More reports of Amazon’s plans to open “bricks and mortar” stores
Reports of Amazon’s alleged plans to open a network of “bricks and mortar” stores in major US cities are continuing to circulate. Amazon – which has revolutionised the world’s book trade with its online platform – opened the doors on its first ever bookstore in Seattle in November – and since then industry analysts have been keenly watching for signs that the internet giant will be extending its physical store presence in other cities.
The rumour mills started whirling this week when Sandeep Mathrani, the CEO of mall operator General Growth Properties, told analysts during an earnings call that he believed Amazon was looking to open 300-400 bookstores across the US. He subsequently pointed out that his comments should not be taken as representative of Amazon’s plans.
Yesterday (4 February), Internet Retailer said that it had been informed by “a real estate executive with knowledge of the plans” that Amazon is intending to open book stores “in at least 10 major markets” in sites near indoor shopping malls. This network would be smaller than the one suggested by Mathrani’s comment, but still a significant move for the internet giant. Amazon, of course, still maintains that it does not comment on rumour and speculation.
