Barnes & Noble announced yesterday it would offer a free Nook Simple Touch e-reader to customers who buy its high-definition Nook HD+ tablet next week, a sign it may still be grappling with excess inventory of the e-reader.
The top US bookstore chain last month reported poor holiday quarter results for its Nook business. Overall revenue fell 26 percent as it sold fewer devices, losing ground to products like iPad and Kindle.
Barnes & Noble’s offer lasts March 24 to March 30.
The Simple Touch e-reader, while well reviewed, failed to catch on with customers since its launch in 2011, as digital-book buyers have migrated toward tablet devices.
Barnes & Noble shares fell 27 cents, to close at $16.54 yesterday.