Yahoo Lifestyle Target Launches New 'Cuddle Collab' Pet Collection & It's The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of
Holidays are fast-approaching, and just like we're looking for ideas for presents for humans, lots of us are trying to find gifts for our furry friends. They deserve to feel special, too!
Whether you're looking for a gift or just looking to spice up your pet's space, now is the time to shop: Target is launching a new pet collection! It's their biggest one yet, with over 180 items in several different categories: you'll be able to find everything from toys and cute clothes to pet-friendly home decor!
The Cuddle Collab's entire look-book is visible today, and the collection will be available to shop on Target's website, in-store and in the app on September 21st. That's plenty of time to look through and pick out everything you'll want to snag before it comes out!
Image via Target
The Cuddle Collab is the first of its kind from Target; though they have had their beloved American Bull Terrier, Bullseye (AKA Target Dog) in many ads and stores for years, this is the first time they're collaborating directly with "fur-fluencers!" The collection will boast several different "capsules," with each one themed around the pets they've decided to work with. Hence, the pretty Italian Greyhounds with pretty pink sweaters above. Don't worry, though, Bullseye will still make an appearance in this collection, too!
The fur-fluencers have a combined Instagram following of 6 million, with even more on other platforms! They are:
Ellie and Emma, two Golden Retrievers who work as therapy dogs when they're not busy being models!
Three cats named Zelda, Titus, and Brave, who are known for their crazy antics and heartwarming backstories.
Two Italian Greyhounds, Ghost and Wren, who are the most fashionable pups around.
A cat named Maple with an impressive self care routine.
Baloo and Pan, an inseparable dog and cat duo that no one can get enough of!
Popeye, a dog who has an eye for good food (and a good time!).
When asked by ParadePets in an exclusive interview what she learned in collaborating with fur-fluencers, Target's executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of apparel, accessories, and home, Jill Sando, said, "this collaboration taught me just how much animals can bring people together and their ability to create joy. Take the fur-fluencer pair Ellie and Emma, for example – two therapy pups whose mission is to encourage more smiles from people [...] Just like Ellie and Emma, The Cuddle Collab will bring smiles and kindness to others."
What Makes The Cuddle Collab So Special?
Though Target has always had pet care items (and a decent selection at that), this collection is the first of it's kind! When working on the Cuddle Collab, there were a few things that both the designers working on it and the fur-fluencers involved really wanted to focus on.
Image via Target
The things that mattered most to them are things that every pet parent needs, but not necessarily things every company puts first:
Machine washability. According to Sando, it was really important that the items that see the roughest conditions (beds, clothes, and even some of the toys) were machine washable.
Affordability. With prices for the collection starting at just $3, it was really important to everyone involved that the items be accessible to all. High end, expensive products are a nice splurge, but practicality is important, too!
Functionality. The pieces in the collection are adorable, but they're also functional - our pets' quality of life should not depend on our aesthetic.
Inclusivity. This collection doesn't only include pieces for pets! You can find functional things for your home, too, like a cat-themed Bluetooth speaker and throw blankets!
Durability. Getting pets to be gentle on their toys is not easy, so they resolved to work around rough play, and they've done just that!
The Cuddle Collab was designed with help from pets and their pet parents with pets in mind every step of the way.
