Barnes & Noble Inc said on Friday it had sold out of its first allotment of newly launched Nook electronic readers due to high demand and new shipments will not arrive in time for the holidays.

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, the bookseller said in a statement.

Devices ordered from Friday will be shipped beginning the week of January 4, the company said. Gift givers will be issued a holiday certificate that notes a January ship date.

The update from Barnes & Noble comes a day after Sony Corp announced a delay in shipping its latest e-reader, the Daily Edition.

Sony said heavy demand meant customers would receive their devices on a first come, first serve basis and shipments would not be guaranteed in time for the holidays.

Industry experts believe electronic readers sold by Amazon.com Inc, Sony, Barnes & Noble and others will be top-selling electronic gadgets for the holidays. Demand is difficult to gauge because manufacturers do not releases sales results or sales targets.

The various devices -- which range in price from about $199 to over $400 -- allow consumers to view a broad array of books, newspapers and magazines on a tablet-like device that is light and portable.

Amazon.com said on its website that both its regular Kindle and its larger, pricier version, were both in stock and could be shipped in time for the holidays.

(Reporting by Alexandria Sage; editing by Andre Grenon)