Following the news that Amazon’s share price has exceeded $1,000 for the first time, the behemoth e-commerce website has announced that it has launched its seventh bookstore in the US. Opened in New York City, the new facility aims to attract traditional customers who prefer the tactile experience of browsing their reading material before purchasing it, as opposed to those who are happy to conduct their book buying online via a computer screen.
Amazon, which opened its first non-electronic bookstore in Seattle, Washington, in 2015, has stated its aim of opening 13 new traditional stores in the US during this year. It is also seeking to reinforce its presence in mini-outlets in major US colleges and universities. The company has made members of its ‘Amazon Prime’ scheme – a paid subscription service that gives users access to free two-day shipping, streaming of video and music and other benefits for a set fee – eligible to avail a discount on books in its new store. The discounted prices will be similar to those specified on the company’s website and will work to push customers who aren’t Amazon Prime members and who are paying full price for the books to subscribe to the company’s premium service.
