Kobo has today announced a deal with the American Booksellers Association that will see its devices sold through independent bookstores across the US. Not only that, it will offer a revenue share deal on ebook sales.
Rather than simply stocking the eReader devices, the bookstores will offer “a total experience,” including Kobo’s eReaders, eReading accessories, and ebooks. Kobo will also provide training, in-store merchandising, marketing, sales, and logistics support.
The first 400 stores are expected to launch the program in fall this year. Although it’s unclear exactly how ebooks will be sold by the stores, Kobo will share revenue with bookstores on sales they generate.
Deals with bricks-and-mortar stores are an important part of the highly competitive ebook market. Just this week, Barnes & Noble announced that it was partnering with retailer John Lewis for the UK launch of its Nook eReader.
Founded in Canada and owned by Japanese retail giant Rakuten, Kobo announced 400% growth in eBook sales and a 160% rise in eReader sales, year-on-year, in June.
Image credit: Taka@P.P.R.S.
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