Applied DNA, GHCL And Reliance Industries, Launch CertainT® Recycled PET In Bedding Products At New York Home Fashions Week March 2018

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — January 29, 2018 — Applied DNA Sciences Inc. today announced it is collaborating with GHCL Ltd., a global manufacturer of home textiles, and Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), India’s largest private sector company and the first to feature in Fortune’s Global 500 list of “World’s Largest Corporations,” to launch CertainT® verified recycled PET (rPET) bedding products at New York Home Fashions week, to be held from March 19-22, 2018.

Fully source-verified, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET post-consumer) is the clear plastic best known for packaging bottled water, and is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. GHCL will use Applied DNA’s CertainT platform in connection with PET- and/or recycled PET-blended bed sheets, pillowcases, and shams sold in-store or online in the United States. RIL is collaborating with GHCL and Applied DNA as the preferred fiber-manufacturing partner to use the CertainT platform for authenticity of recycled PET in bed sheets, pillowcases, and shams.

RIL, the largest integrated producer of polyester fibre and yarn in the world, manufacturers the most ecofriendly fibers in the world, Recron® Green Gold fibers and Recron® Green Gold Dope-Dyed (EcoD) Fibers & Tow, which are manufactured via ecofriendly processes of the highest standard. These fibers have been granted the “Global Recycle Standard” from the internationally recognized Control Union Certificates, Netherland.

Hemant Sharma, sector head – Polyester, RIL said: “RIL is the only company that has created a complete circle from creation of PET resin for making bottles, collection of discarded PET bottles, and converting them to Recron Green Gold Eco Friendly Polyester fibres for use by the downstream textile value chain that converts the fibers in to apparel and home textiles.”

Sharma continued: “Recron® Green Gold fibers and tow demonstrate the lowest carbon footprint number and meet the most stringent environmental criteria for being a green fiber. The collaboration with Applied DNA and GHCL for making forensic science based Recron® Green Gold fiber further bolsters our thrust on quality and persuasion for highest standards.”

“Consistent with global sustainability and the circular economy, we provide the first fully source-verified recycled PET bedding product line using CertainT, Applied DNA’s proprietary traceability system that tags, tests, tracks the original r-PET pellets to finished products,” said Manu Kapur, president and CEO, GHCL Home Textiles. “We produce a wide range of synthetic yarns from polyester, viscose and other high-end yarns which now utilize the CertainT system for full traceability. The ability to source and buy CertainT yarns made from verified recycled PET fiber is a unique offering that GHCL can provide to customers globally.”

GHCL operates its home textiles facility in Vapi in the state of Gujarat, India. The facility overseas the production process from spinning to weaving to finished processed fabric, which is then made into duvet sets, sheet sets, comforters, to name a few. As one of the leading manufacturers in home textiles in India, the plant boasts an annual production capacity of 36 million meters of finished fabric per annum. GHCL’s home textile products are predominantly exported worldwide to USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany and other European Union countries as well. On October 25, 2017, GHCL was presented with the Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance in London.

“CertainT does what no other system can do – we can tag every single fiber and verify them through a defined and secure supply chain through systematic sampling, testing and tracking,” said Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA. “Momentum with retailers and manufacturers across a variety of textiles is growing; we are pleased to see the CertainT platform and trademark now making its way onto retail shelves this year, giving consumers what they want.”

Posted January 29, 2018

Source: Applied DNA Sciences

PPG Foundation Invests More Than $600,000 In Science And Engineering Programs At 11 Universities In 2017

PITTSBURGH — January 29, 2018 — PPG today announced that the PPG Foundation completed grants totaling more than $600,000 to 11 universities considered premier institutions in the disciplines of polymer science and engineering, chemical engineering, materials science and synthetic organic chemistry. The 2017 grants were made on behalf of PPG’s corporate science and technology function.

The grants supported an array of programs and initiatives, including graduate student fellowships, symposiums and conferences, scholarships, mentorship programs and other initiatives at the following universities:

  • California Polytechnic State University;
  • Carnegie Mellon University;
  • North Dakota State University;
  • Northwestern University;
  • Penn State University;
  • University of Michigan;
  • University of Akron;
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
  • University of Massachusetts, Amherst;
  • University of Pittsburgh; and
  • University of Wisconsin.

