Toys R Us to launch new Web site

25.05.2006
Toys R Us Inc. has selected GSI Commerce Inc., a provider of e-commerce platforms, and Exel, a leading North American contract logistics provider, to support a new platform for the company's online business, Toys R Us announced Wednesday. The transition of Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com to the new e-commerce platform is slated to take place on July 1.

Under long-term agreements, GSI Commerce will provide technology, customer service and support, and Exel will provide fulfillment services for both Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, Toys R Us said.

As part of the transition, the company said it will relaunch the Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com sites with a new appearance and the addition of more product information to help consumers make better selections. After the relaunch, Toys R Us plans future enhancements to the site as it adds new merchandise and features.

The move comes two months after a court decision allowing Toys R Us to sever an e-commerce agreement with Amazon.com under which it sold its products via the online marketplace. The decision, handed down by the Chancery Court division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, allows Toy R Us to run an independent retail Web site, Toys R Us said.

Even so, Amazon spokeswoman Patty Smith said after the ruling in March that Amazon had decided to appeal the decision and has asked the court to stay its judgment while the appeal is considered.

According to Kathleen Waugh, a Toys R Us spokeswoman, "Amazon did appeal and the appeal is ongoing. In early April, Amazon filed a motion with the trial court for a stay during the appeal process, but the judge denied that appeal. Then Amazon appealed that judge's decision to the appellate division on an emergency basis and the appellate division refused to consider the stay. So there is no stay and the court is well aware that we are moving forward to provide a seamless transition to our own Web site and that will happen on July 1.