Borders goes solo online

Borders ended its 17-year partnership with Amazon to gain online autonomy

Borders has ended the alliance it had with online retailer Amazon since 1991 for the running of its e-commerce operations.

The agreeement between the two businesses expires in February. Borders's new website, currently being tested, will formally launch by Spring 2008.

"We're literally starting with a blank page," said Border's executive vice president of merchandising and marketing Rob Gruen.

Developing a brand new website will allow more online autonomy for Borders as well as a closer relationship with its customers, says the retailer.

Features on the web will include an online rewards scheme, customer interaction and music downloads.

Ahead of the launch, Wholesaler Gardners Books sealed an agreement with Borders for the fulfilment of both physical and online orders at the website.