Target to assume full control of Target.com from Amazon come 2011  

-- Home Textiles Today, 8/7/2009 9:19:00 AM

Minneapolis – Target has laid out plans to build and manage its own platform for its e-commerce site, www.Target.com, and the 1,719-unit discount chain said it intends to launch it in advance of the 2011 holiday season.

Amazon.com has been Target’s strategic partner since the launch of Target.com in 2001, and the two entities extended their alliance through 2011.

“The strength of Amazon’s technology and fulfillment services has been a contributing factor in Target.com’s success,” said Steve Eastman, president, Target.com.

But, he continued, in order for Target to deliver a customized multi-channel experience for its shoppers, “We believe it is in Target’s best interest going forward to assume full control over the design and management of Target’s e-commerce technology platform, fulfillment and guest services operations.”

In the meantime, Target and Amazon will continue to work together during the next two years “to optimize performance of the existing platform and fulfillment services.”

Said Sebastian Gunningham svp of seller services for Amazon.com Inc.: “We are grateful to have been able to work with Target for the last eight years, and we wish Target the very best as they go forward.”