AppleInsider StaffAccording to The Associated Press, Target held a press conference at its Minneapolis, Minn., headquarters to announce the sale of the iPad, starting Oct. 3.
Target would carry all six models of the device, including the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB Wi-Fi-only and 3G-capable versions. Customers who have a Target credit card will also be eligible for a 5 percent discount on the device, once the card launches on Oct. 17.
The announcement comes weeks after a leaked photo from a Target store PDA previously revealed the launch date and price points. The store's internal data showed it would sell all six versions of the device, including the 3G model in all three storage capacities.
The previous information indicated that the iPad will be located in the store's "Digital Audio" department, which is the same location where it sells Apple's line of iPods and the Amazon Kindle e-reader.
Previously, the iPad only had widespread retail availability at Apple's own stores, as well as some Best Buy locations. But starting Sunday, the iPad will be available at all Best Buy stores in the U.S.
Earlier this year, Walmart, the largest retailer in the U.S., also indicated it hopes to sell the iPad by the end of 2010.
This week, Apple also began to expand iPad distribution to its third-party retail channel in the U.S. The company's largest distributors now provide all six models of the iPad to authorized resellers across the U.S.
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22 Comments
As Apple widens the delivery points for these devices, does it actually greatly increase sales, or just spread a slight increase in sales over a wider delivery area? Will simply being able to purchase the iPad at a Target suffice for the average consumer? Perhaps Target will have up big signs that say: "buy it, take it home, connect to your computer and synch with iTunes". Or will they have "tech staff" that will activate in the store for them. Just pondering the consumer experience here against that of an Apple Store, where they even do those personal set-ups for the purchasers email, iTunes account, apps loading and so on. I'm thinking this may water-down consumer satisfaction a bit if Target is delivering a pick n go set-up for these.
iPad is no more difficult to set up than an iPod -- probably easier. Millions have managed to handle the task without in-store assistance. Many potential customers are an hour or more away from the nearest Apple store, including me. Online and telephone assistance are readily available. I doubt the satisfaction quotient will drop appreciably.
Walmart is next.. Then mom and pop stores..
Even my drug dealer is selling iPads on the side. He gives out a discount with a purchase of pot or coke. If you want a discounted iPad let me know and I'll give you his number. He's got an app too in the App Store called iGetHigh.
Selling the IPAD in target will definately increase sales as more people visit a TARGET store than an APPLE store. The added 5% discount for those with a target card is coming out of Targets end of the profits. And I would even venture as far as saying that TARGETS profit on this item is extremely small as Target will use this for a draw item to get people into their stores.
Target is hoping that while you're buying a iPad you'll also buy an "high margin" protective cover, case, or other accessory. Especially for all those buying as a gift during a holiday season. This is where they will make their profits. It's the "Never give the toy without the batteries" sales mentality.