Amazon has a hair salon now — because it can

Amazon has a hair salon now — because it tin

(Paradigm credit: Amazon)

Amazon, yes that Amazon, is known for doing or selling darn near everything. But there's ever more to practise, which may explicate why Amazon has just opened upwardly a real, working hair salon. It's called Amazon Salon, naturally.

Well, Toto, we're not in Bellvue anymore. To the lowest degree of all because Amazon Salon is located in east London.

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Amazon has been a huge player in the world of online retail, though in contempo years it's begun branching out into other more than physical spaces. Whether that's the cashier-gratuitous Amazon Go grocery stores, Whole Foods, mall kiosks or the Amazon Books book stores.

Now there's a pilus salon, which has opened up on Brushfield Street in the Spitalfields area of London. At times it virtually feels every bit though Amazon, which has been cited as one of the primary reasons for the decline of brick and mortar stores, is taking upon itself to slowly claim that space for itself.

Though, this is the commencement time it'due south really branched out into something that can't be described as "yous're here to buy stuff from us." And then again, Amazon Salon still has that feel about it. Even if you can get yourself a haircut in the procedure.

According to John Boumphrey, Amazon's United kingdom Country Manager, the betoken of Amazon Salon is "for customers to come and experience some of the best technology, pilus care products and stylists in the industry. We want this unique venue to bring u.s. ane step closer to customers, and it will be a place where we can collaborate with the industry and exam new technologies."

amazon salon QR codes — (Image credit: Amazon)

Only information technology also sounds similar a sit-in area for products y'all tin then buy on Amazon. Not simply tin customers "savor entertainment on Burn down tablets," at that place volition also be a option of hair care products on display. Products that all have their own QR code that takes yous to the relevant page on Amazon.

Information technology's non entirely clear whether this is merely products that you put on your hair, like shampoo, conditioner, dyes, and then on, or if it will also extend to some of the tech the salon uses. After all, what improve mode to annunciate a new accident dryer, or some other hair-friendly technological machine, than to use it on paying customers?

It's all about corporate synergy. Real estate is in a dire situation correct now, peculiarly afterwards the pandemic, and you can't sell haircuts over the net. What ameliorate fashion to reach a new marketplace, and sell them stuff in the process?

Amazon salon AR — (Image credit: Amazon)

Particularly when you can throw in some gimmicks like augmented reality hair consultations that will show people what they'll wait like with unlike hair colors. A number of pilus dye companies, like Fifty'Oréal, already offer services that let you do this almost, either via a smartphone app or on their website.

Amazon Salon is only open up to Amazon employees right now, but plainly it will be opening to the public "in the coming weeks." Pilus and styling is provided past Neville Hair & Beauty Salon, though there'due south no discussion on how much it's all likely to toll.

Hopefully it'll be cheaper with a Prime membership. Whether that volition be called "Prime number Cuts" is another story, since in that location are an awful lot of butchers that employ that name. The last thing Amazon is going to want is whatsoever Sweeny Todd-like comparisons.

Skilful affair Fleet Street is virtually two miles away.

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Tom is the Tom's Guide'southward Automotive Editor, which means he tin usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and all-time electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's usually plant trying to clasp another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very big cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.