Target
Amazon has served Target well over the years. The online retailer manages Target's online store and handles all of the nitty-gritty warehousing, shipping, and customer-service functions.
Have you ever heard an online Target shopper complain about virtual-shopping-cart downtime or holiday orders that didn't arrive on time? Exactly!
However, Target has grown, and the time has come to take the keys and go it alone -- the way that ex-Amazon partners Toys "R" Us and Borders Group
This news doesn't mean Target will have to end all of its online relationships, though. Target has deals in place with Shutterfly
Amazon, on the other hand, is a clear competitor, as it fleshes out its store with dozens of categories that branch out ever further from its media-peddling origins.
Will Target stumble? Perhaps. Discounting behemoths Wal-Mart
This is a logical -- and evolutionarily necessary -- thing for Target to do.
Don't worry about Amazon, though. It will be just fine without Target.
Other headlines, if you still want to live in the past:
- E-tail is Dead, Dude
- Borders left Amazon's store two years ago.
- Amazon had a healthy holiday quarter.
- Act Fast and Kiss Your Returns Goodbye