more tolerable, and in an odd way fun, for me.  I was just teasing everyone else for "cheating", and resorting to online shopping.  Obviously for the average SW collector, that method usually makes way more sense, both time-wise, and money-wise.

Truth be told, I actually greatly enjoy shopping at Target, which is why I buy 95% of my SW stuff there (outside of other store's exclusives, of course).  My occasional issues/run-ins with Target employees or managers isn't all that big a deal to me, and they're probably far less frequent than my prior post may have implied.  At the end of the day, I'd prefer to shop in the cleanest, most organized, safest, and for the most part respectful store (plus the store that offers the most SW sales).  Target wins every one of those battles hand's down.  Walmart disgusts me in every way, shape and form - from their business practices to their third world atmosphere.  It's a ****hole every time I step into one of those stores.  TRU is an overpriced dinosaur.  K-mart and KB don't even count anymore.

So it's Target for me.  Exclusives and the occasionally unhelpful and pissy employee, be damned.  :P
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on December 6, 2007, 07:35 PM
So it's Target for me.  Exclusives and the occasionally unhelpful and pissy employee, be damned.  :P

Here here!! j/k

It almost baffles me at the problems alot of you guys are having. Maybe it's just a regional thing, or perhaps older stores with past "collector" problems...and by "collectors" I actually mean rude ass scalpers making good guys look bad.

Honestly, if you guys had to deal with some of these scumbags on OUR level, you may see things a little differently. I am in no way, shape or form making excuses for the way some of you are treated. I'd be plenty pissed off if someone did that stuff to me, Target or otherwise.

Before I started working retail, I used to get the "all we have is what's out" speech...but now, I find myself saying it to folks almost everyday, because it's the God's honest truth. Very rarely do we EVER have anything extra in the backroom. My flowteam usually fills the pegs over capacity..which puts those nice little nicks and scrapes on the cardback near the j-hook....or they just lay them on the shelf on top of the R2 laptops and lightsabers....lazy bums afraid they might have to backstock something.....anyway.

I would probably just avoid those stores if I had the option, like someone else said they do. Why would I continue to shop in a place that doesn't seem to want my business? I'm all for supporting Target, because they've been pretty good to me as a company, and especially at a store level. That's why I usually come to their defense I suppose....but I'm not dealing with the crap that alot of people seem to be getting, nor do I dish it out to collectors (or even HW guys) that shop at my store. Maybe you should all move closer and shop at my store ;) I'll treat you like you're supposed to be.....except I still won't pull stuff early if you have DPCIs, that's where I draw the line :D

I don't think it's the meager pay, or hating the job that these folks are dealing with, I think it's probably more of a power trip than anything.

Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 7, 2007, 09:08 AM

 I think it's probably more of a power trip than anything.



That's it. The ugly side of human nature.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Ice on December 8, 2007, 03:19 PM
I don't care what excuse they use, the customer is always RIGHT! If a scaler comes in and creates a stink then kick their butt out of the store! I'm not one to go around and ask the team members to get stuff for me from the back, even when I see them stocking, but they still act like jerks.! I think next year I'm going to be doing a lot of my collecting online, saves gas!
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: darthchuckmc on December 8, 2007, 04:34 PM
(http://www.consumerist.com/assets/resources/2006/10/customerisalwaysright.jpg)

;)
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: MetalJedi on December 8, 2007, 05:32 PM
"Haven't you heard the phrase the customers always right?!" - T.S.

"Let me tell you something, the customers always an *******!!" - Shannon
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: RenegadeJedi on December 9, 2007, 08:12 AM
A few years back I was heading to the checkout lanes witha 2" Mace Windu in hand (the local Sprint Club had already fled to their cars to move on to the next store). This manager out of no where comes up to me as says, would you like these? And hands be a 12" Biker Scout with Speeder Bike and something which escapes my mind at 6:00 in the morning  :P

That was pretty cool.

