Amazon is further expanding its reach in the retail sector with a new initiative that will see it open physical outlets on UK high streets selling everything from homeware and health & beauty products to food & drink and electronics.
In a partnership between the online giant and small business support group Enterprise Nation, Direct Line for Business and Square, 10 ‘Clicks and Mortar’ pop-up shops will open across the UK, starting with the first in Manchester (on St Mary’s Gate) today.
The year-long pilot programme is designed to allow more than 100 small online businesses to reach shoppers on the high street for the first time by selling their goods in the stores. The sites will also offer Amazon Lockers for customers to collect online orders.
Amazon did not reveal the locations of the other stores but stated there would be openings in Wales, Scotland, the Midlands, Yorkshire and across the South East.
Independent research on the success of the trial will be submitted to the Government, following its call for new ideas to develop its ‘Future High Streets’ strategy.
As part of the initiative, Amazon is offering £1m to fund the training of 150 full-time apprenticeships at small businesses to help them increase their productivity and boost their online sales. It will also provide free digital training to small businesses through the Amazon Academy, with a particular focus on helping them boost their export sales.
“Small businesses are one of our most important customer groups, and we’re thrilled to work with Enterprise Nation to design a comprehensive package to help entrepreneurs across the UK grow their businesses, both in-store and online,” said Doug Gurr, Amazon’s UK Country Manager.
“From giving up-and-coming online British brands the chance to experience physical retail, to funding the training of full-time apprenticeships and helping to increase SME exports, Amazon is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses – helping them boost the economy and create jobs across the UK.”
Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones added: “UK shoppers like to shop both online and in high street stores, and our intention is to help small businesses succeed by combining the best elements of online and high street retail.
“This new concept will provide small businesses with the space, technology and support to experience physical retail for the first time, while enabling customers to discover new brands on their local high streets.”
Amazon already has a physical presence in its home market in the US with a growing chain of bookstores, ‘Go’ convenience outlets, and sites selling electronics and general merchandise.
NAM Implications:
- This initiative, apart from the access to innovation, has great PR value for Amazon.
- Suppliers need to take this at face value…
- …and optimise this innovative route to consumer…
