MAIN NEWS HEADLINES
July 5 – July 11, 2010 Edition Borders Launches eBook Store With Kobo
ANN ARBOR, Mich./AUTHORLINK NEWS/July 7, 2010–Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) today announced the launch of the Borders branded eBook store, powered by global eReading service Kobo(TM). Borders’ goal is to secure a 17 percent share of the eBook market by July 2011.
The new eBook store launches with more than 1.5 million titles, including thousands of free titles, available in a variety of formats, including ePub, mobile and PDF. The store launch follows the successful introduction of the Borders iPhone and iPad apps, powered by Kobo, as well as the introduction of the Kobo eReader and Aluratek Libre eReader on Borders.com. Both devices, which are value-priced at under $150, have surpassed sales expectations. To provide additional value around its digital offerings, the retailer will offer its Borders Rewards(R) loyalty program members with benefits ranging from special gift cards and free shipping on certain items, to exclusive offers on popular digital series, double Borders Bucks(TM) incentives on the purchase of eReaders, as well as other valuable offers. More than 38 million members have signed up for the Rewards program since it launched in 2006. “The race to emerge as a retail leader within the digital category is just starting,” said Mike Edwards, Chief Executive Officer for Borders, Inc. “During the past several months, we’ve been carefully crafting a digital strategy, one that has great content and a device-neutral philosophy backed by the Borders brand as its cornerstones. We believe we are very well positioned to come out strong and to ultimately claim about a 17 percent eBook market share by this time next year.”
Customers will be able to try out a number of eReading devices before making a purchase. Area-e sections, which will be in virtually all Borders stores by early September, will be staffed by knowledgeable associates, who will demo products and answer customers’ questions.
The Kobo eReader ($149), which also comes with 100 free titles, and the Libre eBook Reader Pro ($119), both of which are priced to fit most budgets, position Borders for strong consumer adoption and market penetration. The Kobo eReader is currently available in select Borders stores and can be ordered on Borders.com anytime. The Libre eBook Reader Pro can also be ordered on Borders.com.
The company also announced today it is making available to consumers BlackBerry(R) and Android(TM) eReading applications, also powered by Kobo.
About Borders Group, Inc.
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., through its subsidiaries, Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. The company employs approximately 19,500 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders(R) and Waldenbooks(R) stores. Online shopping is offered through borders.com.
