WH Smith announces roll out of airport e-Book Stores

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After extensive testing of its e-Book Store at several airports, WH Smith USA announced this week that it has committed to installing the stores, run on Zoom Systems vending technology, throughout the US.

The e-Book Store is a joint collaboration between WH Smith and San Francisco-based Zoom Systems. Each e-Store will be integrated into the storefront of WH Smith's airport locations dispensing a range of 25 fiction and non-fiction best-selling books from a 15-inch touchscreen. A self-pay aspect of the machine allows travellers to serve themselves at any hour of the day.

President and ceo of Zoom Systems Steve Foster said: "We are gratified that our unique retail e-Store has been embraced by the consumer and has proven a valuable service for WH Smith."

• The e-Store is connected to a network of other web-enabled vending machines that can sell, dispense and merchandise a range of products from books to hotel reservations. Zoom Systems adapted its platform for WH Smith's airport application. Merchandising, sales presentations and inventory can be managed remotely via the Internet.