Barneys to sell line of Target merchandise

By Nicole Maestri

NEW YORK, April 28 (Reuters) - High-end specialty retailer Barneys New York is clearing out space in its flagship New York and Beverly Hills stores to sell a line of clothes being designed by Rogan Gregory for discount retailer Target Corp (TGT.N).

American designer Gregory was picked by Target to design its latest Go International collection -- a rotating line of clothes developed by high-end designers but sold at discount prices at Target for a limited time.

But before the "Rogan for Target" line debuts at Target stores nationwide on May 18, it will be sold at Barneys' New York store May 9 until May 11, and then in its Beverly Hills store May 16 until May 18.

A Barneys spokesman said it marks the first time that Barneys will sell Target merchandise, and it will allow Rogan fans to snap up the merchandise for a fraction of its typical price.

Typical Rogan items can sell for hundreds of dollars. For example, on its Web site, Barneys sells a black, knee-length silk dress by Rogan for $320, dark blue jeans for $290, and black and white checked shorts for $170.

But the Rogan for Target collection will feature items like a leopard print shift dress for $39.99, black zebra print leggings for $16.99, and a zebra print swimsuit for $29.99.

Rogan is the eleventh designer taking part in Target's Go International program. Past designers have included Erin Fetherston, Patrick Robinson and Proenza Schouler.

Target has carved out a niche for itself selling trendy but inexpensive clothes, accessories and home decor.

While the strategy helped the discount retailer post stronger sales growth than rival Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N), its sales have slowed in recent months, and it reported a drop in fourth-quarter profit as its shoppers spurned purchases of discretionary items like clothes in favor of necessities like food. (Reporting by Nicole Maestri; editing by Carol Bishopric)