Target is facing somewhat of a consumer backlash today in response to news that the retail giant will no longer carry the hugely popular line of Amazon Kindle products, including the new Kindle Fire tablet.
As of this writing, the leading U.S. retailer had been home to the successful device line and sold innumerable units to the benefit of the online retailer behind the eReader and tablet phenomenon – the only devices that have given Apple a serious challenge in the tablet space.
News of the decision came from a suspected leaked internal company memo. Target subsequently confirmed to Reuters that it will no longer carry Amazon’s Kindle devices. The stores will, however, continue to stock the Apple iPad and Barnes & Noble’s NOOK.
“Target is phasing out Amazon- and Kindle-branded products in the spring of 2012,” Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder tells Reuters. “We will continue to offer our guests a full assortment of e-readers and supporting accessories.”
The decision to discontinue carrying Amazon products isn’t a sign of the retailer’s favoritism toward Apple and B&N. In fact, most analysts believe the move comes in response to Target now seeing Amazon as more of a retail competitor than a retail partner.
Do you agree with the decision by Target to pull Amazon products?
