Target dumps Kindle

[Ted]

From my blog punzhupuzzles.wordpress.com/:

Target Corp. has decided to drop Kindle products, including Amazon’s new Kindle Fire tablet, its range of Kindle e-readers and all accessories for the devices, including covers and chargers, says Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder.

Target will still sell other e-readers and tablets, including the Nook from Barnes & Noble , Snyder added.

“This is evidence that Target is getting more serious about Amazon as an enemy rather than a partner,” said Matt Nemer, an analyst at Wells Fargo.

Amazon ran Target’s website for several years, but that relationship ended last year amid a legal battle.

“That’s probably something Target now regrets,” Mr. Nemer said. “It put them behind in the world of multi-channel retail and let a serious competitor learn a lot about their business.”

Wal-Mart Stores, the world’s largest retailer, will keep selling Kindles, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday. An Amazon spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment.

Target’s move comes as the retailer outfits some of its stores with special displays of Apple Inc. products, including the iPad, which competes with Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet.

Source: Globe and Mail

[bryanalaspa]

I saw that when I was at Target recently. It is very disappointing. I liked being able to walk over there and actually handle a display model of the Kindle or Kindle Fire. It was a great way to get the readers out there to the masses, as well. Not a smart move.

[bkalcher]

I feel concerning the fire mostly, it doesn't affect UK consumers as much as those over the pond. In fact I'm not a fan of Amazons kindle due to the fact they seem to shut us out with new products. I personally own a kobo which many would frown upon but I like the device and the experience it offers through the device itself and the website.

[Ted]

May 12, 2012 10:06:41 GMT -8 bryanalaspa said:

It was a great way to get the readers out there to the masses, as well. Not a smart move.

Target shoppers can still get readers, just not Kindles. Walmart.com and Walmart.ca don't handle Kindles when I checked today.

Maybe Walmart carries them in their stores, or in some of their stores, but I can't find any Amazon device at walmart online stores.

[locker17]

I keep hearing about how stores like best buy and target are threatened by amazon but maybe they wouldn't be if they had things in stock once in awhile. I wanted to buy my mom a cd that had just come out that week and was a tie in to a tv show. I went to best buy because I had a reward coupon and they had none. They didn't even have a spot for it. I was picturing a whole mothers day endcap. Silly me. This wasn't anything old quirky or rare. What a wasted opportunity on their part.