The Bookseller.com

1st December 2008

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Borders and WHS ready for e-book push

21.08.08 Graeme Neill

Borders UK is to begin selling e-books from its website this autumn, following the launch of the iRex iLiad e-book reader in its shops in May. The news came as Borders increased the number of stores selling the iLiad from six to 12, and W H Smith began selling the device off its website.

Julie Howkins, head of e-commerce at Borders, said that it had made "considerable progress" in preparing for the increase in e-book availability from September. "We will be working with wholesalers to fulfil customer orders for e-books from the Borders website, thus delivering the best possible range and service that we can to our customers," she said.

The retailer would also examine the possibility of selling e-books instore. "In the run-up to Christmas we will be taking a keen interest in evaluating consumer interest in e-books and their delivery channels," added Howkins.

This week The Bookseller revealed that rival bookseller W H Smith had also begun selling the iLiad on its website, becoming the second bookseller after Borders to sell the device. The e-book reading device is available on W H Smith's website, www.whsmith.co.uk, within its stationery section, priced at £399, and comes with 50 books pre-loaded. A spokesperson for WHS said the company had no plans to stock the device instore.

In July, WHS warned that e-book devices would have to drop below £100 if they were to take off. A spokesperson this week reiterated that point, but added: "From the high street perspective, we will watch the market closely for new developments, so we are in a good position to capitalise on growth in that area."

Waterstone's is to begin selling the Sony Reader from 4th September in 205 of its stores. Customers can already place pre-orders for the device, which retails at £199, on the chain's website.

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