Target to launch upscale shops within stores

NEW YORK - Target Corp (TGT.N), known to many U.S. shoppers as the place to go for trendy, low-priced merchandise, will soon have shops within its discount stores selling everything from dog treats to high-end home accessories.

Target also confirmed during a presentation on Thursday that it will have 25 stores featuring special displays of Apple Inc (AAPL.O) merchandise, a move that had been speculated about last week.

Target, which is based in Minneapolis, unveiled its "the Shops at Target" concept in New York. Items from boutiques such as Miami's The Webster and San Francisco's The Candy Store will be priced from $1 to $160 and be sold in Target and on its web site for six weeks starting in early May.

Architect and designer Michael Graves's tea kettles and other home goods helped Target pioneer the concept of higher-end partnerships at mass chains back in 1999.