It looks like Canadian book retailers will have some bright red competition next year.
Toronto Life reports that U.S. big-box giant Target has confirmed the locations of its first 24 stores in Canada. All are in Ontario, scheduled to open by early April 2013. The majority of the remaining 100 to 110 stores planned across Canada will also open next year.
It’s too early to say what impact Target will have on Canadian book retail. In the U.S.,Target.com currently offers almost 6,000 titles in its online bookstore, predominantly in the bestseller, lifestyle, and children’s categories. Price-wise, the chain is competitive with other large retailers; for example, the recently released paperback version of Tina Fey’s Bossypants costs $10.34 (U.S.) at Target and Walmart, and $10.87 on Amazon.
Target recently reported weak December sales in electronics, movies, books, and music.