US based bookseller Barnes & Noble announced a partnership with UK retailer John Lewis to bring the company’s Private Brand e-reader and digital bookstore NOOK to its physical stores and online sales channels this autumn. The partnership with John Lewis, a premium department store lauded as “the UK’s leading electrical retailer,” will fortify Barnes & Noble’s newly-announced presence in the UK, and will enable UK shoppers to see, touch and experience NOOK devices and digital content.
John Lewis is the first company outside the US to partner with Barnes & Noble to offer the NOOK devices in each of its 37 UK stores and on www.johnlewis.com, with Barnes & Noble’s line of E Ink Readers, NOOK Simple Touch and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight, the first products to be available. As previously disclosed, Barnes & Noble will also offer NOOK devices and content to UK customers this autumn through its own online storefront, www.nook.co.uk.
“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. “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.”
Ed Connolly, director of buying for electricals and home technology at John Lewis, said: “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.”
Echoing Barnes & Noble’s dedicated Digital Shops in the US, devices including NOOK Simple Touch and NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight will be prominently displayed in John Lewis electronics aisles throughout the UK as well as its Web site.
