The holiday shopping season has barely begun, but Target Corp. is already looking toward 2013.
The Minneapolis-based retailer said Monday that it has struck an exclusive partnership with Sam & Libby, a footwear brand owned by Brown Shoe Co. in St. Louis.
Over the years, Target has pioneered the use of design partnerships to drive traffic to its stores. Beginning next week, Target and Neiman Marcus will launch a major joint holiday collection of clothes and accessories.
Target's foray into shoes is relatively new. The Sam & Libby collection, which includes 20 styles of women's sandals, flats, pattern wedges and pumps, will debut next May. Prices start at $24.99.
"This partnership delivers the designer fashion and affordable prices our guests love finding at Target," Trish Adams, the company's senior vice president of apparel and accessories, said. "We look forward to adding Sam & Libby for Target to our roster of exclusive brands."
THOMAS LEE