“PPG and the PPG Foundation are committed to supporting the development of the next generation of chemists and engineers, who will create tomorrow’s innovative technologies,” said Mike Makowski, PPG senior research associate.

PPG and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested more than $10.5 million in 2017, supporting hundreds of community organizations across 29 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today’s skilled workforce and develop tomorrow’s innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving.

Posted January 29, 2018

Source: PPG

Key Patent Behind Game-Changing Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology Upheld At Highest European Patent Instance

GELEEN, the Netherlands — January 29, 2018 — Royal DSM — a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials — today announces that a key patent of DSM Dyneema, protecting its Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology will be maintained after a second challenge before the Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office. This radical innovation platform delivers game-changing materials for soft body armor and hard materials for helmets, vest inserts and vehicle armor. Armor made with Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology is 30 percent lighter than traditional armor whilst providing the same level of ballistic protection.

An appeal against the patent was filed by Honeywell Inc., after DSM Dyneema already successfully defended this patent EP1699954B1 in opposition proceedings in 2014.

“We are pleased that also after this second challenge, the European Patent Office, rejects the opposition and will maintain the patent with its original granted claims,” said Olivier Janin, vice president ,Marketing & Sales, DSM Dyneema. “The patent cannot be further challenged anymore at the European Patent Office.” Beyond Europe the patent is granted in several other countries of the world including the United States.

Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology has proven to be a game-changer in the life protection field, and is the result of an important investment in research and development dating back over more than ten years. Only due to the company’s unique and massive body of knowledge in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) polymer, UHMWPE fiber, UD chemistry and production technology, DSM Dyneema was able to create this new platform.

Several products within the high-end platform have been highly successful, and DSM Dyneema has captured on the substantial growth potential, and will continue to do so including launching of new products. The importance of Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology has been recognized by a number of DSM Dyneema customers through various awards it has received over the years.

“Since filing this original patent, we have continued our innovation efforts and filed additional patents further protecting this technology,” said Janin.

The confirmed protection for Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology and the newest generation of ultimate strength Dyneema fibers means that DSM Dyneema customers can continue to benefit from the protection of the unique products they source from the company.

Posted January 29, 2018

Source: DSM Dyneema

The Future Of Manufacturing In The U.A.E.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — January 28, 2018 — The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council released a new report on the latest developments in the U.A.E.’s manufacturing sector at a high-profile event held in Abu Dhabi Sunday, January 28. Eng. Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, CEO of SENAAT, and Badr Al-Olama, the Head of the Aerospace Business Unit at Mubadala Investment Company, provided keynote remarks at this exclusive business roundtable luncheon.

U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright, highlighted the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s new report, titled “Making the Future: The U.A.E.’s Growing Manufacturing Sector.”

Eng. Jamal Al Dhaheri subsequently spoke about the state of the country’s manufacturing sector. He also provided insights into SENAAT’s plans and projects, including the recently inaugurated Ducab Aluminium Company (DAC).

Al Dhaheri said: “SENAAT is a key contributor to Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, strategically developing the Emirate into a global industrial player. As a fast-growing industrial champion with a track record in forging successful partnerships, we are currently managing AED 27.5 billion of industrial assets in metals, F&B, O&G services, and the construction and building materials sector. In line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 & the Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Strategy, we continue to explore multiple investment plans and strategic projects and we look forward to strengthening ties with the international investment community in this journey.”

Badr Al-Olama, who also leads the organizing committee for the Global Industrialization and Manufacturing Summit (GMIS), then shared his thoughts on the future of U.A.E. manufacturing. “The U.A.E. is a story of transformation,” Al-Olama said. “With strong leadership, and a continued focus on long-term goals, our advanced manufacturing sector is set to share a quarter of the national GDP in the very near future. Growth in manufacturing is encouraging greater investment in developing specialist skills and promoting wider societal sustainability initiatives across the country.”

