Amazon opens pop-up stores in high streets across UK
It’s long been branded a high street killer, but Amazon has said it plans to give the government proof of how a new model of store – a hybrid of bricks & mortar and online – could be its saviour.
The online giant announced today it was launching 10 “clicks and mortar” stores across the UK, which will be used to sell products, including food and drink, for 100 of its third-party online sellers.
The new stores – which will also sell electronic goods, fashion, beauty and homeware products – would give online retailers a vital first step onto the high street, Amazon said.
Amazon’s online delivery model has been a huge factor in the exodus to online shopping, with senior retail figures, led by Tesco boss Dave Lewis, having called for the introduction of a so-called Amazon tax to level the playing field.
But Amazon said not only did its plans show its commitment to helping small businesses, but that it hoped they would inspire the government’s efforts to come up with forward-thinking answers to the high street’s woes.
It said the pop-up stores would be used in a yearlong trial to explore a new model and highlight the benefits of combining in-store and online retail in one location. The first store is opening in St Mary’s Gate in central Manchester today, with more to follow in Wales, Scotland, the Midlands, Yorkshire and across the south east.
Source: The Grocer


