Target.
Just hearing your name fills me with a calming sensation and the aroma of freshly popped popcorn. I can see the big red and white circle as I happily pull into the parking lot, telling me that I need a little bit of everything. Something just comes over me when I go into your store, part of it being the urge to spend half of my rent on stuff that I don't need. I respect you completely as a company and am happy to shop in your store for so many reasons. Here are some of the things that influence my endless love for you.
1. Your mascot is a dog
This one doesn't require explaining. Dogs are the best people.
2. The seasonal knick-knacks at the front of the store always excite me
They really get me every time. I spend more time in that little section than I do repeatedly walking around the store admiring its beauty. Everything in this section is seasonal and cheap, so when I see a $3 pair of holiday socks, how can I resist?
3. The food in the cafe is actually good
I remember being younger and begging my mom to get me a cinnamon sugar pretzel from the Target cafe, with a slurpee of course. As I got older and my appetite matured, I learned that the sandwiches are good too, with healthier options. However, let's not forget about the popcorn that makes your mouth water the second you walk into the store.
4. I could spend weeks in the clothing department
Because they are comfy and really cute. I will spend an hour at the 75% percent off rack and I have no regrets. I'm so in tune with Target's style that I can tell when a clothing item is from there; it's like I'm a Target whisperer or something.
5. Where's the girls' toy aisle?
There isn't one. There isn't a boys' one either. Play with whatever you want. But really, gender roles are oppressive and I'm glad that Target took this step in taking down gendered labels; another reason to empty my wallet.
6. People can use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in
You'd think this would be a thing in every store, but sadly it isn't. Target was boycotted for encouraging their guests to use whichever bathroom they feel most comfortable in, something that can be very hard for transgender people to do. They're even making gender neutral bathrooms, and when I heard that I immediately had to go buy something from Target.
7. You have groceries now
Well, why would I need to go anywhere else now? I'll stroll through the grocery aisles even when I'm not planning on buying anything, but I do tend to always leave with something from the Market Pantry (Target) brand.
8. The office supplies section is life
Having a cute office space is what keeps me motivated--materialistic, I know. I get my planner from Target every year and it never fails me. I absolutely love this section.
Honestly I love every section, and I've loved every experience I've ever had at Target. It's literally the first place I think of to go to when I'm bored, and I'm happy to support a store that is taking progressive strides. Target, I love you. Thank you for taking my paychecks, but more importantly, thank you for valuing your customers' happiness and safety.