Amazon announces UK 'Clicks and Mortar' initiative

Amazon is to open 10 pop-up shops in UK town centres, enabling people to buy from over 100 small businesses, selling everything from food and drink to electronics, beauty products and homewares. These include Swifty Scooters, Torro Cases and Altr for Men.

Part of a year-long pilot, launched in conjunction with Enterprise Nation, the first Clicks and Mortar shop opens today in St Mary’s Gate in central Manchester and will also offer Amazon Lockers. Amazon has not revealed the exact locations of the other stores, but did say that there will be openings in Wales, Scotland, the Midlands, Yorkshire and the south east.

“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,” says 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.”