Waterstone’s says pricing key for 2009

UK book retailer Waterstone’s has identified pricing as key for the retailer in 2009, with Managing Director Gerry Johnson telling publishers that “value is as important as ever”. Toby Bourne, Head of Fiction, told publishers at the supplier conference in London that it was looking “very closely” at the price and format of books. “Given the economy, we don’t expect competition to be any less fierce,” he said. “Value will play an increasing role in our offer.” He said the retailer would have a greater focus on pushing trade paperbacks, more than doubling the amount in their Books of the Year campaign in 2008 as well as increasing their number in three-for-two offers. The retailer will also drive more “link save” promotions.

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