Walmart eBooks: The Perfect Blend of Digital and Print

As we navigate the world of eBooks, it's clear that many readers are embracing both digital and print formats. At Rakuten Kobo, our best customers tell us they buy a dozen or more print books a year, along with digital audiobooks. In fact, in some categories like romance, mystery, or fantasy, an eBook is just as popular as one of two or three print copies. The truth is, print isn't an 'either or' proposition; it's about providing readers with choices.

In the United States alone, approximately one in four books sold are digital. This shift towards digital has led to a new era of reading experiences, and we're excited to partner with Walmart to bring even more options to customers across the country. At Rakuten Kobo, we've always believed that retailers and store experiences play a vital role in the mix of our global operations.

To achieve rapid international expansion, we built everything from scratch – infrastructure, apps, payment processing, and e-commerce stacks – knowing we would be operating in multiple countries, currencies, and languages. This approach allowed us to quickly establish ourselves as a global player.

Founded in 2009, Rakuten Kobo was created with a simple mission: to empower book lovers to read more by delivering the best digital reading experience possible. As we embark on this new partnership with Walmart, I'm thrilled to share our story and what it means for readers everywhere.

Michael Tamblyn, President and CEO of Rakuten Kobo, is an avid book lover who is excited about the new digital book options now available through Walmart eBooks by Rakuten Kobo. With a passion for reading and a commitment to delivering exceptional eBook experiences, we're confident that this partnership will bring joy to readers across the country.

Together, Rakuten Kobo and Walmart are dedicated to providing an unparalleled reading experience, whether it's print, digital, or both. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference in the world of eBooks and give more people access to great books.

Walmart ebooks