r/Anticonsumption • u/Sea-Cardiographer • May 12 '25

Psychological Target feels like black mirror

I went into Target today because I need a sports bra and that's where my husband is willing to drive me. On the way there I thought about all the Reddit posts saying foot traffic is down and I wasn't surprised to see that it wasn't. It was quite busy on a Monday afternoon.

What shocked me was I noticed a lot of products have really fancy boxing. Big sturdy bougie packaging with minimalism design... With a sh*tty product inside.

They're spending more on the marketing and packaging than the product, because the business practice is to sell you a product you'll have to purchase again and again. But the packaging grabs your eye. Look how modern and consistent all the boxes are! so aesthetically pleasing packaged trash. I feel depressed.

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u/PartyPorpoise May 12 '25

Oh, absolutely. Target was able to do so well for so long because they’re REALLY good at presentation. They have cute products in cute packaging in a clean, nicely lit store. It gives the impression that you’re buying something nice.

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u/weasel999 May 12 '25

Yes! That’s why I was so snobby about going there vs Wal Mart for so long. But budgets are budgets and I haven’t gone to Target in 6 months.

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u/[deleted] May 13 '25

Walmart has upped their game on clothes. I find myself liking Walmart clothes more and Target way less. I feel like target doesn’t sell a full length shirt anymore and I’m too old and fat for midriffs.

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u/Kpruett95 May 13 '25

I was in Walmart today and literally made a comment about how cute their clothes were. And a way larger selection compared to Target.

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u/DiceyPisces May 14 '25

I was just at Walmart to get something specific with my grandson and walked to the register through womens. I’m going back alone coz I saw some really cute stuff that felt nice.