This partnership will benefit Barneys, because it will give them more credibility for "going green." I don't really see any monetary benefit for them, but its a simple way to market the "Barneys Brand." It helps them company look good.

I think it's still a very interesting partnership, and I am curious how well it works.

Are those people who will be buying these clothes in Target, going to also be shopping at a high-end expensive store like Barney's? Will those who already shop at Barney's be willing to buy these lower end clothes? I don't believe Target's target market (no pun intended) are those consumers shopping at Barney's.

The partnership between Target and Barneys is a nice marriage for two brands trying to reestablish themselves in this ever-changing market.

It exposes Target to yet another high-end merch line to further their goal of supplying 'quality' & 'fashion-forward' products as well as exposing Barneys brand to a 'money's tight' & 'conscious' consumer who may already know the brand but not actually shop the brand. If the Target clientele see value in the Barneys line at Target they are more likely to consider the merch at the Barney store when they can afford it. Who's to say our recession will last long? Recession or not, it's proven that people shop discount stores and luxe stores - get your disposable clothes (baby clothes?) at discount stores like Target and buy your more sustainable clothes and/or accessories at higher end stores like Barneys. But wait, they will be more sustainable (green) at Target, too! Added value to the max!

I happen to believe Target is drawing those people - conscious, luxe-focused, fashion-forward, deal shoppers - and are more likely to continue to draw them if they carry lines like Barneys - especially during an economic downturn. The luxe brand is a value-added line when Target's competition, namely Walmart, maintains lower standards. I expect those people are much more apt to shop at Target than Walmart as a result - the stores are nicer, the product lines better.

Barneys is jumping on Target's bandwagon to supply the money conscious consumer with a good brand at a lower cost with the hopes it will eventually bring them into their retail store. A palette-wetting gimmick - sure you can get the VW-version at Target but you can get the Mercedes-version at Barneys. A great gimmick for Barneys who might otherwise see a drop in sales and a value-added product line for Target.

...I would love to hear other opinions on the matter...

We agree with the commenter above as it's simply only being done for branding purposes it seems but no one can knock them for that reason ...it certainly is a good one - especially when it involves "going green".