The Bookseller.com

1st December 2008

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Retailers eye 'sold out' Sony Reader

11.09.08 Victoria Gallagher

John Lewis, Currys, Dixons, and House of Fraser plan to stock the Sony Reader once its two-week exclusive period with bookseller Waterstone’s comes to an end next week. The news came as Waterstone’s said that it had “sold out” of the “thousands” of devices it had in stock.

A number of other high street names are also understood to be considering selling the device, after its successful UK launch. The device is also listed on Amazon.co.uk, but the retailer said that this was to enable third parties to sell the Reader off its site. None are available as yet.

Waterstone’s said that it had “sold out” of the device after the launch, with thousands of Readers shifted, including 50 from its Piccadilly store on launch day last Thursday (4th September). Neil Jewsbury, Waterstone’s commercial director, said: “We’ve basically sold out of the thousands of Readers supplied for launch, and are working with Sony to ensure regular deliveries of stock to stores - no one will have to wait very long to get their Reader. We’ve also sold nearly 1000 eBooks a day since launch - a fantastic start and one that can only get better as publishers catch up with converting new and old titles for download.”

John Lewis will be stocking an exclusive e-reader in stores from October, available online from 19th September. The chain is launching a red version of the product with a burgundy case, which will be available in all 26 John Lewis Stores, priced at £199. Curry’s and Dixons--part of the same group--said they would be selling the Reader, but had no details yet on when it would go on sale. It is available for pre-order from Dixons.

Argos said it was looking to sell the Reader in time for Christmas. W H Smith and Borders said they would not sell the device.

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