Hugh Hewitt deserves major credit for breaking the story of Target Stores eviucting the Salvation Army kettles and bell—ringers from the front of its stores. At first alone, he has forced this story into the national news. Now, there is evidence that he is being heard in Bentonville, Arkansas, among other places.

Wal—Mart has announced that it will match the next $1 million in donations to the Salvation Army, in the kettles in front of its stores. Smart move, indeed. There is a reason why Wal—Mart is the most successful retailer, and the largest employer of Americans.

I must confess that my own discount store patronage has long favored Target. Mostly, it is because Target has two stores, including a huge two story super—center (complete with escalators that carry shopping carts, right next to the ones for people) near my home in California, while the closest Wal—Mart is several miles more distant. There is also a bit of sentimentality. The very first Target store ever opened was located near the home in which I spent my childhood in Minneapolis. I am not certain if she can claim credit for originating the expression, but my dearly—departed mother almost immediately started calling it "Tar—zhay" to poke fun at its upscale pretensions. Teasing the Dayton family, who founded Target as an offshoot of their Minneapolis—based department store chain, was a habit of my parents long before nutjob Senator Mark Dayton was conceived. Patriarch and founder George Dayton was quite a character, himself.

I think that Target has committed a major blunder. They have cast themselves as Scrooge, but with a snotty attitude. I have not visited them ever since they blew—off the bell—ringers, and I can't really imagine going back. I'll find somewhere else to buy kitchen appliances, underwear, and the other sundries. And when I am in the neighborhood, I'll make a special effort to visit Wal—Mart.

Thomas Lifson    12 17 04