Target intensifies Canadian brand building efforts

Target is working its way across Canada beginning this week by hosting special events in 20 cities to build interest in the planned opening of 124 stores in 2013.

Starting east and moving west, Target said its caravan of good cheer will begin in Nova Scotia on November 30 and concludes in British Columbia in mid-December. The company said Canadians should be on the lookout for signs of the retailer’s signature Bullseye logo to see if Target is coming to town with artistic performances and other surprises. The company is leveraging Facebook and Twitter by enabling prospective customers to follow the tour progress, schedule and view a digital scrapbook at Facebook.com/TargetCanada or Twitter.com/Target_CA.

"We are excited to be celebrating the holidays with Canadians from coast to coast" said Livia Zufferli, director of marketing for Target Canada. "We've planned surprises in more than 20 communities across the country in the hopes of creating unforgettable memories and giving Canadians a taste of what they can expect when Target opens in 2013."

The Target Holiday Road Trip launches in Halifax, Nova Scotia on November 30 with an event that brings classic holiday tales to life. From 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Dalhousie University Club, families will be able to kick off their holiday season with favorite holiday stories read by Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent, comedian and actor Shaun Majumder and children's local favorite, Razzmatazz for Kids. Between readings, guests can snack on holiday treats, participate in the craft and play zone, and get their photos taken with Bullseye the dog to create their own memorable photo flip-book.

Details on activities that will take place in other cities were not disclosed.