Retail chain Target announced on Friday that it plans to build and manage its own platform for Target.com expected to launch in advance of the holiday season in 2011. Target has been using Amazon.com's technology and fulfillment services since launching Target.com in 2001. The arrangement allowed Target.com and Amazon.com shoppers to use their account information from one store to shop at the other.

Target and Amazon had previously extended their contract to 2011, and Target said the two companies would continue to work together during the next two years.

Target.com President Steve Eastman said in a statement, "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. 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."

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation has 1,719 stores nationwide in addition to its website, Target.com. The company also operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary and Visa credit card products.

http://www.target.com