Sony has announced they are closing their online ebook store, effective March 20, 2014. Sales of their Sony ereader have steadily declined over the last few years. The majority of those who read ebooks use an iPad, Kindle or tablet and the market for readers dedicated solely to reading has disappeared.
Sony however, is not leaving it’s customers without options and has announced all of their econtent will be available via Kobo. In late March, Sony will be sending an email to registers users offering a link that will enable them to transfer their existing Sony library to Kobo.
Here are the details from Sony’s press release:
The Future of Reader Store
by Reader Store 02/06/2014
As you know, our customers always come first, which is why we want to share the news firsthand about an announcement made today from Sony regarding its plan to close Reader Store in the U.S. and Canada.
Although we’re sorry to say goodbye to the Reader Store, we’re also glad to share the new and exciting future for our readers: Reader Store will transfer customers to Toronto-based eReading company, Kobo—an admired eBook seller with a passionate reading community. We strongly believe that this transition will allow customers to enjoy a continued high-quality e-reading experience. As a result of this change, we will close Reader Store in the U.S. and Canada on March 20, 2014 at 6 p.m. (EST).
So, what’s next?
Customers don’t have to do anything right now, and will be able to re-download your previously purchased eBooks for a limited time. In late March, we will send an email to registered customers with a link that will allow customers to transfer existing libraries to Kobo. Whether new to Kobo or with an existing account an account, customers will be able to transfer your Reader Store eBooks to your Kobo account so you’ll continue to have access to them in the future. Plus, any existing Reader Store credits in accounts will transfer to a Kobo account to use at the Kobo Store. And of course, customers can continue to use their Sony Reader to read eBooks from Kobo.
We are fully committed to helping our customers through this exciting transition to Kobo. With theKobo Store, readers will have access to more than 4 million of the world’s best books, magazines, comics and kids’ titles, all at your fingertips.
Thank you for being such loyal customers, a part of our reading family, and for your continued support as we work to complete this transition. It has been a pleasure reading with you!
— Your Reader Store Team
