Amazon’s latest foray into the UK High Street comes to Manchester with the launch of its Clicks and Mortar pop up shop in the centre of the City.
The year-long pilot programme will explore a new model to help up-and-coming online brands grow their high street presence says the Company.
“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,” said Emma Jones MBE, Founder of Enterprise Nation, which supports over 90,000 of Britain’s small businesses.
“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.”
“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, UK Country Manager, Amazon. “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.”
The store will open in St Mary’s Gate and will feature up-and-coming brands have all built successful online businesses and now want to explore physical retail for the first time.
They include Swifty Scooters – Co-founder Camilla Iftakhar and her Manchester-based team design and manufacture their own brand of high quality foldable kick-scooter for adults:
“We’ve always focused on our online business, but a pop-up is an ideal way for customers to try our scooters out for themselves – once you take a Swifty for a spin, that’s the moment you fall in love with it!”
