LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WISH) — Target has announced what it says will be a major expansion of the baby category at three central Indiana stores, introducing new products and a specialized shopping experience called Baby Boutique. The news came as CEO Michael Fiddelke on Tuesday announced Target p lans to spend billions of dollars this year to end a persistent sales slump and to regain the retailer’s image as a fun place to shop for stylish clothing, housewares, beauty products and packaged food at affordable prices, The Associated Press reported. AP on Wednesday published an interview with him from the Target headquarters in Minneapolis. According to an email sent Wednesday from RunSwitch PR in Louisville, Kentucky, the infant initiative includes the launch of the Baby Boutique spaces in nearly 200 stores and on the retailer’s website. The store spaces were designed to let shoppers see, touch and compare different gear options. The move followed retail data showing that 56% of parents find shopping for large items — strollers and car seats, for examples — to be stressful. Additionally, the data found, parents spend more than three times longer researching baby products than any other retail category. RunSwitch said the Baby Boutique rollout will include three central Indiana locations: 10209 E. U.S. 36, Avon; 10401 N. Michigan Road, Carmel; and 895 S. State Road 135, Greenwood. The expansion includes nearly 2,000 new items, including the brands Amara, Bugaboo, Cloud Island, Doona, Freestyle, Good Gather, Hey Tiger, Joie, Lalo, Little Spoon, Nanit, Nemah, Stokke, Toddlekind, Tubby Todd, UPPAbaby, Upseat, Wildbird, and Wise Wonder. Target also says it’s expanding its Baby Concierge service to offer more personalized assistance. The free, appointment-based services provides guidance for technical decisions, such as selecting monitors, and is available both online and in stores. In a news release issued Tuesday from Target, Amanda Nusz, senior vice president of merchandising, essentials and beauty for the retailer, said in a statement, “Guests trust Target to show up for them during life’s biggest milestones. Our focus is on bringing together products busy families will love at the value they expect, paired with expert guidance and joyful, easy-to-shop spaces that make preparing for a new baby feel both special and practical.” ...read more read less