Online retail giant Amazon has opened its debut Clicks and Mortar store at St Mary’s Gate in Manchester, the first of ten temporary branches which will be opening across the UK.
The Clicks and Mortar chain of pop-up shops will offer a wide range of products including homewares, electronics, food and drink and cosmetics. They will include products from 100 small businesses that have hitherto been online only. The pilot scheme is set to run for a year to test the project.
The new stores will also offer Amazon Lockers in convenient, accessible locations, making it easier for customers to collect Amazon orders they have ordered online.
Doug Gurr, Amazon UK’s country manager has emphasised Amazon’s role in helping the UK economy, saying: “Amazon is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses, helping them boost the economy and create jobs across the UK. Small businesses are one of our most important customer groups.”
Meanwhile, ex-John Lewis md Andy Street, now mayor of the West Midlands is the latest figure to call for more taxation for online retailers such as Amazon. Andy was talking to the Government’s Treasury Select Committee about his visions for town centres and the outmoded taxation.
* Amazon is set to account for one fifth of UK online spend by 2024, according to a new report from GlobalData, which highlights the expected growth of the retailer’s online food sales. Global Data predict that Amazon’s UK retail revenue will rise 58.2% over the next five years to reach £15.7bn by 2024.
Top: The first Clicks and Mortar shop in Manchester.
