Target and Nintendo have announced a new partnership that sees over 650 retail stores getting a make over to celebrate the launch of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Shopping carts will be skinned as go-karts, the entrance will be totally redone, and Mario, Luigi, and other characters will make appearances throughout the store. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hits Nintendo Switch on April 28th, and this promotion will last for the next few weeks, starting today.
“Experience counts—it’s what keeps guests coming in and coming back to our stores,” says Scott Nygaard, senior vice president, Merchandising, Target. “So we’re delivering the fun like only Target can, giving generations of Mario fans a shopping trip they won’t soon forget.”
Things start off outside the store, with the giant red balls that are made to stop cars being turned into Mario and Luigi. Target previously skinned these things as Pokeballs, so expect more Nintendo themed fun in the future, if this partnership continues.
The entrance to the store will be decorated like the start of a Mario Kart race, complete with the checkered starting line and “Go!” pronouncement. “Walking through Target doors always brings a little rush, but this time you’re crossing a starting line! As you walk through, motion sensors fire up flashing lights and play Mario’s catchy theme song.”
For the first time ever, Target is decorating their carts as well. Some carts will be themed as Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach racing go-karts. As you push them through the store, you might stumble across various other Nintendo products that have been displayed elsewhere.
And Target isn’t forgetting that most gamers are still struggling to even find a Nintendo Switch. They promise that they are working tirelessly with Nintendo to ensure a constant flow of new consoles into Target. Keep an eye out for restocks, as usual.
