Target to start carrying iPad in October; plans to sell 4 models

Target to start carrying iPad in October

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. says it will begin carrying four models of Apple Inc.’s iPad, starting at $499.

The nation’s second-largest discount chain says it will start selling touchscreen tablet computer Oct. 3. The iPad will be covered under the retailer’s 5 percent discount for store credit-card holders, which rolls out Oct. 17. Target hopes the combination of the hit device and the discount will bring in shoppers during the holidays.

Target will be the largest retail chain to carry the iPad. Its shares rose $1.20, or 2.2 percent, to $54.97.

The models include 16-, 32-, and 64-gigabyte models, as well as the Wi-Fi + 3G model.

The announcement was made at Target’s media conference in Minneapolis, where it is based.

In addition, Troy Risch, executive vice president of stores, told the gathering that Target is on track to have 450 general merchandise stores with its expanded grocery format by end of the month. Risch reiterated that Target plans to remodel 400 more stores in 2011.

Target operates 1,743 stores nationwide, including 240 Super Targets.