Target Corporation

10/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 05:07

There’s No Place Like Target: Retailer Announces Plans to Be the Ultimate Fan Destination for Universal Pictures’ ‘Wicked’

MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 3, 2024) - Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today announced plans to be the ultimate fan destination for Universal Pictures' "Wicked" this fall. In the lead-up to the highly anticipated film's Nov. 22 release, Target will offer more than 150 movie-inspired products in most stores and on Target.com. Nearly 70% of the items will only be available at Target, including an apparel and accessories line created by the film's costume designer Paul Tazewell, Mattel's Elphaba Singing Doll & Fiyero Fashion Doll, limited-edition Stanley Quenchers, a special version of the soundtrack on vinyl, and more. Guests will be immersed in the magic of Oz through the retailer's "Wicked"-themed store displays and shop-in-shops, digital experiences and other surprises throughout the season.

"Like so many people, the Target team can't wait for 'Wicked' to hit theaters, and we have everything you need to embrace your inner Elphaba or Glinda," said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of apparel and accessories, home and hardlines, Target. "When it comes to big cultural moments like this, there's no place like Target. With a captivating shopping experience and the largest assortment of retailer-exclusive products, this is Target at our best and I'm so excited for families to celebrate 'Wicked' with us."

A collection that will have fans seeing green and pink

Consumers will discover a wide range of "Wicked"-inspired products across apparel and accessories, toys, beauty, home, electronics, entertainment, food and beverage, including exclusive collectibles they won't find anywhere else. Most products launch on Oct. 6 with more rolling out through November. Highlights include:

  • Available now: Elphaba and Glinda Halloween costumes and accessories for adults and kids, including an only-at-Target Glinda dress-up kit inspired by the film's "Popular" scene, LEGO sets and Mattel's Glinda Singing Doll and Nessarose Fashion Doll.
  • Paul Tazewell for Target: An exclusive adults' and kids' clothing line featuring apparel, accessories, shoes, and home items designed by the film's costume designer, launching Oct. 6 with the full rollout on Nov. 3. Highlights include a black stripe cardigan based on the Shiz University uniforms from the film and a "Wicked" "W" sweater for adults, along with kids' dresses, graphic tees and a "Sky is the Limit" hoodie. Learn more in this interview with Tazewell.
  • A range of items $5 and under launching Oct. 6 in Target's Bullseye's Playground front-of-store value section including role play wands, crowns and capes, totes, journals, and more.
  • Exclusive national brand products:
  • Only-at-Target soundtrack versions: "Wicked The Soundtrack" on Vinyl and CD from Universal Music Group. Stay tuned for the release date.

In addition, inspired by the film's fantastical music, Target will offer a range of music-related items beginning Oct. 6 including a "Wicked" Bluetooth Karaoke Machine and "Wicked" Bluetooth Microphone. Target will also offer a range of home items beginning Oct. 13, including Elphaba and Glinda throw and décor pillows, mugs and stationery.

Shopping adventures in the Emerald City

Throughout this fall, Target will immerse consumers even more in the magical world of "Wicked" as they shop the collection in stores and online. On Nov. 3, Oz-themed shop-in-shops launch at most Target stores nationwide featuring a dedicated and enchanting space to explore the assortment, inspired by the movie's scenes and characters.

On Nov. 15, the retailer will transform its Jersey City, New Jersey store into the Land of Oz with installations, embroidery stations, photo opportunities, giveaways and specialty baskets - all accompanied by a shopping guide handout in the Emerald City's art deco style that guests can pick up when they walk into stores. Additionally, on Nov. 22 and 23, four Target stores in Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Seattle will unveil elevated themed experiences including treat stations and giveaways.

Consumers can also participate in the adventures through a Target.com brand experience available 24/7 that features green and pink motifs, custom video content and themed animations including flickering torches, crawling vines, and flower blooms reminiscent of the film. Guests will be able to get the latest details on new product launches, pre-orders and items coming soon as well as information on the "Wicked"-themed in-store events happening in their area.

A marketing campaign that hits the high notes

Target will be the only Universal Products & Experiences retail partner to feature award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, who stars in the film as Elphaba, in a national marketing campaign that includes bespoke TV spots and social content. Kicking off Oct. 20, the campaign spotlights Erivo and guests singing her famous "Defying Gravity" riff alongside other surprise-and-delight moments that show Target as the ultimate joyful escape to Oz.

A popular way to get easy savings

Saving and shopping at Target is even easier with Target Circle. Through our free-to-join program, members can enjoy exclusive deals that are automatically applied at checkout.

Shoppers can also save an extra 5%1 when paying with the Target Circle Card. And for added convenience, members of our paid program, Target Circle 360, can take advantage of unlimited same-day delivery, free two-day shipping and extended returns, making it easier than ever to shop the "Wicked" collection, toys and other holiday items. Families can shop in stores or on Target.com, using Drive Up and Order Pickup with no minimum purchase or membership fee required.

1. Restrictions apply. Subject to application approval and identity verification. See Target.com/CircleCard for program rules and details.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at nearly 2,000 stores and at Target.com, with the purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website and press center.

About 'Wicked'

The holidays are about to get "Wicked." The record-shattering, Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon becomes a two-part, gravity-defying, generation-defining cinematic event. "Wicked" flies into theaters Nov. 22, 2024. "Wicked Part Two" lands Nov. 21, 2025.

"Wicked," the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo ("Harriet," Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Elphaba, a defiant social outcast who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande ("Hairspray Live!," "Don't Look Up"), as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

As the two women forge an unlikely sisterhood, they will empower each other in ways that neither foresees. But as dark forces of prejudice and oppression loom on the horizon, the choices they make will separate them, and will set them on different destinies that will change them, and Oz, for good.

The film stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh ("Everything Everywhere All at Once," "Crazy Rich Asians") as Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey ("Bridgerton," "Crashing") as Fiyero; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway's "Spongebob Squarepants," "Fosse/Verdon") as Boq; Marissa Bode, in her feature film debut, as Nessarose; and Emmy nominee and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum ("Jurassic World" franchise, "The Grand Budapest Hotel") as The Wizard.

The all-star cast includes Emmy nominee Bowen Yang ("Saturday Night Live") as Pfannee, Bronwyn James ("Harlots") as ShenShen and Tony nominee Keala Settle ("The Greatest Showman") as a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle.

Directed by electrifying filmmaker Jon M. Chu ("Crazy Rich Asians," "In the Heights"), "Wicked Part Two" is the second chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural spectacular.

"Wicked" is produced by Marc Platt ("La La Land," "The Little Mermaid"), and by Tony winner David Stone ("Kimberly Akimbo"), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster "Wicked" stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, "Wicked" is adapted for the screen by the stage production's book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Academy Award® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

About Universal Products & Experiences

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal's iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company's extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, as well as engaging retail and product experiences across its expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and third-party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E's lines of business include Consumer Products and Games, along with Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. More information is available at universalproductsexperiences.com.