Al-Olama also discussed the role that Mubadala plays in this industrial transformation and on wider U.A.E. society. “At Mubadala, we believe that manufacturing, ultimately, has a transformative impact on society — by creating an agile economy that offers high-value employment opportunities that are more resilient to market dynamics.”

Following these keynote remarks, Al Dhaheri and Al-Olama engaged in a thoughtful discussion with senior-level attendees about the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the impact of 3-D printing, automation, and artificial intelligence on industry. Finally, they discussed opportunities and challenges to manufacturing in the U.A.E. and provided detailed advice to companies considering establishing operations there.

Sebright concluded the event by stressing the wide range of opportunities the U.A.E.’s manufacturing sector provides for U.S. companies and investors. “This new report and today’s event demonstrate that the prospects for U.A.E. manufacturing are bright,” Sebright said. “There are substantial opportunities for U.S. companies who are considering establishing manufacturing operations in the U.A.E. or exploring commercial relationships with U.A.E. manufacturers.”

Posted January 29, 2018

Source: U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council

DICK’S Sporting Goods Celebrates Employee Roster Of 11 Team USA Winter Olympians

PITTSBURGH — January 26, 2018 — DICK’S Sporting Goods, the official sporting goods retail sponsor of Team USA, announced today its official roster of athletes from its Contenders program who have successfully qualified for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

In total, 11 participants in the Company’s Contenders program, which supports U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls with flexible job scheduling and a highly competitive wage, have qualified for Team USA thus far. More than 30 percent of the 36 Team USA Olympic winter hopefuls participating in DICK’S Contenders program will be competing in the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.

Additionally, five of the seven U.S. Paralympic athletes who are part of the Company’s Contenders employment program are still competing to earn a spot on Team USA.

“We’re proud to be a leading employer of Team USA athletes, supporting hundreds of hopefuls during all phases of their Olympic and Paralympic journeys,” said Lauren Hobart, president, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “The fact that such a large number of our employees qualified for Team USA gives us confidence that our Contenders program is successful in giving these inspiring athletes the extra support they need to help achieve their dreams. We look forward to watching their incredible accomplishments continue in PyeongChang.”

DICK’S announced the multi-faceted Team USA partnership in 2015, which includes the in-store employment program, sporting goods and equipment donations to the U.S. Olympic Training Centers and sponsorships to Team USA hopefuls to help them pursue their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. Since inception, more than 250 Team USA hopefuls have been employed by DICK’S.

“The Contenders program from DICK’S Sporting Goods makes a real difference for Team USA, offering flexible employment for athletes as they train for the chance to compete at the Olympic or Paralympic Winter Games,” said Lisa Baird, USOC CMO. “Fans of Team USA all over the country are looking forward to cheering these amazing athletes on in PyeongChang.”

The roster of DICK’S Sporting Goods Contenders who have qualified for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games includes:

Alex Rigsby, Ice Hockey – Competing in her first Olympic Winter Games as a goalie for Team USA Women’s Hockey. Before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin and playing on their women’s hockey team, Alex played on men’s teams from the age of five through high school.

Carlijn Schoutens, Long Track Speedskating – A dual citizen of the United States and Netherlands, Carlijn Schoutens is a short-track speedskater competing in the Olympic Winter Games for the first time. Off the ice, Carlijn is enrolled in school at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam to become a doctor.

John Shuster, Curling – A 2006 Olympic Bronze medalist, John Shuster is competing in his fourth Olympic Winter Games for Team USA as the skip of his curling team. He credits his employment at DICK’S with assisting him with family expenses.

Jessika Jenson, Snowboard – Coming off a 13th place finish in the 2014 Games in Sochi, Jessika is hoping to win her first Olympic medal in PyeongChang. In addition to her work in the Contenders program, Jessika sells her own line of neck warmers to support her Olympic journey.

