During the tough economic times when companies are downsizing and cutting costs, Barnes & Noble decided to buck the trend and go big.  The chain that made hanging out at bookstores cool, is offering free wireless connectivity at all of its 777 U.S. stores and launching an eBookstore to enable its customers to buy and read ebooks on handheld platforms such as the iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry smartphones, and laptops.  

The wireless service is powered by AT&T–which also works with Starbucks to offer that franchise’s patrons internet access.  Starbucks internet is free with a few strings attached–including the requirement of a Starbucks card and a time cap on free connectivity.  Though Barnes & Noble has worked exclusively with AT&T to provide Wi-Fi connectivity in the past, it did so by billing the customer at a hourly rate of nearly $4. 

Free Wi-Fi and ebooks…is there a connection?

And to entice customers towards purchase, of physical or digital titles, Barnes & Noble is making available special coupons, in-store event information, and other promotions to their in-store internet-surfers. 

Barnes & Noble CEO, Steve Riggio, is cognizant of the chain’s role in making the bookstore a destination rather than stop and feels confident that internet for all is a step in the right direction, “by providing no-fee Wi-Fi access [Barnes & Noble] is not only meeting [] customers’ needs, but extending the sense of community” that has made the franchise successful.  And in case you question the bookstore’s ability to compete in the ebook market, Riggio assures that “[Barnes & Noble’s]commitment to the sale of digital books is significant.”

It is welcome news to book-lovers and internet-junkies alike.  Will other bookstores follow suit?  You’ll just have to keep reading to find out.

Related Resources:

  • AT&T, Barnes & Noble offer bookstore customers free
  • Wi-Fi (Denver Business Journal)
  • Barnes
  • & Noble to offer free WiFi (Boston.com)
  • Internet
  • wants to be free at Barnes & Noble (Los Angeles Times)
  • Barnes & Noble Sets up eBook Shop (Wirelessweek.com)

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