Waterstone's To Launch E-reader

Waterstone's is to launch a digital e-reader to opponent Amazon's Kindle next year.

The company's handling director, James Daunt, told Radio 4's You and Yours that he had been desirous by Barnes Noble's successful Nook device.

The US bookseller is a of the couple of high road retailers to have challenged Amazon's flourishing prevalence in both earthy and electronic sales.

Amazon customers right away purchase more Kindle titles than paper versions.

Waterstone's is currently in the centre of a reorganization after being paid for from HMV Group by Russian office worker Alexander Mamut.

James Daunt was brought in by the new owners in an endeavor to retreat its disappearing sales.

Entering the hardware marketplace would be an ambitious pierce for Waterstone's and expected engage it partnering with a leading wiring company.

Barnes Noble teamed-up with Taiwanese producer Foxconn - most appropriate well known for creation the iPhone - in 2009 to emanate the Nook.

The American tradesman predicted final month that it would sell around $1.8bn (1.1bn) in Nook e-books by the finish of the financial year.

Amazon does not give a minute relapse of e-book sales and has never suggested the number of Kindle gadgets sold, other than to say it is in the millions.

However, Mr Daunt believes that Barnes and Noble has managed to talon back marketplace share from its online opponent by joining the electronic product with its high road stores.

Nook owners are authorised to read for giveaway in Barnes and Noble stores for up to a hour any day.

"We in Waterstone's must be offer you a digital reader that is at least as good, and preferably significantly better, than that of the internet rival, and you will have a sufficient improved shopping experience purchasing your books by us," Mr Daunt told BBC Radio 4's You and Yours programme.

Waterstone's e-reader plan was "well down the formulation line", according to Mr Daunt, and would launch in spring 2012.