• by Sarah Mahoney , August 25, 2010

Offering further proof that it is taking just as many competitive cues from the likes of Best Buy as it is from rival Wal-Mart, Target Corp. says it is substantially strengthening its electronics offerings, adding free tech support for all products as well as a tempting trade-in program.

The Minneapolis-based retailer is introducing 1-877-myTGTtech, a free product support hotline for all Target electronics purchases, staffed with customer service reps who can help with troubleshooting, tech support, warranties, and compatibility questions.

It also announced it would begin rolling out Target Electronics Trade-In, which allows consumers to turn in new or used video games, mobile phones and iPods for credit against new purchases, as well as gift cards.

And the retailer expanded on its plans for its Target Mobile centers, a partnership it recently announced with Radio Shack that will put kiosks stocked with cell phones and accessories in 850 stores by year's end.

Target says the phone centers will offer the best mobile handsets, as well as service plans from the nation's top carriers at competitive prices, along with in-store activation. It has introduced an online version of the phone store as well, with free FedEx shipping of purchases. The site will offer online-only wireless promotions.