Shopping at Target Is About to Get Wicked

The first of Universal Pictures’ two-film adaptation of Tony Award-winning musical Wicked opens in theaters Nov. 22, but fans of Elphaba and Glinda don’t have to wait until then for swag from the movie thanks to a partnership between Universal Products & Experiences and Target.

The retail giant will kick off a national marketing campaign Sunday (Oct. 20) backing its partnership with Wicked and a plethora of products inspired by the film.

Target is the only retail partner of Universal Products & Experiences to feature Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, in its broadcast advertising and commercials.

“In these new spots with Cynthia Erivo for Target’s partnership with Wicked, our stores become our own version of a stage for Cynthia to share the iconic Elphaba riff with the world,” Target executive vice president and chief marketing officer Lisa Roath said in a statement.

The spots depict Erivo as an everyday Target shopper who experiences hints of magic during her experience and begins singing her character’s iconic tune from the soundtrack, “Defying Gravity,” upon discovering all the Wicked merchandise in the store.

The campaign will run through the end of November, highlighted by high-profile placements during NBCUniversal’s Journey to Oz Special, streaming services like Peacock, and music spaces including YouTube.

Spots will also be featured in movie theaters, and the campaign will command key real estate on the billboard above the retailer’s Times Square store in New York.

There will be a takeover on streaming platform Spotify, with shoppable ad formats in contextually relevant placements to drive engagement with Target’s Wicked brand page.

And social clips on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok will feature Erivo shopping, along with the actual broom used during the movie shoot.

Target’s brick-and-mortar stores are not immune to the magic, as Oz-themed shops will debut in most locations Nov. 3.

The company’s store in Jersey City, N.J., will be transformed into the Land of Oz Nov. 15, with embroidery stations, giveaways, installations, and photo opportunities, and themed experiences including giveaways and treat stations will come to locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle Nov. 23 and 24.

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