Report: Target tests hands-on electronics department

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is reportedly testing a “hands-on” electronics department with a minimalist format that harkens back to Apple stores and brightly lit displays that encourage shoppers to try out sample consumer electronics products. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Target is testing the concept at stores in Brooklyn Park, Mankato, Ridgedale and the Quarry location in Minneapolis, as well as outside Minnesota.



“It’s more a minimalist approach with space for consumers to touch and test the merchandise,” said Chris Christopher, director of consumer electronics at IHS Global Insight in Massachusetts, in the report.



The test follows similar “hands-on” electronics department designs used by competing consumer electronics retailer such as Apple, Best Buy and Microsoft in recent years. Target has not specified how long the design pilot will last or when it will decide whether to use the new design in more stores.