 

FULL ROSTER
First Name Last Name Sport Hometown Store Location
Hakeem Abdul-Saboor Bobsled Powhatan, Va. Burlington, Vt.
Cory Christensen Curling Duluth, Minn. Minnetonka, Minn.
Kimani Griffin Speedskating Winston Salem, N.C. Midvale, Utah
Rebecca Lynn Hamilton Curling McFarland, Wis. East Madison, Wis.
Jessika Jenson Snowboard Rigby, Idaho Pocatello, Idaho
Briauna Jones Bobsled* Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte, N.C.
Alex Rigsby Ice Hockey Delafield, Wis. West Madison, Wis.
Carlijn Schoutens Speedskating Heemstede, the Netherlands Midvale, Utah
John Shuster Curling Chisholm, Minn. Duluth, Minn.
Jerica Tandiman Speedskating Kearns, Utah Midvale, Utah
Aaron Tran Short Track Speedskating Seattle, Wash. Midvale, Utah
*Alternate

 

Details on the DICK’S Sporting Goods Contenders who have qualified to make the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will follow at a later date once the U.S. Paralympic Team roster is officially announced.

Posted January 28, 2018

Source: DICK’S Sporting Goods

Xerium Names Harald Weimer President Of Xerium Technologies, Inc.’s Europe Organization

YOUNGSVILLE, N.C. — January 26, 2018 — Mark Staton, president and CEO of Xerium Technologies Inc., a global provider of industrial consumable products and services, announced today the hiring of Harald Weimer as Xerium’s president of Europe. Weimer will be based out of the Company’s Reutlingen, Germany, facility and will be responsible for guiding the European operations to sustainable growth following the completion of the Company’s primary repositioning projects.

Staton said: “We are very excited to have Harald join Xerium to lead our European organization. Harald is a seasoned leader and has demonstrated the ability to unlock growth and develop new markets and products within the confines of a streamlined platform. With Harald’s addition, Dave Pretty will transition his European responsibilities while maintaining his role as president of North America. This transition gives us single-point regional leadership across the globe and permits Harald and Dave to focus 100-percent of their efforts on further improvements in their important regions.”

Weimer said: “I am honored to accept this opportunity to lead Xerium in Europe and the broader EMEA region. I look forward to working with the global leadership team and my European colleagues to continue delivering high quality products and services that exceed customer expectations. It is my goal to ensure we leverage our industry-leading know-how into disciplined revenue growth through our existing customers and through new opportunities.”

Harald Weimer Background Highlights

  • 25 years of sales, technical, operational, managerial and executive leadership experience;
  • Seasoned international leader with experience residing and operating in Europe, Mexico and the United States;
  • Many years of full P&L responsibility with functional leadership experiences including manufacturing, project management, business development, sales and marketing;
  • 19 years of progressive leadership responsibilities with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen;
  • Most recently held the position of Executive Board Member, Sales and Services, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen;
  • Prior to Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, held leadership positions at Xerox; and
  • Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences for Technology, Esslingen. Focus on Production & Automation Technology and Technical Sales & Sales Communication.

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Xerium Technologies

Ewoldsen Named President Of Johnston & Murphy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — January 26, 2018 — Genesco Inc. announced today that Danny Ewoldsen has been named president of the Company’s Johnston & Murphy division, effective February 4, 2018.

A 15-year veteran of Johnston & Murphy, Ewoldsen most recently served as executive vice president, Retail and eCommerce. As president, he will expand his responsibilities to include the division’s wholesale and retail operations. Ewoldsen will report to Jon Caplan, senior vice president of Genesco and CEO, Johnston & Murphy and Genesco Branded Group.

“Danny has been instrumental in successfully driving change through Johnston & Murphy’s direct to consumer businesses,” Caplan said. “His focus on ensuring our organization provides the very best customer service regardless of where and how our customer shops, along with his passion for developing and mentoring high performing teams and approach to overall brand management will build on the Johnston & Murphy legacy and continue the positive momentum we have established over the recent years.  Our past has been exceptional, but I am confident that our future is even brighter.”

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Genesco Inc.

