UK high street book retailer Waterstone’s has announced that the company is working on its own eBook reader which it intends to launch in 2012, and it would appear the company’s move is inspired by the success of Barnes & Noble’s Nook eReader range.
The company’s Managing Director, James Daunt, recently spoke to the BBC and explained why they want to produce their own eReader.
We in Waterstone’s need to offer you a digital reader which is at least as good, and preferably substantially better, than that of our Internet rival, and you will have a much better buying experience purchasing your books through us.
Waterstone’s Strategic Move
Waterstone’s decision to enter the eBook reader market is a strategic move aimed at capturing a share of the rapidly growing digital book market. With the increasing popularity of eBooks, traditional bookstores have faced significant challenges. By launching their own eReader, Waterstone’s aims to stay relevant in the digital age and provide their customers with a seamless reading experience. This move is not just about selling a device; it’s about creating an ecosystem where customers can easily purchase and read books from Waterstone’s extensive catalog.
Competition and Market Dynamics
The eReader market is highly competitive, with established players like Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook dominating the scene. Waterstone’s will need to offer unique features and a compelling user experience to stand out. While there are no details yet on the hardware specifications of the new Waterstone’s eBook reader, it is expected that the company will focus on creating a device that is user-friendly, with a high-resolution display, long battery life, and ample storage for a large library of books.
Additionally, Waterstone’s will likely integrate their eReader with their existing online store, allowing customers to easily purchase and download books. This integration could provide a more cohesive and enjoyable shopping experience compared to other eReaders on the market.
There are no details as yet on what sort of hardware the new Waterstone’s eBook reader will feature, and also no details on who the company has teamed up with to manufacture it. However, industry experts speculate that Waterstone’s may partner with a well-known technology company to ensure the device meets high standards of quality and performance.
Customer Experience and Benefits
One of the key advantages of Waterstone’s launching their own eReader is the potential for a superior customer experience. By offering a device that is tailored to their customers’ needs, Waterstone’s can provide a more personalized and engaging reading experience. For example, the eReader could come pre-loaded with exclusive content, special offers, and recommendations based on the user’s reading habits.
Moreover, Waterstone’s physical stores could play a significant role in promoting and supporting the new eReader. Customers could visit their local Waterstone’s store to try out the device, receive assistance with setup, and attend events or workshops related to digital reading. This in-store support could be a major differentiator for Waterstone’s, setting them apart from online-only competitors.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Waterstone’s entry into the eReader market could have a significant impact on the company’s overall business strategy. By embracing digital technology, Waterstone’s can attract a new generation of readers who prefer the convenience of eBooks. Additionally, the eReader could open up new revenue streams through the sale of digital content and subscriptions.
In conclusion, Waterstone’s decision to launch their own eBook reader in 2012 is a bold and strategic move aimed at staying competitive in the evolving book market. While details about the device are still scarce, the potential benefits for both the company and its customers are substantial. As the launch date approaches, it will be interesting to see how Waterstone’s positions their eReader and what features they will offer to entice readers.
Source BBC
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