Kindle 2 hoards market share amid Barnes & Noble Nook delays

Amazon couldn’t be happier right now because the Barnes & Noble Nook and Sony’s eBook readers are facing shipping delays ruling out delivery by Christmas. That’s the sort of thing Amazon encountered with its Kindle 2 the past two holiday shopping seasons but this year it seems the company finally has found a way to meet demand.

That’s providential timing as Barnes & Noble just began its marketing push of the Nook without recognizing the pent-up demand for eBook readers, especially around the holiday season. Meanwhile Amazon has the Kindle 2 in stock and a variety of shipping options available to receive it by Christmas.

In its press release Amazon notes that this November is the Kindle 2’s biggest month in sales yet, even excluding cyber Monday sales. “Kindle continues to be the most wished for, the most gifted, and the #1 bestselling product across all product categories on Amazon.”

It’s a pretty strong sign that consumers are ready for a new way to interact with books, and that Amazon has a good mix of features on the Kindle 2. The Barnes & Noble Nook was also in line to grab consumer interest with its interactive screen feature but shipping delays are pushing potential customers elsewhere.

To understand just how much of an impact the Kindle 2 is making we need to see sales volume, but Amazon isn’t releasing those numbers just yet likely because for competitive reasons. It would make it easier for other companies to gauge the potential market for their products and Amazon wants to protect it’s lion’s share of those customers as long as possible.

This kind of demand from consumers for a convenience electronic item also emphasizes the need for companies to embed sustainability into their products. Much like we currently expect cheap food, often at the expense of good nutrition and reasonable farming practices; we also expect price conscious electronics that last a long time but don’t biodegrade or recycle easily. Right now there isn’t a clear environmental winner in the eBook reader space but when there is, remember that your dollar speaks the loudest.