Alibris U.K. Launches with 60 Million New and Second-Hand Books
for U.K. and European Book Lovers
Direct shipping, local currency, and lower prices improve access
to hundreds of independent booksellers in the U.K. and Europe
November 14, 2006Alibris, the premier online
destination for new and second-hand books in the United States,
announced today the launch of its U.K. Web site and a drive to expand
into international book markets. Alibris U.K. (www.alibris.co.uk)
provides convenient access to more than 60 million new, out-of-print,
rare, and second-hand books to English-speaking consumers throughout
the United Kingdom and sixteen countries in Europe.
“Alibris now delivers a huge selection of booksfaster,
at lower prices, and in local currency,” noted Alibris Chairman
and CEO Martin Manley.
Book lovers in the U.K., Ireland, and Europe can now turn to
Alibris U.K. for books they thought they’d never find. The Web
site enables shoppers to order from thousands of independent
booksellers based in their hometown, in their own country, and in
overseas locations.
Alibris customers around the world can now purchase books with
their local currency. Alibris accepts the British pound sterling,
the euro, and eleven other currencies. Alibris has also reduced
prices for U.K. and European shoppers by thirty to fifty percent.
Alibris U.K. offers fast, direct shipping on orders destined for
British or European addresses. With this direct-shipping upgrade,
parcel delivery times have been cut in half.
“We’re thrilled to be increasing the selection, value,
and convenience for our U.K. and European customers and to be
significantly growing the sales of our U.K. booksellers,” said
Manley.
Alibris U.K. is a sales partner with hundreds of independent
booksellers in the U.K. and Europe. Alibris U.K. provides them with
direct access to millions of online customers. Widely regarded as a
leading destination site for consumers searching for hard-to-find,
out-of-print, and rare books, Alibris U.K. brings increased sales to
its bookselling partners.
“Our U.K. booksellers have asked us for years for a U.K. Web
site that would to help them sell more books to U.K. customers,”
said Brian Elliott, president of Alibris. “This approach also
provides us with an English-language-based starting point for sales
to customers throughout Europe.”
CEO Manley confirmed that the U.K. Web site launch is part of an
international growth strategy for the company. “We expect to
announce additional Web sites for buyers and sellers of books in
languages other than English,” noted CEO Manley. “Alibris
is now backed by investors who are eager to back our international
expansion, and we look forward to doing a lot more in 2007 and
2008.”
About Alibris
Alibris is the premiere online destination for new and used books, as
well as rare and out-of-print books. We connect people who love books,
music, and movies to the best independent sellers from 45 countries
around the world. Our proprietary technology and advanced logistics
allow us to offer over 60 million used, new, and out-of-print books
to consumers, libraries, and retailers, which include Barnes &
Noble, Borders, Amazon.com, Chapters/Indigo, and Books-A-Million.
Founded in 1998 and acquired by Oak Hill Capital Partners in 2006,
Deloitte named Alibris a “Fast 50” and a “Technology
Fast 500” growth business in 2005. Alibris is a registered
trademark.