Hair today, gone tomorrow. Amazon Salon is all about innovative retail technology

Yesterday, we reported on the launch of Amazon Salon, an experiential hair care and styling venue.

This will be set over two floors and more than 1,500 sq. ft. on Brushfield Street in London’s Spitalfields.

So, does this mean that Amazon is prepping a major move in to the hair salon business?

Not according to Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon exec.

Also of interest: Amazon opens third London Amazon Fresh store, in White City

“I believe it is using the salon to perfect technology that it can license to the millions of hair salons globally,” he says in a LinkedIn post.

“Amazon wants to give salons a platform whereby consumers will have the ability to choose the hair colour and style that they like most (using augmented reality technology). When the customer arrives at the salon, the cut and colour is already known.”

There will also be the option for people to point at products on a display shelf, with the relevant information, including brand videos and educational content, appearing on a display screen.

To place an order, they can scan the relevant QR code on the shelf to visit the product detail page on Amazon.co.uk and purchase, with delivery to their home.

Entertainment will be available on Fire tablets at each styling station and people can capture their new looks in a dedicated creative area.

Ladd also believes that Amazon views this as an opportunity to introduce its own private label hair products.

“In addition, it can become the go to retailer for salons to order their products. Sally Beauty Supply, look out,” he comments.

“Amazon will accelerate testing of AR/VR for other industries and also for their own use,” Ladd concludes.