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So how long have Target patrons jokingly been referring to their favorite big-box store as “tar-zhay”?
Don’t ask me. Hailing from the Northeast, I never even heard of Target until I got to college. But the first time I did, some little Minnesota-bred pixie readily conjured up that faux-French pronounciation when she described it to me. Must have something to do with that quirky Midwestern sense of humor.
So it’s only right that, in promoting its partnership with French designer Sophie Albou to create the Go International clothing line, the corporate parent of the bullseye shop has finally embraced that term of affection. Television spots featuring Albou sign off with her uttering “Parlez-vous Target”, with the “zhay” emphasized. It’s a cute and memorable way to acknowledge the love.
Since Target is extending its funky fashion cache throughout its inventory, I’m guessing we’ll be seeing more marketing-message expressions of Parisian-via-Minneapolis chic in their advertising.
I’ve heard that as long as I can remember growing up just north of said college. On the other hand I was pretty well traveled as a child spending my summers in different places across the country.
As someone who’s attended Eckerd College parties in the past, they do get some top shelf pixies there…
Comment by Michael Conlen — 09/07/2006 @ 10:04 AM
Yeah, when Target opened in Toledo in … 1990? Late 80’s? My dad was calling “That famous French store… Tar-zhay” from almost the beginning.
As for Eckerd College, now that I live right down the street… where might these top shelf pixies hang out?
Comment by tim — 09/07/2006 @ 11:11 AM
I get the feeling the same folks who dig “tar-zhay” also merrily pronounce “fragile” as “fra-GEE-lay”, ala A Christmas Story.
The pixie I mentioned is 15 years distant, so can’t help you there. The funny thing is that I never would have remembered her today had she not dropped that “tar-zhay” on me; as it is, I don’t remember her name, details of what she looked like (aside from petite and youngish) or anything else of note. She somehow got into the DJ booth at The Pub while I was working some party, and we chatted away. I don’t think I ever ran into her again after that night — she probably transferred out.
Besides, doesn’t matter how close you live to Eckerd now; trolling the campus for babes is dirty-old-man territory once you’re in your late 20s/early 30s…
Comment by CT — 09/07/2006 @ 2:15 PM
Campus? Yes. Local hangouts? I don’t think so. And I’m still in my mid-20s, thanks
At least for another ten days 
Comment by tim — 09/07/2006 @ 10:43 PM
I tried to start a faux-French movement for that other big-box store, but Le Mart du Wal never quite caught on.
Comment by CGHill — 09/08/2006 @ 8:49 PM
I’m sure Francophiles everywhere breathed a sigh of relief as a result… Although, like Target, Wal-Mart has hoity-toity aspirations.
Comment by CT — 09/09/2006 @ 2:53 PM