Target and Wal-Mart want consumers to know that they don't have to go looking at a big specialty chain store for the best buys on high quality consumer electronics anymore. Both chains have invested in offering new consumer services and expanded selections of higher-end products to provide shopping alternatives.
Wal-Mart, Reuters reports, has recently started selling televisions that can wirelessly connect to online video streaming services. The sets that retail in the vicinity of $2,000 are not what many have traditionally thought of when it comes to electronics sold in the retail chain's stores.
Gary Severson, senior vice president of the entertainment division at the company, said, "We are seeing a customer that is accepting of price points where there's value at that price point. It doesn't have to be the opening price point to have value."
Target has remodeled its consumer electronics departments to accent its large, high-def TV offerings and also to make shopping easier for mobile phones and video games.
The chain, like others, has increasingly emphasized mobile communications as the product offerings have moved beyond simple phones and become more integral to the everyday lives of Americans.
Target is currently running a test Target with RadioShack operating mobile phone departments in about 100 of its stores.
Mark Schindele, Target's senior vice president, merchandising, for hardlines, told Reuters that the feedback has been positive on the customer service provided by the RadioShack employees.
"We see that as a real point of differentiation at Target," he told the news service.
Target has also been quick to hop on the e-book bandwagon and recently announced it would sell Amazon's Kindle device beginning next month. At this point, Target will be the only retailer selling the Kindle in brick and mortar stores.
Discussion Questions: Are Target and Wal-Mart poised to grab greater share of the consumer electronics market in the U.S.? Which retailer engaged in consumer electronics sales, in a big or small way, is impressing you these days?