Walmart to Sell Barnes & Noble Nook e-Reader
Retail is all about getting a product in front of as many people as possible, which is why Barnes & Noble is expanding its Nook e-reader sales strategy to include Walmart.
The Nook will still be available in Barnes & Noble stores and online, but starting October 24 the e-book reader will also be available in 2,500 Walmart stores nationwide.
"Walmart's millions of shoppers will have an easy and convenient way to try Nook devices in many stores and to learn why Nook is the most full-featured eReading device on the market, and the perfect gift solution for anyone who loves to read," said Chris Peifer, vice president of Digital Business Development at Barnes & Noble, in a statement.
That millions-strong buyer base Peifer refers to is the perfect way for Barnes & Noble to increase competition against rivals such as the Amazon Kindle and Apple iPad . The timing of the announcement and the words "gift solution" also reveal the larger strategy. Many e-book reader manufacturers are expecting the holidays to be big business as people look for the perfect gift.
Walmart will carry two models of the Nook e-reader: the Nook 3G can connect using AT&T's 3G network in order to download content and updates , and the Nook Wi-Fi connects to wireless hotspots. Both versions have the same digital ink screen and access to the Barnes & Noble e-book catalog.
