Kobo has struck a partnership with the American Booksellers Association to sell its eReader device and ebooks in independent U.S. bookstores.
Toronto-based Kobo says it expects to launch its partnership with 2,000 ABA-member stores this fall, starting with 400 stores. The deal will see ABA members offer Kobo eReaders, ebooks and accessories and share in the revenue from every sale. ABA members will also be able to offer ebooks online to their customers.
Kobo CEO Mike Serbinis says the company is "excited" to bring an "Indie alternative to the eReading market."
Toronto's Indigo Books sold Kobo to Japan's Rakuten Inc. for $315 million in a deal that closed this year. Kobo has an ebook catalog of three million titles.
