Target.com re-launch will have to wait

Target didn’t have a great holiay season online, judging from the lack of growth in traffic to its Web site, and holiday 2010 could prove challenging as well, since a major re-launch of Target.com won’t happen until sometime before the 2011 holiday season. Target’s existing relationship with Amazon.com, which provides its technology platform and fulfillment capabilities, will continue until the re-launch, according to the company.

To create its new Web presence, an undertaking that promises to be the most massive e-commerce initiative of the past decade, Target has enlisted the aid of numerous world-class companies. The company said Sapient will serve as the lead partner and integrator, while IBM will provide the multichannel e-commerce platform. Oracle will provide the database platform, and Endeca will provide search and navigation functionality. Autonomy will provide content and digital asset-management functionality, while Sterling Commerce will provide global inventory visibility and cross-channel order-management functionality. Another company called HUGE will provide visual and interaction design. In addition to these companies, Target said it will work with a portfolio of specialty vendors, as well as its internal team, to support the development and management of the new site.

“We have already made considerable progress in our re-platforming work to transform the Target.com experience and create a strong foundation for further multi-channel integration,” said Steve Eastman, president of Target.com. “We are confident we have selected the right technology partners to ensure that the final design of our new online experience will exceed the high expectations our guests have of Target.com.”