It's been a tough year for moms and dads looking for kids clothing and baby items. Many of the stores they have shopped for two decades are gone, or in the process of closing. Among them:
- Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us: All stores closed.
- Gymboree and Crazy 8: Closing now.
- GAP Kids: Hundreds of stores are now shut.
If you aren't sure where to shop for kids clothing these days, one major retailer wants your business: Target, which expanded its children's section in the wake of the Toys "R" Us closing, is expanding even more.
Target manager Leah Swisher showed off the expanded kids lines rolling out at Target stores nationwide this spring.
You'll find aisles of popular "Cat and Jack" kids clothing, along with a newer, edgier line of "Art Class" clothing for toddlers.
"It pulls from different global cultures, pulls from other styles for a fresh and unique style for toddlers," Swisher explained.
Stores are adding peasant tops and smock dresses for girls, skateboard styles for boys, and looks and clothing that will stand out on Mom's Instagram posts.
Items are $7 to $25, slightly higher than Target's basic brands, but include a one-year return policy.
"Just bring it back if it gets a hole in it or any type of defect," Swisher said. "Kids can be really tough on their clothes."
Mom of two young children, Leslie Rodde, who was shopping the Cat and Jack department, was impressed.
"I love it," she said. "I'm at Target weekly and my kids love it."
More than Clothing
While the expanded clothing lines are the most visible change you will see in Target this spring, it's not the only change in products geared toward kids.
You'll find more cribs, strollers, and car seats, along with organic lotion, shampoo, even Target's own line of diapers.
Its new Cloud Island diaper line is designed to compete with Pampers and Huggies, at a slightly lower price.
Still mourning the loss of Babies "R" Us? Target wants you, and moms like Leslie Rodde, who said, "It seems I am always shopping here and buying!"
As always, don't waste your money.
_____________________
Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
Like" John Matarese Money on Facebook
Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)
For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com