As far as being treated differently, I never ask for the back to be checked. However the manager has seen me on numerous oocasions purchasing a good stack of Star Wars items. 8 months ago my wife and I go in to register for our new addition and all of a sudden the manager giving me dirty looks all the time treats me like royalty. She new EXACTLY who I was and she seemed honestly in shock I was there for something besides Star Wars. (which 90% of the time I buy other items aside from Star Wars)

Then there was lasy week when a stock boy filled the pegs with 1 figues and kept the McTrooper in the otherwise empty case.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Ice on December 9, 2007, 10:01 AM
Ya, these mamagers are so short sided they dont realize that MOST of buy other merchandise, like I use to do.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on December 10, 2007, 09:24 AM
We hit all three Targets this weekend (wanted to check for the Jabba GH pack), and all had at least some of the exclusives out.  All three were sold out of the Galactic Heroes Cinema Scenes, with none in the stockroom, so I wonder if these are re-shipping or not?  The "Super" Target had the TIE Bomber, ARC 170, ARC BP, and AT-RT BP on the endcap (as well as the miniatures thingy).  Our local store had some Ultimate BPs left, as well as some of the ARC BPs, AT-RT sets, and miniatures packs.  No sign of the Bomber or ARC ship here yet.  The third Target (and usually the slowest) had the AT-RT packs on the bottom of an endcap, and the Ultimate BPs stocked on top of the aisle next to the action figure aisle (and offered as a $44.10 raincheck item for some other toy - I can't remember right now).  Those GH sets seem to have flown of the shelves here locally though.  I checked last weekend and they didn't have them out yet, check this weekend and they've been put out and sold out.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Jeff on December 10, 2007, 09:41 AM
Those GH sets seem to have flown of the shelves here locally though.  I checked last weekend and they didn't have them out yet, check this weekend and they've been put out and sold out.

My local Target re-loaded everything in the last few days to prepare for the sale - including more of everything on the exclusives endcap.  I don't think they are all done shipping yet, but I don't expect them to last much beyond Christmas...
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on December 10, 2007, 09:59 AM
Quote
My local Target re-loaded everything in the last few days to prepare for the sale - including more of everything on the exclusives endcap.  I don't think they are all done shipping yet, but I don't expect them to last much beyond Christmas...

I'm hoping we'll see that restock here as well.  I checked last weekend and things weren't out yet, and this weekend we checked all three Targets here in town and all were "sold out with none in the stockroom" according to the DCPI scanners.  Hopefully they will be reshipping.  Otherwise, if anyone happens to see extras in their area, I'd be happy to take one of the Jabba packs off their hands :P.  I seem to remember these selling pretty quickly the last time Target had these packs (was that last Christmas or the one before?).  The Galactic Heroes in general just seem to sell pretty well around here.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: tonphanan on December 10, 2007, 11:02 PM
Target and Exclusives. One store will get a bunch. Another will get nothing. If they are carrying too much merchandise they will clearence it out weeks after receiving it. I saw VSTC on clearence a month after they were released. It's a tuff call with them. Do you pick it up when you see it because you may not see it again or do you wait a month or two for the 30% off clearence? Personally I try to wait it out.

When Order 66 came out they only had the one shelf by the registers. They kept it stocked full for a month then they were gone. A week later there was and entire endcap plus half of another one near sporting goods full of clearence Order 66.

So when it comes to Target decide how bad you need it before purchasing.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Brian on December 17, 2007, 09:18 AM
It might just be our area, but while we were out finishing up Christmas shopping this weekend it really looks like our Targets flew through the exclusive Star Wars stuff this year.  With like 8 (?) different exclusives in the past two weeks, our two closest stores were all but sold out of everything - and the Galactic Heroes packs flew off the shelves in particular.  The Ultimate Battle Packs are few and far between, and the ARC 170 Battle Packs, AT-RT Packs, ARC Fighter, and TIE Bomber were all but sold out as well.  It seems like Star Wars is selling pretty good this Christmas, and in some cases it even looks like the $20ish items like Battle Packs and vehicles are selling even quicker than figures.
Title: Re: Target Exclusives - Where are They All Going to Go?
Post by: Darth_Anton on December 17, 2007, 09:48 AM
Kind of the same in my area. We have 8 Targets in a ten mile radius and it seems each one has different distribution/selling patterns than others. Some have stacks of ARC-170's left, others have TIE Bombers and other have AT-RT's. 99.9% of all the WOW BP's are gone.