As a seasoned retail industry expert and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘ve seen my fair share of store transformations over the years. But few have been as impressive or impactful as Target‘s evolution into a true fashion destination. Gone are the days of picking up a subpar t-shirt on your toilet paper run – today‘s Target is a bonafide style hub, and it‘s thanks in no small part to the retailer‘s secret weapon: the Target style consultant.
If you‘re not familiar with this role, you‘re not alone. Many shoppers interact with Target style consultants without even realizing it, mistaking them for regular sales associates or store employees. But make no mistake, these trend-savvy professionals are so much more than that. They are the living, breathing embodiment of Target‘s fashion identity, and they play a crucial role in helping guests discover and embrace their personal style.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the world of Target style consultants, exploring what they do, how they do it, and why their work is so essential to Target‘s success in 2024 and beyond. As someone who has worked closely with Target and other major retailers over the years, I‘ll share my own insights and observations, as well as research and data that shed light on this often overlooked but absolutely critical role.
Whether you‘re a Target devotee curious about the inner workings of your favorite store, an aspiring style consultant looking for career advice, or simply a fashion lover eager to learn more about the industry, this guide is for you. So sit back, grab a Starbucks (conveniently located right inside your local Target), and let‘s explore the fashionable side of retail together.
What Exactly is a Target Style Consultant?
First things first: what exactly is a Target style consultant? According to Target‘s official job description, a style consultant is a specialized sales associate who works exclusively in the men‘s and women‘s apparel departments. They are responsible for providing exceptional customer service, driving sales, and maintaining an attractive, well-organized sales floor.
But that only scratches the surface of what style consultants really do. In essence, they are fashion experts, trend spotters, and personal shoppers all rolled into one. They undergo extensive training to become authorities on Target‘s apparel offerings, learning everything from fabric care to garment fit to current fashion trends.
Style consultants use this deep knowledge to help guests navigate Target‘s vast clothing selection and discover pieces that fit their unique style and needs. They offer personalized outfit recommendations, give honest feedback on fit and flattery, and go above and beyond to ensure each guest walks away feeling confident and satisfied with their purchases.
In many ways, style consultants are the human face of Target‘s fashion brand. They build genuine relationships with guests, establish trust and credibility, and create the kind of positive, memorable shopping experiences that keep people coming back to Target again and again.
A Day in the Life of a Target Style Consultant
So what does a typical day look like for a Target style consultant? While no two shifts are exactly alike, most style consultants spend their time on a mix of customer-facing and operational tasks.
When they‘re not actively assisting guests, style consultants are responsible for maintaining the apparel section‘s visual appeal and organization. They spend a significant portion of their shifts tidying up clothing racks, refolding garments, restocking sizes, and creating eye-catching displays that showcase Target‘s latest apparel arrivals.
But the real magic happens when a guest approaches a style consultant for help. Whether someone is looking for a specific item, assembling an outfit for a special occasion, or simply browsing for inspiration, style consultants are ready to jump into action.
They start by asking questions and getting to know the guest‘s personal style, lifestyle, and goals. Then, they draw on their extensive product knowledge to make tailored recommendations, often pulling together complete looks from different departments and brands. They might suggest new silhouettes or color palettes that the guest hadn‘t considered before, or introduce them to Target‘s range of exclusive fashion partnerships.
Throughout the interaction, style consultants aim to create a warm, approachable, and judgment-free atmosphere. They understand that fashion is deeply personal and emotional, and they go out of their way to make each guest feel seen, heard, and valued. Even if a guest doesn‘t end up making a purchase, a skilled style consultant will strive to make their experience positive and memorable.
Of course, as in any retail job, style consultants also face their fair share of challenges. They are on their feet for long stretches, often working evenings and weekends to accommodate peak shopping times. They must juggle multiple guest needs at once, all while keeping the sales floor tidy and well-stocked. And they have to maintain a friendly, professional demeanor even in the face of difficult customers or stressful situations.
But for those with a true passion for fashion and a knack for customer service, the rewards of being a Target style consultant far outweigh the challenges. There‘s something incredibly satisfying about helping someone find an outfit that makes them feel like their best self – and getting paid to do it is just the icing on the cake.
Target‘s Apparel Brands and Partnerships
To truly understand the role of Target style consultants, it‘s important to take a closer look at the retailer‘s apparel offerings. In recent years, Target has made significant investments in its fashion business, aiming to shed its "cheap chic" reputation and establish itself as a go-to destination for stylish, high-quality clothing at accessible prices.
One key strategy in this effort has been Target‘s partnerships with well-known designers and brands. Through its "Designer Collaborations" program, Target has teamed up with over 175 fashion icons including Jason Wu, Lilly Pulitzer, Zac Posen, and Missoni to create limited-edition clothing collections that often sell out in a matter of hours.
These partnerships generate massive buzz and foot traffic for Target, drawing in fashion-savvy shoppers who might not otherwise consider the retailer for their apparel needs. They also give Target‘s in-house design teams an opportunity to learn from and be inspired by some of the industry‘s top talents.
But Target‘s fashion ambitions go beyond one-off collaborations. The retailer has also launched several successful private label brands in recent years, each with its own distinct style and target customer. Some of the most popular include:
- A New Day: Launched in 2017, A New Day offers versatile, mix-and-match wardrobe staples with a classic, feminine feel. The line includes everything from blouses and trousers to dresses and accessories, all at budget-friendly prices.
- All in Motion: Introduced in 2020, All in Motion is Target‘s answer to the athleisure craze. The line features stylish, high-performance activewear for women, men, and kids, with a focus on inclusivity and body positivity.
- Wild Fable: Aimed at Gen Z shoppers, Wild Fable is all about trendy, Instagram-worthy pieces at ultra-affordable prices. The brand‘s aesthetic is youthful and a little edgy, with plenty of crop tops, bold prints, and ‘90s-inspired silhouettes.