Soles By MICHELIN: Advanced Ground Control

HONG KONG, China — January 26, 2018 — Innovation, technology and research have been the pillars of Michelin for more than 250 years, to which is added an experience in ground contact that is unique in the world. This know-how, following the same principle that guides the production of tires is also shared by Michelin Technical Soles, which develops solutions applicable to the world of soles for optimum performance on all types of terrain. Many leading brands in Motorsports, Outdoors, Active Sports, Winter Sports, Indoor Sports, Running, Trend Sports, Nature Sports, Water Sports and Work & Safety, have entrusted Michelin Technical Soles with the creation of custom footwear for their target consumers.

Thanks to the ability to bring reliable innovation and performance to the footwear market, everyday Michelin is chosen as a strategic partner by new brands — today there are 60 — for the creation of top collections. Michelin’s strong point is the ability to analyze the behavior of a tire in ground contact, whatever the terrain. The real challenge is transferring skills from the world of tires to the footwear sector.

The most advanced solution for the production of lighter and thinner outsoles, thus reducing the footwear’s total weight, is achieved through a high temperature compression molding process of textile fibers on to the rubber, creating a light tread, and a thin, flexible and stable base, that does not affect the performance, but rather improves the interaction and adaptability to different types of ground surface. Ride, historical Michelin partner and one of the first to have believed in the French company’s soles, decided to adopt this knowhow for two new snowboard boots: Karmyn and Deadbolt. The ‘fiber lite’ sole with which the two models are equipped is the ideal solution in terms of lightness and flexibility, able to best accompany the movement of the foot on the board. Inspired by two mountain bike tyres, it features solid lugs and reinforcements that increase traction and grip. Tread design gives excellent stability and abrasion resistance.

A solution which delivers traction on ice and on hard snow routes, whilst maintaining the same performance on different terrain types even after long use, is obtained thanks to a specific balance between the viscoelastic properties of rubber and the mechanical behavior on the ground generated by the profile of the sole, comparable to the tread of the tire. The 100-percent rubber compound maintains flexibility at medium and lower temperatures, allowing the natural flexing of the foot during walking. Columbia was the first producer of technical footwear to believe in the new solution, implementing it in two lines of the collection currently on the market and products that have been confirmed for the next winter season including a new ankle boot which will deliver total control and safely face the difficult conditions of winter. Perfect grip, flexibility and abrasion resistance are assured by the sole made with ‘ice control’ solution, which maintains a high level of performance to -30°C.

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Michelin Technical Soles

Jones Nonwovens Plant Ahead Of The Curve: Expansion Anticipates Demand For Natural Fiber Products

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — January 26, 2018 —  New production capabilities and capacity at the Jones Nonwovens plant in North Las Vegas positions the company to fulfill the rapidly growing demand for natural fiber and other sustainable fiber products for manufacturing and packaging. The new line increases the company’s overall capacity and doubles their capacity in North Las Vegas.

Jones can now create new and differentiated products with the new production line. Some of these products will target “comfort layers” in traditional mattress constructions and base support layers in one-sided mattress constructions.

Jones Nonwovens began production in North Las Vegas in early 2006. After more than a decade of successful growth, the company began planning to add capacity to serve the West Coast. The 2018 expansion was brought about in part by the need for thicker, more resilient products for mattresses. Jones has seen more and more of the products they have traditionally sold into the mattress industry being displaced by foam and man-made fiber. This expansion allows Jones to help manufacturers replace more foam and synthetic components with sustainable and natural materials.

“The investment in new manufacturing technology and innovation at our Nonwovens plant in North Las Vegas demonstrates the commitment of the Jones Family of Companies to meeting customer-driven demand for sustainable materials in bedding, packaging, and other markets,” said Richard Ayers, president and CEO, Jones Family of Companies.

The air lay technology used in the new line randomizes the fiber orientation rather than combing and paralleling the fibers. This gives much more spring or bounce to the fiber pad as opposed to traditional carding. Residual height is greatly enhanced.

Founded in 1936, Jones Family of Companies is a leader in the textile industry. The company was formed through a partnership between two brothers and today is led by a third generation family member and Senior Leadership Team committed to the same high standards as the founders. The company has two divisions: Jones Yarn and Jones Nonwovens.

