Ingram to Distribute Kobo eReaders to Indie Bookstores

Today, the American Booksellers Association announced that the Ingram Content Group will be the exclusive distributor of Kobo eReaders as part of the ABA/Kobo eBook solution [1]. On Thursday, September 6, Kobo announced a new line of devices [2].

As part of the agreement, bookstores ordering from Ingram will be able to take part in a launch program that creates a very low risk opportunity to feature Kobo devices during the critical holiday season. The special launch incentive created by Kobo, Ingram, and ABA for ABA member bookstores includes free displays and demo devices, a cash bonus for participating, rebates for sell-through, and product returnability. More details are available in an updated ABA member FAQ available here [3].

“We believe that Ingram has created a distribution program for Kobo eReaders that is uniquely suited to the needs of indie bookstores, and that offers the options and terms that will make it both easy and advantageous for ABA member stores to offer Kobo’s world-class eReaders to their customers. Ingram’s program reflects the company’s deep understanding of the indie bookselling channel and a clear commitment to helping independents continue to put great reads in the hands of their customers, in whatever format they want,” said ABA CEO Oren Teicher. “Effective distribution of Kobo’s eReaders is obviously critically important to the success of this program, and Ingram has the proven skills to help indies meet the needs of their customers.”

“Ingram is committed to helping independent bookstores succeed and grow in our rapidly changing industry, and we’re uniquely positioned to help indies provide the content their customers want, whether print or digital,” said Shawn Everson, chief commercial officer, Ingram Content Group. “We are eager to launch a digital book program for booksellers with Kobo and ABA. We believe it will ultimately help more independent booksellers bring more books to more readers—the result that we’re all looking for.”

Ingram is the exclusive device wholesaler, and device purchases will fall under its terms and conditions.

For more information about the Ingram distribution program of Kobo eReaders, bookstores should contact their Ingram sales representative or Ingram Customer Care at 1-800-937-8000 [4] or customerservice@ingramcontent.com [5]. Stores that are not currently Ingram customers should contact Ingram at newaccounts@ingramcontent.com [6] or at 1-800-937-0152.