Target will yank Kindles–why? (paidcontent)

According to a memo obtained by The Verge, Target will stop carrying Kindles in its stores or on its website after Mother's Day. The source tells the Verge that the change is due to a "conflict of interest." The memo says "Target has reviewed our product assortment and has made the decision to no longer carry Amazon hardware (i.e., Kindle). Certain accessories for Amazon product will stay in the assortment." The memo instructs employees, "If you receive questions from guests, share that Target continually evaluates its product assortment [to ensure] the best quality and prices for our guests." Employees are also instructed on how to handle media inquiries. Kindles have already been removed from Target's website. **Why the change?** Target may simply not want to carry a product from a major competitor. After all, this reasoning could go, why should Target serve as a store showroom for Amazon products? Somewhat similarly, Barnes & Noble has refused to carry Amazon Publishing titles in its stores. However, it seems as if the change of heart happened relatively quickly: Just last November, Target VP merchandising Nik Nayar said in an Amazon press release, "This was a great Black Friday for Target ...

paidcontent