By Edward Nawotka, Editor-in-Chief
Amazon's Kindle e-reader
Today’s feature story looks at the facts and possible scenarios surrounding the rumors that Amazon might be in negotiations to acquire Brazil’s dominant bookstore chain Saraiva — one with 102 bricks-and-mortar stores. That Amazon might even be considering a move is a surprise to most, but is it altogether out of the question that the company would move into physical retail?
Just last month Reuters reported that Amazon might be looking at opening retail locations to sell Kindles and has “already tested retail locations for other goods.”
It could be that the company is about to get “very real,” particularly as other retailers — Target, Wal-Mart — balk at selling Kindles on Amazon’s behalf.
So, what do you think? Should Amazon go into bricks-and-mortar? With depressed real estate prices all over the country, is the time just right? Or is it too distant from their core competencies?
Should Amazon Open Bricks-and-Mortar Stores?
- Yes (58%, 21 Votes)
- No (42%, 15 Votes)
Total Voters: 36
Loading ...And let us know what you think in the comments.
2 Comments
It pretty much has in the UK, joining forces with high street, quality bookstore Waterstones. Effectively Kindles & Amazon will be right next to physical product. I don’t see much difference between that and opening their own stores since the branding will be in there.
Very smart move and I am happy as a customer (and as an author). As a bookbuyer I browse in physical stores and buy on my Kindle, so I will be glad to be able to buy on my Kindle within the store, and presumably Waterstones will get a cut – best of both worlds!
@Joanna: It is quite a different proposition. Kindles have already been on sale in the US at big box retailers for many years, but most of them are canceling their distribution contracts with Amazon after realizing they see little or no profit from the relationship. Amazon has been very smart in this regard. As for the Waterstone’s deal, take a look at our previous article about “why” James Daunt decided to get into be with Amazon. It’s a great analysis: http://publishingperspectives.com/2012/02/why-james-daunt-feels-waterstones-is-desperately-vulnerable/