Target 'Premieres' 300-ct program

By Andrea Lillo -- Home Textiles Today, 5/26/2003 12:00:00 AM

MINNEAPOLIS —

A new level of quality has hit the downtown two-story Target here, steps away from Target's corporate offices, with the fresh introduction of the Premiere bedding and bath collection.

With a sign proclaiming "new at Target" — as well as others hawking "Sale" — Premiere ran down a full aisle in the bedding section, facing the Bella collection. Constructed of 300-count cotton in the United States, sheets came in 10 solid pastel and neutral colors. Coordinating quilted shams and duvets, made in China, and blankets completed the ensemble.

Doug Klein, a Target spokesman, wouldn't confirm the rollout, except to say, "We're a national chain."

Last week, the group was on sale: a queen flat or fitted sheet, regularly $29.99 each, was on sale for $24, a full/queen duvet cost $48, down from $59.99, and a queen blanket, made of Egyptian cotton and normally $44.99, was $36.

Facing the Royal Legacy collection, the Premiere collection offered bath towels, hand and wash cloths, as well as bath sheets, mats and lids, and three rug sizes.

Premiere also seems to describe its quality within the Target fold. A "towel guide" on the display placed Premiere Collection (made of Egyptian cotton in Pakistan, and bath listed at 30" x 58") at the top, followed by Royal Legacy (of Egyptian cotton, with a bath towel measuring 30" x 52"), Home (of ring spun cotton, with bath towel measuring 30" x 52"), Rhapsody (of cotton, with bath at 27" x 52") and Essence (with bath at 27" x 52").