What you need to know
- Rakuten Kobo is bringing its e-readers to stores for the first time, and it’s doing so with 500 Best Buy shops across the U.S.
- Consumers can shop the Kobo Clara Colour, Clara BW, Libra Colour, Kobo Stylus 2, and Kobo Remote.
- Online availability for these Rakuten Kobo products remains on kobo.com, Staples, Target, and more.
If you’ve ever wanted to physically shop Rakuten Kobo products, you’re getting your wish. Today (Aug 27), Rakuten unveiled its newest partnership with a major retailer across the U.S.
A press release states Rakuten Kobo e-reader products are heading to 500 Best Buy stores across the U.S. This will be the first time that consumers can shop in stores for Rakuten Kobo products. Previously, as the company highlights in its post, consumers could only shop online for these e-readers.
To complement the retailer expansion, Rakuten Kobo’s CEO, Michael Tamblyn, said, “Many readers want to be able to pick up a device, see the screen, and feel it in their hands before they commit. With Kobo eReaders now available at Best Buy, more American customers can do just that.”
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Coming to Best Buy stores will be the Rakuten Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Clara BW. Both devices are “compact and waterproof.” What’s more, consumers can shop the expansive Kobo Libra Colour. Rounding out Rakuten Kobo’s retail expansion are the Kobo Stylus 2 and the Kobo Remote accessories. While it’s nice to actually see and envision how these tablets would look in your hands in a cozy chair, Rakuten Kobo says there’s more to experience.
After purchasing, the post states each e-reader provides access to the Kobo Store and Kobo Plus. The former lets you shop for new books to read, while the latter is a subscription service. Kobo Plus offers a selection of packages with “support for a wide range of eBook formats, and an industry-leading experience for borrowing eBooks directly from local public libraries with Libby and OverDrive.”
More e-readers hit Best Buy
Android Central’s Take
I think I’ll always enjoy reading a physical book the most, but e-readers have continued to grab my attention. The idea of buying a book and not having to wait for it to ship or get delivered is nice. I can hop right in, cozy up in a comfortable place, and enjoy myself. Rakuten Kobo understands that sometimes, you need to see (and feel) the device you’re interested in. It helps takes the guesswork out an important purchase.
We covered Rakuten Kobo’s launch of the Libra Colour and Clara Colour. These tablets feature E Ink’s Kaledio 3 module screens with stronger processing and improved battery capacities. The Libra Colour, which is what consumers can find in-store at Best Buy, features a 7-inch display, 32GB of storage, and full support for the Kobo Stylus 2. Another highlight of the Libra Colour is its ergonomic design.
Rakuten Kobo worked on its form factor with comfort in mind for longer reading sessions. If you enjoy reading a physical book, the Libra Colour might give you those same vibes—it’s just digital.
For all consumers interested in Rakuten Kobo e-readers, or those curious if their store has any, you can check on Best Buy today. If you prefer the online route, Rakuten Kobo says you can still find its e-readers on kobo.com, Staples, Target, and more.