NEW YORK (AP) -- Target says it will team up with owners of specialty shops to create affordable, limited edition merchandise for sale at its stores in a bid to attract more customers and distinguish itself from rivals.

Target Corp. said Thursday it will start featuring products from five shops starting May 6. The shops will be open for six weeks and then be replaced with another slew of shops in the fall.

The initial group includes The Candy Store in San Francisco, The Privet House home accessories shop in Connecticut; The Webster House, a clothing store in Miami; Polka Dog Bakery in Boston; and The Cos Bar, a cosmetic shop in Aspen.

Separately, it says they will be testing creating mini-Apple shops in 25 Target stores. It provided no details.

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