Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Target ditching Kindle line over 'conflict of interest'?


Amazon's Kindle Fire won't be available at Target, according to a report.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Target has decided to remove Amazon's entire Kindle line from store shelves, according to a new report.

As of May 13, Target will no longer accept shipments of Amazon's Kindle line, The Verge is reporting, citing a source. An internal memo the blog received doesn't say why the mega-retailer decided to make the move, but makes it clear that the company "has made the decision to no longer carry Amazon hardware." The retailer will still offer Kindle accessories.

A quick search for the Kindle on Target's Web site reveals that the devices are not available for purchase.
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According to The Verge's source, the decision to discontinue the Kindle line in Target stores relates to a "conflict of interest." It's not immediately clear what the conflict might be, but it might have something to do with Amazon and Target battling it out on the retail front.

Still, it's hard to imagine why Target would want to get rid of the Kindle. The retailer announced last year that the Kindle Fire was its top-selling tablet, even beating out Apple's iPad. Target has been selling Amazon's Kindles since 2010.

CNET has contacted both Target and Amazon for comment on this story. We will update this story when we have more information.

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