Yesterday, Amazon announced the launch of its latest venture: a hair salon, aptly named Amazon Salon. Launching its flagship location in London, the salon spans more than 1,500 sq. ft. over two floors on Brushfield Street and will be a home to trial of “the latest industry technology, from augmented reality (AR) hair consultations to point-and-learn technology,” reads a release.
In true Amazon form, Fire tablets will be available at each styling session for customer entertainment, and with help from AR technology, clients will be able to experiment with different virtual hair colors before taking the plunge. A dedicated “creative area” will be available to capture new ‘dos.
The salon will also offer traditional hair styling and services, provided by Elena Lavagni, owner of Neville Hair & Beauty, an independent London-based salon.
In line with the brand’s retail credo, Amazon Salon will showcase a selection of best-selling professional hair-care products, enhanced by a beta “point-and-learn technology, where customers can simply point at the product they are interested in on a display shelf and the relevant information, including brand videos and educational content, will appear on a display screen.” Customers can also scan relevant QR codes to visit the product’s Amazon page, purchase, and have it delivered to their home.
“We have designed this salon for customers to come and experience some of the best technology, hair care products and stylists in the industry,” said John Boumphrey, UK country manager, Amazon. “We want this unique venue to bring us one step closer to customers, and it will be a place where we can collaborate with the industry and test new technologies.”
Ahead of opening to the general public in the “coming weeks,” reports the Washington Post, the salon will initially only be open to Amazon employees. As for plans to expand, the brand is decided: “This will be an experiential venue where we showcase new products and technology, and there are no current plans to open any other Amazon Salon locations.”
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