- Goodfellow & Co: On the men‘s side, Goodfellow & Co offers modern, stylish clothing and accessories with a focus on fit and function. The line includes everything from casual tees and jeans to tailored suits and dress shoes.
These private label brands, along with Target‘s designer partnerships, are critical to attracting fashion-conscious shoppers and differentiating Target from other big-box retailers. They also give Target‘s style consultants a diverse and dynamic range of products to work with when styling guests and making recommendations.
In fact, style consultants play a key role in driving awareness and sales of Target‘s apparel brands. They are often the first to know about new product launches and collaborations, and they receive special training on how to merchandise and sell these collections on the sales floor.
When a new designer partnership drops or a private label collection gets a seasonal refresh, style consultants are on the frontlines, educating guests about the products and generating excitement around the launch. They might create special in-store displays, host styling events, or share their favorite pieces on social media to drum up interest.
In this way, style consultants serve as brand ambassadors for Target‘s fashion business, helping to build credibility and loyalty among guests. By delivering exceptional service and expertise, they create positive associations with Target‘s apparel offerings that extend far beyond a single transaction.
The Future of the Style Consultant Role
As Target continues to invest in its apparel business and adapt to changing consumer preferences, the role of the style consultant is likely to evolve as well.
One trend we can expect to see in the coming years is a greater emphasis on digital and omnichannel experiences. As more and more guests shop for apparel online, Target will need to find ways to translate the personalized service of in-store style consultants to the digital realm.
This might involve expanding Target‘s existing "Chat with a Stylist" feature, which allows guests to get real-time fashion advice from a virtual style consultant. It could also mean equipping in-store style consultants with tablets or other mobile devices so they can easily access guest purchase history, make personalized recommendations, and even place online orders on the spot.
Another potential evolution of the style consultant role is a greater focus on sustainability and ethical fashion. As consumers become more aware of the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices, they will likely turn to style consultants for guidance on making responsible purchase decisions.
Target has already made some moves in this direction, such as introducing a "Target Clean" icon to help guests identify products made with less harsh chemicals. But there is certainly room for style consultants to play a larger role in educating guests about sustainable fashion and highlighting Target‘s eco-friendly offerings.
Finally, we may see style consultants taking on even more of a "personal shopper" role in the future, working one-on-one with guests to curate entire wardrobes or even provide in-home styling services. While this level of personalization may not be scalable for all Target guests, it could be a valuable perk for high-value customers or loyalty program members.
Of course, these are just a few potential scenarios based on current retail trends and Target‘s own strategic priorities. The reality is that the style consultant role, like the fashion industry itself, is constantly evolving to meet the needs and expectations of consumers.
As long as Target remains committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences and staying at the forefront of fashion, style consultants will continue to play a vital role in bringing the company‘s vision to life on the sales floor.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Style Consultants
If you‘re considering a career as a Target style consultant, congratulations – you‘re exploring a role that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. While no two style consultant journeys are exactly alike, there are a few key things you can do to set yourself up for success:
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Develop your fashion expertise. Target style consultants are expected to be authorities on all things fashion, so it‘s essential to have a strong foundation of knowledge. Read industry publications, follow fashion bloggers and influencers, and spend time familiarizing yourself with Target‘s apparel offerings. The more you know about garment construction, fabric care, style trends, and Target‘s brand identity, the better equipped you‘ll be to serve guests with confidence.
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Hone your interpersonal skills. At its core, the style consultant role is all about creating positive human connections. To excel in this position, you‘ll need to be an excellent communicator with a knack for putting people at ease. Practice active listening, empathy, and body language that conveys warmth and approachability. Remember that your goal is not just to sell products, but to build trust and relationships that keep guests coming back.
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Be adaptable and resilient. Retail can be a tough business, and style consultants face their fair share of challenges. From difficult customers to long hours on your feet, there will be moments that test your patience and stamina. The key is to stay flexible, maintain a positive attitude, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Seek out feedback from your managers and peers, and be open to continuous learning and self-improvement.
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Embrace your unique perspective. While Target provides extensive training and resources for style consultants, there is no substitute for your own unique perspective and life experiences. Don‘t be afraid to infuse your personal style and viewpoint into your work, whether that means putting together unexpected outfit combinations or sharing relatable anecdotes with guests. Your authenticity is what will set you apart and help you build genuine connections with the people you serve.
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Remember the big picture. As a Target style consultant, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in people‘s lives. Whether you‘re helping a teenage girl find the perfect prom dress or assisting a new mom in selecting a nursing-friendly wardrobe, your work matters. Keep this broader perspective in mind, even on the toughest days. Every guest interaction is a chance to spread a little more joy and confidence in the world – and that is a truly remarkable thing.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of retail, it‘s easy to overlook the importance of human connection. We get so caught up in the latest trends, the hottest brands, and the bottom line that we forget what really matters: the people we serve.
Target style consultants are a powerful reminder of the value of that human touch. By combining deep fashion expertise with genuine care and compassion, they create shopping experiences that are not just efficient or profitable, but truly meaningful.
As Target continues to evolve and innovate in 2024 and beyond, the role of the style consultant will undoubtedly change as well. But one thing will remain constant: the power of human connection to inspire, delight, and transform.
So the next time you find yourself in the clothing section at Target, take a moment to appreciate the incredible work that style consultants do every day. Seek out their expertise, trust in their guidance, and let them help you discover the very best version of yourself.
Because at the end of the day, fashion is about so much more than just the clothes we wear. It‘s about the way we see ourselves, the way we move through the world, and the connections we make along the way. And with a Target style consultant by your side, those connections are sure to be stylish, confident, and unforgettable.
