The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

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Egmont to sell direct

10.07.08 Caroline Horn

Egmont UK will relaunch its website this autumn with an e-commerce function to sell direct to consumers, as well as additional editorial content and functionality.

The new website is expected to be live at the end of August. The improvements represent the first stage in developing Egmont's complete digital offer, said digital director Jo de Lange. "We are looking at future developments including print on demand and e-books, but we first need to focus on getting our website right."

Customers will be able to buy books direct from Egmont for the first time, although the company is not aiming to drive significant sales through its own portal. "Our main aim is not to be the cheapest, but there will be some price promotions," said de Lange. "People expect to find a bargain here and there when they are browsing online."

Editorial content will also be developed, with a new facility to send questions direct to Egmont's authors, author blogs and consumer reviews.

Caroline Horn children's Egmont digitisation