Target, Kate Spade partner for exclusive merchandise to drop this month

Target’s latest limited collection is with Kate Spade New York.

The collection, which will include clothing, home and entertainment items, will be available on Target.com and in most Target stores beginning April 12.

“Kate Spade New York has always been rooted in joy. Our products deliver a distinct point of view that blends effortless style with a youthful edge,” said Charlotte Warshaw, a Kate Spade New York vice president who handles global licensing and collaborations, in a statement. “This iconic collaboration with Target does just that.”

This marks one of the Minneapolis-based retailer’s largest collections to date and includes more than 300 items. Previous limited-time partnerships have featured Lilly Pulitzer, LoveShackFancy and Diane von Furstenberg.

Target said in a release the partnership offers “anything and everything guests might need to style, decorate and host with ease.”

Liza, Amlani founder of Retail Strategy Group, sees Target’s ability to bring designer collaborations to the masses as a strength for the retailer. The partnership comes at a time when Target is facing boycotts and constrained consumer spending habits.

“Launching Kate Spade x Target could not be more perfectly timed. Target has recently struggled to attract consumers, resulting in a significant decline in sales and foot traffic,” Amlani said in a statement. “The Kate Spade collection is both whimsical and affordable, making it an enticing option to draw shoppers back into Target stores.”

Items in the collection include colorful party décor, such as balloons and lanterns, “eclectic” drink and dining ware, as well as pillows, cornhole and paper goods. More expensive products include a party tent and a designer bicycle.

In the apparel section, guests will find graphic tees, matching Mommy & Me sets, skirts, dresses, classic handbags, bag charms, hair accessories and more.

Neil Saunders, manager of GlobalData Retail, seconds Amlani’s take, noting the extensive assortment feels “fresh” and “springlike” which will help drive sales.

“That said, the collaborations are very much the icing on the cake and it doesn’t solve some of Target’s underlying issues such as out-of-stocks or creating a more engaging store experience,” Saunders said.

Target and Kate Spade worked two years to finalize the collection.

“With versatile pieces that work for every occasion and can’t-miss prices, this partnership brings together Kate Spade’s signature style with Target’s legacy of making the best design accessible to all,” Jill Sando, chief merchandising officer for Target, said in a statement.

The announcement follows the retailer’s upgraded Circle Week deals.

At a fourth quarter investors day, the company announced its plan to propel growth by more than $15 billion in five years, saying it was seeing continued success around the holidays.

“We’re going big on seasons and holidays in the role we play in major life moments like back-to-college,” said Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer for Target, in the last earnings call.