It appears as though Apple is really starting to loosen up the death grip (pun intended) its kept on the iPhone’s retail-distribution channels for the past three years. Yesterday, big box retailer Target announced that it would be carrying the Cupertino company’s iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS smartphones in 846 retail locations beginning on November 7th. “At Target we continue to offer our guests the best in electronics so we’re happy to add iPhone to our Target Mobile offerings,” said Mark Schindele, Target’s senior VP of merchandising. The press release went on to say that “most” Target stores will be carrying the iPhone by mid-2011. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Via ]

Target Offers Apple iPhone at Stores Beginning November

MINNEAPOLIS (November 1, 2010) – Today Target® announced that it will carry the iPhone in 846 stores that include Target Mobile centers beginning Nov. 7, 2010. Just in time for the holidays, Target guests can select from the iPhone3GS or iPhone4 and receive quick in-store activation on the purchase of a new iPhone. Adding iPhone to Target Mobile centers is the latest offering to guests of the full mobile technology experience.

“At Target we continue to offer our guests the best in electronics so we’re happy to add iPhone to our Target Mobile offerings,” said Mark Schindele, senior vice president, merchandising, Target. “With expert support from Target Mobile specialists and in-store activation, our guests will be able to leave the store with a new, working iPhone3GS or iPhone4 in-hand.”

In addition to receiving the latest cell phones, accessories and data plans at Target Mobile centers, guests can utilize Target’s Electronics Trade-In service which will allow guests to trade-in used cell phones, MP3 players, video games and more for credit towards any purchase at Target. Target Mobile centers are currently available in 846 Target locations nationwide and will be rolling out to most Target stores by mid-2011.

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