The world’s largest bookseller, Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS), formed an alliance with UK retailer John Lewis, to bring its award-winning NOOK reading experience and leading digital bookstore to its physical stores and online sales channels this autumn. The partnership with “the UK’s leading electrical retailer,” to establish its presence in UK, is the company’s first expansion overseas in its 95-year history.
“John Lewis is where knowledgeable customers turn for trusted advice on the best products to purchase, and they are a perfect partner to help launch NOOK in the UK,” said Jamie Iannone, President of Digital Products at Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS). “We look forward to bringing more choice and convenience to discerning UK customers with our critically acclaimed line of reading devices and expansive selection of content.”
The premium department store will offer NOOK devices in each of its 37 UK stores and on www.johnlewis.com. First to be available in the stores, will be Barnes & Noble’s, Inc. (NYSE:BKS) top-ranked line of E Ink® Readers, NOOK Simple Touch™ and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight™. Along with selling through John Lewis, Barnes & Noble will also offer NOOK devices and content online through www.nook.co.uk.
“Always first with the latest technology, John Lewis is thrilled to be chosen as the premier UK launch retailer for the NOOK. This award-winning line of eReaders adds greater choice to this expanding category. We think our customers will love NOOK’s adaptability thanks to its E Ink display and unique built-in GlowLight, perfect for day or night time reading,” said,Ed Connolly, director of buying for electricals and home technology at John Lewis.
The US bookseller had hinted in January, that it planned to expand its ebook business internationally, as it struggles to compete with Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) in its domestic market. Although the Nook device has helped the bookseller offset falling demand for printed books, a reduction in the device’s selling price has led to a quarterly decline in revenues from device sales.
According to the agreement, NOOK Simple Touch and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight will be launched in UK for the holiday shopping season. Both the devices have built-in access via Wi-Fi to Barnes & Noble’s digital catalog of more than 2.5 million digital titles.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS), the world’s largest bookseller and leading retailer of content, digital media, and educational products, currently serves US shoppers through more than 1300 Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS) and Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, and through top US retailers.
Further details about product, pricing and availability are expected to be announced in autumn.
