Target to test Apple mini-stores in select locations

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. confirmed Thursday that it plans to install Apple mini-boutiques in some of its stores this year. The concept will be tested in 25 locations, and feature a wider assortment of Apple products than is currently available at Target, according to Bloomberg.



In addition, the discounter is teaming up with owners of specialty shops to create limited edition merchandise that will be sold online and at its stores. Target will start featuring products from five shops starting May 6. The in-store shops will be open for six weeks and then be replaced with a group of different shops in the fall.



The initial group includes The Candy Store in San Francisco, The Privet House home accessories shop in Connecticut; The Webster House, a clothing store in Miami; Polka Dog Bakery in Boston; and The Cos Bar, a cosmetic shop in Aspen.



Target said it will continue to scout for unique shops that will co-create merchandise to be sold exclusively through Target.



The move “puts Target at the frontier of what's next in retail," said Brian Robinson, director of fashion and design partnership at Target in a presentation in New York.