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Originally Posted by mirage
- Is the Clara HD still being manufactured?
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Yes. There's no indication that the Clara has been discontinued.
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- If it is, when will it reappear in the US, which means when will Walmart, as the only true US vendor, have it again?
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As the thread in the news section indicates, Kobo is having supply issues due to Coronavirus.
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- Why does Walmart have US exclusivity? Or is there no exclusivity? But if there is none, why wouldn't Best Buy, BH Photo Video, Costco, et. al., carry these products?
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Kobo used to be sold at Borders until they went belly up. After that, Kobo essentially withdrew from the US market.
Walmart thought they could compete with Amazon by selling Kobos and setting up their own ebookstore. Unfortunately, it appears that Walmart maybe didn't stand behind its commitment. Their efforts seem to be half-hearted.
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- Why does Canada have ample inventory while the US doesn't?
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As mentioned, Walmart never seemed as committed as they needed to be. They were always running out of the various models of Kobos at the best of times. Usually they would restock quickly. Since the outbreak, things are just worse.
For what it's worth, I ordered my Clara from Walmart. The order was placed on a Tuesday with guaranteed delivery of Thursday. I got it Wednesday instead.
I have a low opinion of Walmart in general, but my experience ordering a Kobo from them was painless and I'd do it again. Right now is just a bad time.