Waterstone’s unveils new site offering two million titles

Waterstone’s, the HMV-owned book chain, is unveiling its new website after splitting with previous online partner Amazon.

The site was developed by Manchester-based digital marketing specialist Code alongside an in-house team at Waterstone’s. It will stock more than 2 million titles and feature exclusive content such as author insights, excerpts and personal shopping services.

Code is also rolling out an online marketing campaign to raise awareness of the site, including promotions and search engine ads.

Gerry Johnson, managing director of Waterstone’s, says: “We have put our booksellers at the heart of the site. Book lovers are now in a position to access specialist, high-street bookselling online from a brand they know and trust.”

Last month, MarketingWeek.co.uk revealed that Waterstone’s has appointed Ocado head of trading and marketing Neil Jewsbury as its first commercial director, overseeing marketing. He takes up his new role at the end of October.