Kobo Hopes to Improve Ebook Sales by Targeting Brick-and-Mortar Customers

In light of recent news that ebook sales have actually decreased in the U.S., ebook retailers are looking for new avenues to encourage greater ebook adoption. Kobo, the Canadian-based ebook platform and retailer, has created a new partnership with the American Booksellers Association (ABA) in the hopes of converting avid print readers into lifelong ebook consumers.

The announcement came last week when Kobo shared the news of its forthcoming launch of eRead Local, an effort created in partnership with the ABA. The program will compensate participating ABA members $5 for every new Kobo customer they acquire. And customers who create a Kobo account through the ABA member will receive a $5 credit toward their first ebook purchase.

The program's goal is to "drive more customers to member stores through an expanded ebook offering," explained Kobo president Michael Tamblyn in a press release, and grow Kobo's own customer base.

The program is set to launch this summer and will run for 100 days.

Read the full press release below.

Toronto, ON - May 27, 2015 - Kobo, a Rakuten company and leading innovator in the digital reading space, today announced the eRead Local program for American Booksellers Association (ABA) members, created to encourage customers to try eReading. With the belief that eBooks have a place in the lives of even those most passionate about the printed page, Kobo is committed to showcasing how the format can complement any reading life by putting money behind the idea.

The eRead Local program is set to launch later this summer and will run for 100 days, with the exact timing to be determined. Participating ABA members will receive $5 USD per new Kobo customer acquired. What's more, each new customer who creates a Kobo account through an affiliate ABA member will receive a $5 USD credit for use toward their first purchase of a Kobo eBook.