Where to Find a Nintendo Wii U in Kirkwood

The next-generation gaming console went on sale last weekend, but shortages are expected for those without pre-orders.

It's just past release day for the latest gaming console from Nintendo and only the quick or those with pre-orders are likely to find one in stores.  The Nintendo Wii U debuts at $300 and likely to be one of the most sought-after items of the holiday season with the company hoping to move 3.5 million units this year. However, national media is reporting that shoppers who haven't pre-ordered can expect day-one shortages.  Representatives from area locations of Target, Walmart and Best Buy said they would have some Wii U's on hand for those who didn't pre-order, but expected them to sell out quickly. "I would get here soon rather than later" was the advice of one electronics clerk. Video game retailer Gamestop said its St. Louis stores will …

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Online Petition Protests Target's Thanksgiving Opening For Black Friday Sales

Thousands are signing an online petition protesting Target's plans to open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving to offer Black Friday sales.

The petition was reportedly created by a Target employee upset that the retail giant is opening on Thanksgiving and requiring employees to work instead of spending time with their families. Target stores, including the one in Kirkwood, will open their doors at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving. As of Tuesday morning, there are more than 179,000 signatures on the petition. (Check out the petition here.) Target is joining other retailers, inlcuding Walmart, that are opening on Thanksgiving to get a jump on Black Friday holiday shoppers. What do you think? Are Black Friday specials getting out of hand and starting to replace the Thanksgiving holiday itself? 

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Getting a Job at Target: Not So Easy?

Target applicants used to have to complete 704 true/false questions about everything from politics to their sex life.

Looking for a job, either full time or seasonal? Sounds like if you want to work at Target, it's not easy to get in. An article by AOL suggests it's harder to get into Target than Harvard. Here's the process at a California Target, according to the article: "Target's hiring process for its new stores has been designed with military precision. Applicants take an on-spot assessment test, interview with two current employees, and are then escorted to the bathroom for an on-site drug test. If all goes well, they'll get a job offer, assuming their background check comes up clean." Have you, or are you planning on applying for a position at the Kirkwood Target? Do you have any suggestions for getting hired?

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Target Says Bye-bye to Amazon's Kindle, Des Peres Analyst Weighs In

Amazon.com Kindle brand of e-readers and tablets will be off the store's shelves by the end of the month.

Patrons of the Kirkwood Target will no longer be able to compare Amazon's Kindle and Kindle Fire to other popular e-readers and tablets at the big-box retailer. Target has decided to stop carrying Amazon.com Kindle e-readers and tablets with all related products out of stores by the end of the month, Bloomberg Businessweek reported Wednesday Matt Arnold, an analyst for Edward Jones & Co. in Des Peres told Businessweek, that the move makes sense given competition between Target and Amazon's online store as well as Target's decision to dedicate more store space to Apple products. Read more at Businessweek.com

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Black Friday News and Updates

Find the latest on Black Friday lines, deals and news as it happens. If you see something we should know about, send us a tip at Lindsay.Toler@patch.com or tweet @StLouisLindsay.

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Brandon Fry - Local Volunteer

9:38 am on Friday, November 25, 2011

We got in and out with all of our video games in about 1 hour. We got some great deals and little hassle with long lines this year. Of course we avoided the big box stores. Once we left the mall and went to McDonald's it was a different story.   more ›

Black Friday Shopping Guide in St. Louis

The stores, sales and strategies you need to optimize your all-night shopping blow-out.

Here’s a new holiday tradition to try: Say grace, eat turkey, head to the mall. Black Friday sales start at midnight this year at some of the regions biggest stores, including Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and Best Buy. We’ve read through the ads and compiled everything you need for the best all-night holiday shopping blow-out possible. And for each sale, we've highlighted the items we think would make the best gifts (at the best prices!) Check back on Black Friday for updates and tips, and if you hit the sales, tag your tweets with #BlackFridaySTL or mention @StLouisLindsay. And don't forget: Black Friday sales are already starting online at popular big box stores. Best Buy said they've already sold out of popular $80 TVs and $150 laptops, but …

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Frugal Family: Parents, Take Advantage of Free Wine Tastings

Frugal Family introduces a weekly list of five discounted specials in the area.

With the cost of gasoline, and the cost of living in general, on the rise, it's nice to know that special deals still abound if you look for them. Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch is here to help on your quest for savings. We present the fourth edition of Frugal Family, our weekly column that highlights steep discounts and freebies with a little something for everyone. 1. Schnucks in Webster Groves If the lack of snow has you and your loved ones craving frozen sweets, you're in for a treat. Deal: Visit the Schnucks coupon website to clip and print a $1 off coupon for a carton of Weight Watchers frozen novelties. Good Through: Not specified 2. Office Depot in Kirkwood If your computer chair is listing to port or starboard from missing wheels, …

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Snow Storm Drains Essential Winter Supplies

Local retailers don't know when new shipments of rock salt will hit the shelves, as many grocery store supplies run thin.

As inclement weather continues to spread across the Midwest, local shoppers in desperate need of essential supplies are shopping like it's "Christmas Eve." Starting right now (3:24 p.m.), http://kirkwood-webstergroves.patch.com will be constantly sending you real time Tweets, Facebook Updates and RSS Feeds.

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What Are They Doing to My Target?

A remodeling project at Kirkwood's Target is creating questions for shoppers as well as excitement about the anticipated improvements.

If something seems amiss at the Kirkwood Target these days, there’s good reason. The store is in the midst of a face-lift to expand its grocery department and update other areas. But while remodeling is under way, shoppers must navigate a store that is experiencing frequent layout changes. “It’s just disorienting,” said Pat Bush of Glendale after emerging from a shopping trip Tuesday. “The lady who worked there said it was disorienting to her when she came in. She said, ‘Don’t bother learning where everything is because it’s all going to be changed around.’” Other residents agree. “It’s crazy,” said Lisa Kratz of Des Peres. “Can’t find a darn thing. Except for the toy clearance – I found that.” But Bush and Kratz, both regular Target …

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