Target is gearing up to start selling the Apple Watch online and in physical stores, with an initial rollout set for this week.
The Apple Watch is already available from Best Buy, and Target is now the second large retail chain in the U.S. to start carrying the smartwatch as well.
Target just announced that it will start selling the Apple Watch as well, although only some of its retail locations will get the wearable this week. The Apple Watch will then become available for purchase online from the retailer's website on Oct. 18, after which it will hit all Target stores across the U.S. by Oct. 25.
Wearable gadgets have significantly grown in popularity over the past year and the trend is still going strong, especially with the holiday shopping season coming up. As Target itself points out, the Apple Watch is expected to be among the hottest gift items this holiday season.
Interested customers will be able to choose from 20 models in both 38mm and 42mm sizes, as well as Rose Gold and Space Gray color options. All Target stores will have select models and bands in stock, while a wider range of Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport models will be available on the retailer's website. According to Target, prices start at $349 and go up to $599 for fancier options.
With Target's most expensive Apple Watch model pegged at $599, it's clear that the more premium stainless steel or aluminum models are out of the question and will not be on the retailer's inventory.
Target's announcement marks another step in the right direction, part of Apple's efforts to expand the availability of its first smartwatch. The Apple Watch was exclusive to Apple's retail and online stores and just a few pretentious boutiques at first, but the company started to widen availability recently. Best Buy started selling the gadget back in August, some department stores in the UK followed suit, U.S. carriers such as Sprint and T-Mobile started selling the Apple Watch in their physical stores in September, and Target now joins the party as well.
The Apple Watch is further expected to expand its availability in the future, but for now Target seems to be its next stop.
