JB Hi-Fi closes ebookstore; customers directed to Kobo

Electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi will close its ebookstore on 30 September, with customers given the option to move their accounts, including their digital libraries, to the Kobo platform.

The JB Hi-Fi ebookstore is part of the retailer’s NOW platform, which also sells digital music and videos. Ebooks can no longer be purchased on the site and JB Hi-Fi NOW eBooks smartphone and tablet apps will not be supported after 30 September.

JB Hi-Fi sent customers an email on 15 September with a link to transfer their accounts to Kobo, which is offering a $10 credit to JB Hi-Fi customers who sign up to the Kobo platform.

The JB Hi-Fi ebookstore launched in April 2013 with support from major publishers, including HarperCollins, Random House, Allen & Unwin, Pan Macmillan, Lonely Planet and Text.

As previously reported by Books+Publishing, the Sony Reader Store in Australia closed in August 2014, with customers transferred to Kobo. Big W also closed its ebookstore in June this year after less than two years’ of operation.

Category: Local news