The recently acquired Smiths News subsidiary Bertrams and a team of retail specialists have teamed-up to launch a new online book retailer.
The Swindon-based group's book wholesaler subsidiary, Bertrams, has launched Wordery with ex-Book Depository director Will Jones.
The new business has ambitious plans to become a leading marketplace retailer and is considering a consumer website as early as 2013.
Will Jones, said: "Wordery is a great opportunity for publishers to increase incremental sales. We’re determined to be independent and flexible, offering consumers competitive prices backed by great service.
"The arrangement with Bertrams is simple. Wordery will lead with retailing and marketing expertise; Bertrams’ role is to fulfil orders from their distribution centre. By sharing our respective skills we believe Wordery can become a significant new player in book retailing."
Graeme Underhill, managing director, Bertrams, said: "The venture with Wordery is part of our sales-led strategy, which recognises we need to seek opportunities and not wait for them to emerge."
