Apple Mini-Stores Are Heading to Target
Twenty-five Target stores will set up Apple-based mini-stores as a test-run.
If you live in an area where the closest Apple brick-and-mortar store is at least two hours away, here's a bit of good news: Target is now playing host to Apple's mini-stores across the nation. Granted these little itty-bitty Apple samples are already present in many Best Buy locations, this will be an opportunity for Apple to reach out to consumers who aren't necessarily looking to purchase hardware.
But don't start jumping for joy just yet. Target spokeswoman Dustee Jenkins said the move to add Apple mini-stores will initially be more of a test run than a permanent thing. Naturally both parties will need to see concrete sales before committing to anything solid. "We will have 25 stores (in Targets) with unique display and assortment," Jenkins said.
Currently Target sells a few Apple items like the iPod line, Apple TV and the iPad, but it does not offer actual computers like the MacBook Air, the iMac or the Mac Pro. Semi-rival Best Buy is an authorized reseller, dishing out whatever Apple has to offer. To grab those customers, Target will need to follow Best Buy's lead.
The news of Apple's mini-stores arrives by way of a bigger announcement from Target. Earlier this week, the company revealed its "The Shops at Target" concept which will include items from boutiques like Miami's The Webster and San Francisco's The Candy Store. The company has also been authorized by its board to buy back up to $5 billion of its shares over the next two or three years upon completion of its current $10 billion buyback plan.
Target's agreement with Apple may be quite well timed, too. Recent reports indicated that Apple is gearing up to launch a pair of next-gen iPad tablets that will serve as the mid-range and high-end range of its tablet line, while the low-end will be filled by the current iPad 2 with a reduced price. Nothing is confirmed as of yet, but the fruity company is expected to reveal its new tablet(s) towards the end of the month.
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Great. Now we'll have egg-pelted Target stores, instead of egg-pelted Apple stores. Just great...
So you're putting an Apple mini-store inside a store full of people who are generally there because they are bargain-oriented? Hmmmmmmm
So you're putting an Apple mini-store inside a store full of people who are generally there because they are bargain-oriented? Hmmmmmmm
Target, Not Walmart
Let me know when they hit Dollar general and if there's a coupon ...maybe just maybe...I'll take a look
I don't think that K-Mart shoppers are in the same financial league than Apple shoppers :-)
K-Mart shoppers actually value their money and shop for good deals, not gizmos to impress their friends !
Target, Not Walmart
As a former Target employee I can tell you, Target and Wally-mart are mostly on the same level, with many of the same customers. You just go to Target if Walmart dosnt have the specific item you are looking for, or because you are too snub-nosed to enter a Walmart. I mean really, have you been in a Walmart lately? I use to hate them, but now they are cleaner, bigger, have more available employees who are generally happier to work with you, and have a larger selection than Target for a lower price... so why would you bother darkening Target's door?
This new store-in-a-store idea sounds like a desperate attempt to not go belly up when the high end stores like macys and the low end stores like Walmart are choking them out of their middle-class nitch.
let's be honest here, Walmart >>> Target.
Apple can put a store in every single gas station and 7-eleven in the world and I still won't buy a single thing from them.
Apple can put a store in every single gas station and 7-eleven in the world and I still won't buy a single thing from them.
I wouldn't eather, not because of there outrages prices, but how they lie to people.
Lol at all the apple haters. They can always find something to complain about. Apple at target is going to be awesome.
Nothing to do with Apple 'haters'. I had a Mac and got rid of it.
It's ok to impress the neighbors and if you just want to 'consume' media but for production purposes it is better to use a PC.
Yes, I know you can make music and edit videos with it, but a PC does it for a fraction of the cost at the same quality level. If I have to set up a studio with, say 10 computers, it ads up. And everybody, even big time studios have to work with budgets.
Apple gear cost more to acquire and than more down the road to maintain. If it makes you feel 'cool'; fine... use it but corporate America has no interest in this . That's why Apple will always be the 5% player in the market for now. Yes, they have a big bank account now but these come and go. Look at Pan Am and other giant corporations.
basically an identical service that has been out for quite a while now.
Its enough to see dumb clueless people with Apple products. Now we have to see Apple crap hardware in mini-stations in Target stores. WHEN WILL APPLE REALIZE THAT INTELLIGENT PEOPLE FIND THE SIGHT OF THEIR PRODUCTS OFENSSIVE?
Apple has the marketing right, at least...