'Amazon Books' is both the name of the online retailer's website section as well as its first physical store location that recently opened in Seattle, US. In a surprising move, the online retailer opened its first brick and mortar in 20 years, curating its selection by using online data from the site.
In addition to books, the Amazon bookstore will sell its devices like the Kindle, Fire Tablets and Echos -- enticing consumers by giving them a chance to try each gadget before purchasing it. In terms of its retail design, the most notable differences that Amazon Books demonstrates is its face-out books and associated cards that feature their customer rating and a review from the site.
This physical bookstore is both a marketing move to keep Amazon in the minds of consumers, as well as a competitive move to stay on an even keel with stores like Walmart -- who already have a physical base and are moving into the digital realm.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Online-to-offline Retail
- Retailers can utilize online data to curate their brick and mortar store offerings, enhancing the in-store experience.
- Experiential Retail
- Retailers can entice customers to visit physical stores by creating opportunities to try out new products, such as devices, before purchasing them.
- Customer-centric Retail
- Retailers can showcase customer ratings and reviews, creating a more personalized and informed shopping experience.
Where This Applies
- Retail Industry
- Retailers can use online data to customize in-store offerings, creating a seamless online-to-offline shopping experience.
- Electronic Devices Industry
- Electronic device retailers can offer customers a hands-on experience with their products in physical stores, creating an immersive and memorable shopping experience.
- Marketing Industry
- Marketers can utilize physical stores as a way to keep their brand top of mind for customers, creating a cohesive marketing strategy across online and offline channels.
