Tonight I discovered myself humming a Christmas song. ‘Tis not the season, but sometimes these songs get up in there. Notably, this was not a traditional Christmas song, but one that was on a Target ad a year ago. I’ve mentioned it before, but I really liked the album and I thought it was exploitation of artists done right. I was saddened that Target had not continued the tradition this year.
I’ve told a lot of people that, but it occurred to me that I hadn’t told Target. So tonight I set out to do that.
I’m pretty sure this message will not find the intended recipient. After a shit-ton of clicks, wading through a system that assumes that if I want to sent a message to the corporate monster it’s because I have a problem with a particular transaction, I thought I’d found the place for general observations. I left the following message (wretched capitalization preserved):
Man! Tough to get here. I just wanted to say that your 2011 Christmas album was awesome in a jar and I was bummed this year that you didn’t do it again. I sang the praises of the Target christmas on my blog last year, and when my sweetie played the songs this year I knew that the season was upon us. I’d be oh so grateful if next year you brought us another batch of fresh and clean christmas songs. I’m not blowing smoke to say that it could be part of a new christmas tradition. macy’s has the parade, Target has the christmas album.
In that context, Target wins. C’mon Santa, bring me the music!
I submitted the message and the reassuring message came back: Thank you. Your email regarding help with Store Email has been submitted successfully.
Huh.
Apparently I had not found the right department after all. So now I say it here, as loudly as I can: Target, you have a shot at a really great holiday tradition with your name all over it. Don’t be afraid. Bring us the Christmas songs that would never be written otherwise. After a couple of the bands you feature go big, people will start wondering who’s going to be on the Target album this year. Buzz like that is magical, to you and to the musicians. Put your ads on them, but cover the musical spectrum, even more fearlessly than you did the first time. And have fun. Like you did before. Fun shows.
I listen to that album ALL YEAR LONG. It’s part of my workout playlist. And it’s awesome ALL YEAR LONG.
From Target:
It’s noncommittal, but I’m glad that the right people will hear my opinion. And I’m looking forward to seeing what Santa brings me! My guess: they will recognize my marketing genius and offer me a cushy seven-figure sinecure. Or maybe a gift certificate. I’m just happy to be heard.
I’m assuming that in every email response, the representative is required to use the slogan, ‘At Target, there is always something new.’
I’m OK with that, as long as they have people hand-typing responses.
cool.
also I love the word sinecure.