Sears Holdings Corp. joined a growing list of retailers looking to cash in on Amazon's battle with state governments over collecting sales tax, asking sales affiliates worried about losing Amazon business to direct their online traffic to Sears.com.
Imran Jooma, president of Sears' Internet division, said in an open letter issued Thursday that the Hoffman Estates-based retailer wants affiliates "around the country to know that you have a place with us."
Amazon.com Inc., the world's largest online retailer, relies on a fleet of deal sites and other online portals to direct customers to Amazon.com. The affiliate websites typically send potential customers to Amazon in exchange for a cut of sales.
But the Seattle-based online merchant has threatened to stop doing business with affiliates in states, including Illinois, that institute laws requiring online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by residents in those states.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Best Buy Co. and Barnes & Noble Inc. publicly issued similar invitations, and more giant retailers are expected to follow suit in coming days.
Imran Jooma, president of Sears' Internet division, said in an open letter issued Thursday that the Hoffman Estates-based retailer wants affiliates "around the country to know that you have a place with us."
Amazon.com Inc., the world's largest online retailer, relies on a fleet of deal sites and other online portals to direct customers to Amazon.com. The affiliate websites typically send potential customers to Amazon in exchange for a cut of sales.
But the Seattle-based online merchant has threatened to stop doing business with affiliates in states, including Illinois, that institute laws requiring online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by residents in those states.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Best Buy Co. and Barnes & Noble Inc. publicly issued similar invitations, and more giant retailers are expected to follow suit in coming days.