Waterstone's is to end its UK internet book selling service with Amazon and launch its own online service this Autumn.
The company said it has been considering a move for some time and believes that the time it now right to branch out on its own.
Waterstone's Managing Director, Gerry Johnson said: "Our existing UK arrangement with Amazon will end in the Autumn. 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."
The online store which will offer consumers a choice from more than three million titles will also offer a try-before-you-buy facility. Buyers will be able to read excerpts from certain books online, much as they do in a traditional bookshop, before deciding whether to buy.
The website will also offer content such as the streaming of book signing events, author insights and personal shopping for gifts helped by knowledgeable booksellers.
In addition Waterstone's hopes to create a community of booklovers able to interact and share news and views with each other.
"Our booksellers will be at the heart of our online content. Their passion for books and proven expertise will enable us to match customers, however much they read, to their perfect book.
"The site will create a community of booklovers able to interact and share a joint love of reading," said Gary Warren, Head of E-commerce at Waterstone's.
