Target to take more control of its Web site

Minneapolis Target Corp. said Friday that it is going to take more control of its Web site, but will still work with partner Amazon.com over the next two years.

The retailer 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 multichannel 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.”

Amazon has worked with Target on its Web site for the past eight years and will continue to work with the company over the next two years to help get the most out of the existing platform and fulfillment services. Target and Amazon's existing contract runs to 2011.