Posted in: Comics | Tagged: HRL

ComiXology to NOT Close the Digital Retailer Storefront Programme UPDATE

Published Sat, 06 Jan 2018 19:00:09 -0600

Last updated Mon, 08 Jan 2018 02:11:15 -0600

UPDATE: While ComiXology did not return e-mails before publication, they did the day after. They have stated that they are NOT retiring the retailer storefront programme and that the information they gave to the retailer below was incorrect, and that they thought it was an enquiry into the pull list system which is being withdrawn.

The original, now incorrect story runs below.

Bleeding Cool has been running a number of stores regarding comic book stores that have been closing. And, sadly, there are more to come. Some stores, rather than closing outright have moved from brick-and-mortar stores to online-only.

I received a message from one such retailer who has noticed what may be another change in the market.

When digital comics publisher and distributor ComiXology first set up, it was as a pull list system designed for readers and comic stores to set up a reliable way for people to reserve and keep track of their comic book collection, so as not to miss an all-important new issue.

When ComiXology moved into distributing and publishing digital comics themselves, the Pull List system stayed in place. A few years ago the iOS Pull List app was dropped and then people were informed in October that it was coming to an end, full stop.

One thing ComiXology did do when they began selling digital comics themselves is to allow retailers to open digital shopfronts with ComiXology, so when their customers did buy digital comics, the retailers still got a slice. Many retailers rejected this opportunity, but it was popular enough to continue.

So one of the retailers transitioning from physical location to online-only wanted to sign up and got in touch.

They were told, "Unfortunately, we're not accepting new sign-ups, as we are discontinuing this service in a couple months."

Looks like ComiXology are pulling another "legacy" service…

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