Jones Nonwovens provides products for the sleep, furniture, packaging, acoustics, automotive and floor care industries. Jones Nonwovens actively participates in the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, the Southeastern Ginners Association, International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), Southern Textile Association, National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and the Specialty Sleep Association. They are committed to introducing new product innovations and responsible manufacturing.

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Jones Family of Companies

Walmart And Rakuten Announce New Strategic Alliance

BENTONVILLE, Ark./TOKYO — January 25, 2018 —  Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon and Rakuten Inc. Chairman, president and CEO Hiroshi “Mickey” Mikitani met in Tokyo today to announce a new strategic alliance that leverages each company’s unique strengths and assets to expand consumer reach and enhance how customers are served in Japan and the United States.

The collaboration includes the launch of a new online grocery delivery service in Japan beginning in the third quarter of 2018. In addition, Walmart and Rakuten Kobo Inc. have formed an exclusive retail alliance that will enable Walmart to begin selling eBooks and audiobooks, as well as offer Rakuten Kobo eReaders, in Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com in the United States starting later this year.

“Rakuten is a strong e-commerce business and we’re excited to collaborate with the top online shopping destination in Japan,” McMillon said. “Here in Japan and everywhere we operate, we’re constantly exploring new ways to make every day easier for customers by offering great experiences in stores, online, via mobile — no matter how customers want to shop. We look forward to expanding our grocery footprint in Japan and launching a new offering of eBooks and audiobooks for our customers in the U.S.”

Mikitani said: “As global leaders in e-commerce and offline shopping, Rakuten and Walmart are uniquely positioned to empower our customers around the world with innovative services. We are excited to partner with Walmart because of its commitment to creating the best solutions to serve customers with low prices.”

Japan online grocery delivery service

Rakuten and Seiyu GK, a subsidiary of Walmart, have reached a basic agreement to establish a joint venture with the aim of launching a new online grocery delivery service in Japan, to be known as “Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper.” The new service is planned to be launched in the latter half of 2018.

Rakuten and Seiyu will launch a new online grocery delivery service leveraging each of the companies’ strengths to offer a more convenient shopping experience that meets the changing needs of customers in Japan. Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper will aim to increase fulfillment capacity, enrich the merchandise offering and improve convenience for the customer. The service will aim to increase capacity in 2018 with the establishment of a dedicated fulfilment center, in addition to offering deliveries from Seiyu stores.

The new service’s merchandise offering will showcase Seiyu’s twin strengths of quality and low prices. To serve the needs of customers increasingly short on time for preparation, the service will include not only fresh produce and daily consumables but also a rich lineup of convenient items such as cut vegetables, partially-prepared foods and ready-meal kits, as well as popular local gourmet products from merchants on the Rakuten Ichiba marketplace.

Furthermore, the new service will utilize Rakuten’s deep expertise in e-commerce to offer a site with an optimized user experience, as well as leveraging big data and AI to offer a more personalized merchandise offering.

Customers using the new service will enjoy the benefit of being able to earn and use Rakuten Super Points, also allowing them to use their points on more than 70 services within the Rakuten ecosystem.

Rakuten Kobo U.S. eReading Service

As part of this alliance, Walmart will become Rakuten Kobo’s exclusive mass retail partner for the Kobo brand in the United States, offering Kobo’s nearly six million titles from thousands of publishers and hundreds of thousands of authors to Walmart.com customers. Walmart.com will offer eBooks and audiobooks for sale later this year. Walmart will also sell digital book cards in stores, enabling more than 4,000 stores to carry a broader selection of books for customers.

All eBook content will be accessible through a Walmart/Kobo co-branded app available on all iOS and Android devices, a desktop app and Kobo e-Readers, which will also be sold at Walmart later this year.

“Walmart is one of the top retailers in the world and one of the largest booksellers in the U.S. Our strategy from day one has been to partner with the world’s best retailers, so that they can easily offer their customers the option of reading digitally. This informs the software and devices we create, the books and authors we promote, and also the partnerships we build,” said Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn. “For us, this is another great opportunity to serve book lovers at Walmart, those people who make reading an important part of their lives.”

Posted January 26, 2018

Source: Wal-Mart Stores

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