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B&N is fighting back against the Amazon.com juggernaut by refusing to let its stores sell books published by the online retail giant. Customers will have to go to Barnes & Noble's website to buy an Amazon book — and somehow I don't see that happening much.
The immediate upset is over Amazon signing authors, agents and publishers to exclusive deals. "Their actions have undermined the industry as a whole and have prevented millions of customers from having access to content," said Jaime Carey, chief merchandising officer at Barnes & Noble. "It’s clear to us that Amazon has proven they would not be a good publishing partner to Barnes & Noble as they continue to pull content off the market for their own self interest."
Earlier this week, the popular book review site Goodreads declared its independence from Amazon data and restrictions.
Previously on LA Observed:
Huge jump in number of people owning tablets, e-readers
Barnes & Noble looking for new Westside location
Barnes & Noble Westside Pavilion: R.I.P. *
Photo: LA Observed takes in the view from the roof of Amazon's new campus in Seattle last summer.