Target just announced its profits dropped 7.6 percent in the second quarter. It seems competing with fellow discount-retail behemoth Wal-Mart is a real bitch in this recession of ours. So Target is trying to attract customers by hyping its designer diffusion lines. Those efforts include something very special for New Yorkers: Target will open four "bullseye bodega" pop-up shops in Manhattan next month in midtown, Union Square, Soho, and the East Village on September 11. The shops will showcase Target's new diffusion lines including Jonathan Saunders's apparel collection, Anya Hindmarch's handbags, and Sigerson Morrison's shoe collection. Woo hoo! Sayonara, shipping fees! With the opening date falling in the thick of Fashion Week, the absence of tent-confined fashionistas may make for a pleasurable, not too crowded shopping experience. And considering how cute Richard Chai's Target line is, you'll probably want to make a cameo.

Target Profits Fall in Q2 [DNR]