Target to Build and Manage
New Target.com Platform
(August 07, 2009) —
MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 7, 2009) – Target (NYSE:
TGT) announced today that it plans to build and manage its own platform for
Target.com. The company expects to launch the new platform in advance of the
holiday season in 2011.
“Amazon has been an important strategic
partner since we re-launched Target.com in 2001, and 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. “However,
to deliver a customized multi-channel experience for Target’s
guests, 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.”
Previously, Target
and Amazon extended their contract to 2011. Amazon and Target will continue to work
together during the next two years to optimize performance of the existing
platform and fulfillment services.
“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,” said Sebastian Gunningham, Senior Vice President of Seller
Services for Amazon.com, Inc.
The statement on expected completion
of and transition to a new Target.com platform is a forward-looking statement
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Such statements speak only as of the date they are made and are subject to
risks and uncertaintieswhich could causethe company'sactual
resultsto differ materially. Such risks and uncertainties include
but are not limited to: Target’s ability
to procure the necessary hardware and software for the platform; the
compatibility of technology obtained from different vendors; and availability
of sufficient qualified personnel to complete the platform on a timely basis.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target
Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,719 stores nationwide and at
Target.com, a fully integrated online business. In addition, the company
operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary and Visa credit
card products. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping
experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at
affordable prices. Since 1946, the
corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and
programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3
million a week. Target Corporation news releases are available at
www.target.com.