MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 uncertainties which could cause the company's actual results to 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.

Source: Target

Target Communications (media), 612-696-3400
or
John Hulbert (investors), 612-761-6627
or
Amazon Public Relations, 206-266-7180