Systems overhaul at Waterstone's helps to boost in-store book range

Bookseller Waterstone's has increased its range by 8 per cent as a result of new in-store systems that have also helped reduce stock held in shops.

The leading books retailer, which is owned by HMV, has managed to reduce stock held by 5 per cent, and is tailoring ranges much better to individual stores.

An average shop with the new in-house system - Phoenix version 9 - now offers approximately 35,000 titles.

A Waterstone's spokeswoman said: 'We have impr-oved our existing offer with better availability, while reducing our stock levels overall.'

Waterstone's has introduced the software system to 93 of its 195 stores and plans to complete the roll-out by May.