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Will You Accept the #TargetChallenge?
By Laura Thompson
Updated: August 15, 2015
Originally Published: July 20, 2015
As a Gen-X working mom of two, I often find myself reflecting on the challenges of juggling motherhood and personal identity. Like many of us, I have my limits—especially when it comes to resisting the allure of retail therapy. Thus, I’m introducing a new endeavor tailored for those of us in our middle years who find humor in the absurdities of contemporary consumer culture. I call it the #TargetChallenge.
Let’s face it, every mom has a soft spot for Target. Target and I share a bond that is nearly unbreakable; I mean, I used to spend my lunch hours wandering the aisles, my cart overflowing with items I didn’t really need. Then, I made the fateful decision to get a REDcard to “support my school.” Big mistake—here I am, trying to reclaim my life from the grasp of endless shopping trips.
Equipped with my returns, I hopped in my car, determined to navigate this seemingly simple task of returning items without succumbing to the temptation to buy more. I reminded myself to steer clear of the dollar section and to avoid glancing at that chunky floral necklace I had been eyeing for weeks. Thankfully, the home décor section is strategically located at the back of the store, far from my reach.
As I parked, I didn’t even need to recall where I left my vehicle. My mission was clear: make the returns and leave empty-handed. With an empty cart in hand, I entered Target, ready to confront my urges. My bag was filled with:
- A puddle jumper my daughter didn’t use
- An impulsive mason jar purchase (was it for pens or a toothbrush holder?)
- An American flag shirt my son never wore
- A tank top that turned out too big (my dress aspirations were misguided)
- An Orla Kiely floral yoga bag I bought on a whim (I don’t even practice yoga)
- Two adorable floral throw pillows I struggled to sneak into my home without my husband noticing
As I stood in line, my thoughts drifted to the back of the store, eyeing a cute lamp I had spotted last week. Then I saw a chevron ottoman on the return counter. It looked slightly off-balance, but I knew better than to ask about it. Just keep looking forward, Laura.
Soon, it was my turn to interact with the cashier. As she rang up my returns, I was shocked by how much I had spent on these items. “Who buys such cute pillows and then returns them?” I wondered. Apparently, I do, and I felt a strange sense of pride in my decision.
The cashier mentioned new Threshold lamps that had just arrived, but I politely nodded and feigned interest. When she asked if I wanted a gift card instead of cash, I declined, resisting the lure of potential future purchases.
With my return receipt in hand, I exited the store a liberated woman. I danced internally, celebrating my empty cart and freedom from shopping bags. My limbs felt unencumbered, and I quickly made my way back to my car.
As I approached, I noticed another mom struggling with her own purchases—fluffy pillows and a stylish Orla Kiely suitcase. We exchanged a brief look of mutual understanding; it’s tough being a mom in this consumer-driven world.
So, I challenge all you moms out there to take the #TargetChallenge. Snap a photo of your empty cart and smiling face, and share it. I dare you to get in, get out, and reclaim your time. The choice is yours.
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Summary
The #TargetChallenge invites mothers to take control of their shopping habits by returning items without succumbing to the temptation to purchase more. It’s a light-hearted approach to reclaiming personal identity amidst the chaos of motherhood.