Target expands installation services

Minneapolis Beginning Sunday, Target Corp. will rollout a new TV delivery and installation service for customers.

As part of an expanded partnership with Zip Express Installation, a third-party service, the discounter is offering TV delivery, basic setup and installation, starting at $99. Mounting a TV on the wall costs $249, including delivery. For installation that involves concealing wires inside the wall, the price is $299.

“Our goal is to create an intuitive and easy electronics shopping experience for our guests -- ensuring they are 100% satisfied with the services they receive in-store, and with the products they take home,” said Mark Schindele, senior VP, Target.

Customers can also have a video-game console set up for $99 and a home network for $99.

Target's announcement follows the company's move in July 2008 that offered shoppers who buy TVs, home theaters, computers and certain other electronics on its Web site the option to buy home-installation services through the same third-party installation service. However, the program doesn't include delivery.

The discounter began testing the service at about 200 Target stores late last fall, attracting strong customer response. The average time for installation is three days.

In addition, Target piloting a full-service mobile solution service in over 100 stores. Bullseye Mobile Solutions is an in-store wireless service that enables Target shoppers to purchase mobile phones and activate contracts from three of the nation’s top carriers.

Meanwhile, Wal-Mart Stores, which has been expanding its offerings in consumer electronics, has been quietly rolling out its own installation service since October. The discounter teamed up with N.E.W. Customer Services Cos., a provider of extended service plans.