Barnes & Noble nook ereader hits stores this week

Bookseller giant Barnes & Noble announced its Android-powered nook ereader device will hit the majority of its brick-and-mortar retail outlets by midweek, ending weeks of delays. According to Barnes & Noble's Unbound blog, customers can visit the nook In-Store Locator to find local stores with devices in-stock. In addition, customers who visit retail locations can check out exclusive nook content and promotional offers including a short story by author Adriana Trigiani--Barnes & Noble adds it will update "More in Store" offers each week. During the month of February, nook users can also enjoy 10 percent off any CD--to redeem the discount, customers must show the special offer on their nook to the cashier.

Barnes & Noble announced the nook last fall. Priced at $259 and launching with more than a million available titles, the ereader first surfaced for sale online; units were expected to reach stores in December, but the bookseller was unable to ramp up production sufficient with holiday shopper demand.

In related nook news, Barnes & Noble announced the release of a new software upgrade promising a host of user enhancements. Chief among them: Enhanced in-store seamless connectivity to enjoy free Wi-Fi, with more in-store content and promotions exclusively for Nook owners; improved opening of e-books and periodicals; more efficient navigation of daily subscription content; and battery optimization.

For more on the nook's retail debut:
- read this Barnes & Noble blog entry

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