Target To Stop Selling Amazon's Kindle E-Readers
NEW YORK (CBSMiami/AP) -- Target is ditching the Amazon Kindle line of e-readers and tablets.
The retailer announced Wednesday it plans to phase out the products this spring. Target will also stop selling Kindle accessories like covers and chargers.
Target is not saying why the Kindle is disappearing from shelves at its more than 1,700 stores and its website.
Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder said the decision to stop selling Kindles this spring came after an "ongoing review" of Target's merchandise that evaluates quality and prices of the chain's offerings.
The move coincides with the discounter's plan to create mini shops of Apple Inc. products in 25 of its stores this year.
Snyder declined to comment further about its partnership with Apple, only saying, "We will continue to offer our guests a full assortment of e-readers and supporting accessories."
The Kindle was an apparent hit for Target. The company started selling Kindles two years ago and last year, the company said the newly launched Kindle Fire was Target's best-selling tablet on Black Friday.
Target will still sell other e-readers, including the Barnes and Noble Nook.
Target's decision to phase out the Kindle is also occurring as the retailer, along with other major merchants, are trying to fight a growing practice called "showrooming." That's when shoppers, armed with smart phones, browse products in physical stores and then shop online for a better price. Earlier this year, Target sent out a letter to vendors asking for help in developing exclusive merchandise and matching rivals' online prices.
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