MINNEAPOLIS — In the latest demonstration of its merchandising flair and ability to differentiate itself, Target Corp. will offer limited-edition merchandise from independent specialty stores beginning in May.

In the latest demonstration of its merchandising flair and ability to differentiate itself, Target Corp. will offer limited-edition merchandise from independent specialty stores beginning in May.

Separately, the retailer will start testing Apple boutiques in 25 stores at an unspecified date.

The first five specialty retailers to be featured, beginning May 6, are San Francisco’s The Candy Store; Privet House, a home accessories store in Connecticut; The Webster House clothing store in Miami; the Polka Dog Bakery in Boston; and the Cos Bar, a cosmetics shop in Aspen, Colo.

A total of almost 400 products will be sold both in-store and online, with prices ranging from $1 to $159.99. The first lineup will be offered for six weeks and then replaced in the fall with another group of specialty retailers.

Target also confirmed that it plans to test Apple mini-stores in 25 of its locations at some point this year. Apple already has boutiques within Best Buy Inc. stores, and Target already sells such Apple products as iPads and iPods, but it does not offer Macintosh computers.