I’ll be honest, I don’t totally hate this trend. If I were a teenager again, I probably would be doing the same thing with my friends and my digital camera (iPhones were nowhere to be found). It feels harmless on the surface. But while some Target employees love the new trend making the rounds on TikTok, others are begging shoppers to stop.
The Seasonal Aisle Photoshoot Trend
A recurring TikTok and Instagram trend shows creators staging full-on photoshoots inside Target’s seasonal aisles. Think Valentine’s Day decor, pumpkin-filled Halloween displays or sparkling Christmas shelves. Influencers and teens pose with themed merchandise, style mini shoots among heart-shaped pillows or holiday garlands and post away.
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The appeal is obvious. Target’s seasonal sections are bright, colorful and perfectly styled. They’re basically ready-made backdrops that change every few months. Instead of building a set or buying decorations, creators can walk into a store and instantly have an aesthetic scene. Some even highlight specific Target finds as part of their content, blurring the line between shopping trip and content creation.
Target’s own social media sometimes leans into this energy, showcasing new collections in a way that feels interactive and photo-friendly. So it’s not shocking that shoppers have taken the idea and run with it.
Why Some Employees Want This Trend to End
While the trend may look fun online, some Target employees are less amused. A Reddit thread discussing a viral Valentine’s Day photoshoot sparked plenty of commentary. One person wrote, “people will do anything to get that sweet, sweet internet attention.” Others joked that at least the displays might end up properly zoned if shoppers are rearranging things to make them look cute.
But the bigger concern from employees is disruption. Photoshoots can leave seasonal aisles messy, especially if items are moved around for the perfect shot and not put back correctly. During high-traffic times like holidays, staff are already working hard to restock popular items. Having groups linger for extended periods to film content can slow that down and make it harder for actual shoppers to browse.
Related: Target’s ‘Hysterical’ $5 Stoneware Mug Is the Ultimate Anti-Valentine’s Day Find
Some commenters said stores may even ask people to leave if they’re clearly not shopping and are just using the space for content. Others noted they’ve seen similar behavior at Dollar Tree, especially in stores located near high schools where teens gather after class.
At the end of the day, the trend sits in a gray area. For many shoppers, it feels playful and harmless. For employees tasked with keeping shelves organized and customers moving smoothly through the store, it can be frustrating. If you’re tempted to join in, the key is simple: be quick, be respectful and leave the aisle exactly how you found it. That way everyone can enjoy Target’s seasonal magic without the side of employee eye rolls.
Related: Target Just Stocked a $12 Tee That Was Everywhere in the 2000s
