Barnes & Noble said today it has sold out of its new nook e-reader due to high demand and shipments will not arrive in time for Christmas.

“nook continues to be the fastest-selling product at Barnes & Noble, and pre-orders have continued to exceed our expectations,” Barnes & Noble said on its eReading blog.

“While we increased production based on the high consumer interest, we’ve sold out of our initial nook allotment available for delivery before the holidays.”

Barnes & Noble said those ordering a nook beginning today should expect their device to begin shipping the week of January 4, 2010. For customers purchasing nooks as holidays gifts, the bookseller has created a holiday certificate, noting an expected January ship date.

The announcement by Barnes & Noble comes a day after Sony said its new electronic reader, the Reader Daily Edition would experience shipping delays. Sony said pre-orders for its latest e-reader would ship between December 18 and January 8, and “an actual delivery date cannot be guaranteed.”

Sony’s Reader Daily Edition sells for $399 while Barnes & Noble’s nook is available for $259.

Barnes & Noble said it is working to increase the supply of its nook in the coming year. “We continue to ramp up nook supply to meet the demand in the New Year,” the company said. 

“We’re committed to providing timely updates to our customers on expected nook availability and will do so through in-store, online and our direct-to-customer communications throughout the holiday season.”

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