Mini Apple Stores Could Be Setup Inside Target Locations

A source close to Apple has revealed the company’s plans to open Apple Stores directly inside 25 of the largest Target stores in the United States.

Following the success of Apple’s mini stores inside Best Buy locations around the United States the company is banking on a partnership that will allow their product line to extend beyond currently available locations.

A small number of target markets could be a smart move for Apple to test the new concept, Target operates 1752 stores in the U.S. while Apple currently offers just 245 stores in the US and 359 stores globally plus 600 Best Buy “Apple Shops” of which only some actually staff Apple Solution Consultants.

Before their Best Buy operations Apple actually had partnerships in place more than a decade ago with the likes of Circuit City, Computer City, Office Max and Sear, however they abandoned those partnerships and focused on the non-defunct CompUSA.

Target is a smart move for Apple since they have already formed iOS and iPod partnerships.

In 2002 when Apple began stocking Target shelves with iPods then executive vice president of Worldwide Sales and Operations Tim Cook (Now Apple’s CEO) announced:

 ”We’re thrilled that Target will significantly expand the availability of Apple’s award-winning iPod to even more customers. Apple has placed an operable iPod on display in each of Target’s 1,148 stores, so every Target customer can use and listen to an iPod before they buy.”

Would you be willing to pick up an iMac, Apple TV, Airport wireless routers and other Apple products from Target stores or do you still prefer to order your Apple products online or via Apple stores?