Shop Talk

Shoppers eager to secure a copy of the hottest new video game can soon walk into a Target store and pay $1 to reserve a copy ahead of its release.

Starting April 19, Target is launching a “reservation program” for what it expects will be the best selling video games.

That means shoppers can purchase a $1 reservation card in the electronics department of its stores.

When they bring the card back to the same store within 7 days of the video game’s release the can buy the title. They will also receive a $5 Target gift card that can used for a future purchase.

“We will hold inventory so in essence, it does guarantee you the product within the first seven days,” said Target spokesman Joshua Thomas of the program.

Target already lets customer place preorders for video games on its website. But Thomas said it the in-store reservation program has an added benefit  — it will hopefully bring shoppers into its stores more frequently. They can come into its stores to make the reservation, to pick up the game when it’s released, and then again to use the gift card.

Target said the reservation program will kick-off with titles such as “Punch Out!!” from Nintendo , “Ghostbusters” from Atari, and “Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings” from LucasArts.

(Image provided by Target)