MINNEAPOLIS — Seventeen Target locations across the nation are about to get an upgrade.
The Minneapolis-based retail giant has partnered with Apple to introduce specialized “shopping destinations” in select markets this month, with additional stores expected to open by the end of fall, CNBC reported.
Target and Apple teaming up for enhanced in-store and online experience.
— Jeff Macke (@JeffMacke) February 25, 2021
Online launching today (now!).
Apple is training Target workers to assist customers (which is huge).
This is a very good thing for everyone except malls with Apple stores. $TGThttps://t.co/WrOHrPERBi
In a news release issued Thursday, Target confirmed that the new concept will double Apple’s footprint in select Target locations, adding displays for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and other accessories in a dedicated space “designed for guests to experience new products through demonstrations.”
Apple will also provide specialized training to Target tech employees, USA Today reported.
Target Chief Growth Officer Christina Hennington said the experiential mini-stores are intended to boost customer engagement.
“When we have something that is uniquely compelling and different, whether it’s in the assortment, how the experience is brought together or service – which is a big component of what we are talking about with the Apple experience – it draws our guests in, which then drives traffic and, of course, sales over time,” Hennington told CNBC.
Although the shopping destinations will not initially feature Apple’s trademark “Genius Bar,” where customers receive concierge-like tech support, Hennington told the network that Target has not ruled out adding the amenity in the future. The redesigned spaces will, however, feature Apple’s signature lighting and lowered tables, conducive to product demonstrations, she said.
According to USA Today, the following 17 Target locations have been tapped for the first phase of the new partnership:
CALIFORNIA
• San Jose: 1811 Hillsdale Ave.
DELAWARE
• Newark: 800 Christiana Mall
FLORIDA
• Clearwater: 2747 Gulf To Bay Blvd.
• Gainesville: 3970 SW Archer Road
• Miami:10101 W. Flagler St.
• Orlando: Hunters Creek, 2155 Town Center Blvd.
MASSACHUSETTS
• Woburn: 101 Commerce Way
MINNESOTA
• Monticello: 1447 E. 7th St.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
• Nashua: 600 Amherst St.
NEW YORK
• Latham: 675 Troy Schenectady Road
OKLAHOMA
• Oklahoma City/Quail Springs: 13924 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
PENNSYLVANIA
• North Wales/Montgomeryville: 125 Witchwood Drive
TEXAS
• Hurst: 1400 Precinct Line Road
• Irving: 7845 N Macarthur Blvd.
• San Antonio: 18255 Blanco Road
• Allen: 150 E Stacy Road
• Austin: 10900 Lakeline Mall Drive
Cox Media Group