Fashion Scalpers Hit Jackpot Reselling Missoni for Target on eBay
Now we have a clearer idea why complete racks of goods in the Missoni for Target line disappeared almost as soon as the discount chain's doors opened on Sept. 13 -- good old-fashioned American greed. Just as ticket scalpers used to obtain hard-to-get tickets for sporting and entertainment events and resell them at huge markups, so too have the fashion scalpers that USA Today reports have more than 25,000 Missoni for Target items available for purchase on eBay.
According to USA Today, a $50 Missoni bikini at Target resold at twice the price on eBay. A Missoni ladies bicycle that cost $399 at Target sold for $1,200 on the auction site.
"Is it something we're pleased with? No," Joshua Thomas, a Target spokesperson told USA Today. "We encourage consumers to be cautious because we can't validate the authenticity ... or guarantee the consumer is getting the best value."
Other retailers selling limited edition goods have been known to limit purchases by consumers. Target, however, did not place restrictions on the number of Missoni items that could be bought.
This latest revelation comes as Target is still facing criticism for failing to fulfill orders it accepted online for the items. In some cases, orders have been cancelled by the company even after credit cards have been charged, it has been alleged. The Star Tribune has reported consumers receiving tracking numbers from the retailer, but UPS has no record of the packages.