Waterstone's to scrap Amazon deal and go solo

Bookseller Waterstone's announces plans to ditch Amazon in favour of its own e-commerce venture

Bookseller Waterstone’s is to exit its partnership deal with Amazon.com this autumn and go it alone on internet sales.

The HMV-owned group said it would offer a new service with three million books, streamed video of authors’ signing sessions, personal shoppers and a “try before you buy” feature.

It insisted that the change was not the result of unhappiness with Amazon, which has for years been the online storefront for Waterstone’s.

“The relationship has served Waterstone’s well for several years and we have been very pleased with the level of service and support their solution has provided,” said Waterstone’s managing director, Gerry Johnson.

Partnerships between high-street outlets and Amazon have grown in recent years. Luxembourg-based Amazon Services Europe already represents Borders and Books Etc in the UK and assumed responsibility for elements of Marks & Spencer’s online presence last April. Benefit Cosmetics was added last month in the UK.

In the US, Amazon represents the web storefronts of CD Now and Toys ‘R’ Us.