Amazon Launches Kiosks In UK

Amazon has opened physical kiosks in the U.K. that will offer a rotating range of items at discounted prices. The first kiosks will be based in London at various rail stations, including Charing Cross, King’s Cross, Paddington, Liverpool Street and London Bridge. The locations will begin by selling Boodles Mulberry Gin for £14.99 ($19.02 USD) a bottle, which is at a 40 percent discount.

The eCommerce giant said the kiosks are an extension of its Treasure Truck offering, which features a large vehicle driving across different towns with a rotating selection of items at discounted prices. In the U.K., the service is currently offered in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Birmingham, Coventry, Portsmouth, Southampton, Nottingham, Leicester, Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading and Slough.

Launched in 2015, Treasure Truck works by downloading the Amazon Mobile Shopping app. Customers can check out which items are available for purchase that day, and order by tapping the “Buy Now” button. They can then select a convenient location — like Whole Foods — and a time to meet the Treasure Truck to pick up their products that same day. For those who do not end up liking the items, Amazon’s general return policy applies to the purchase.

“Kiosks are a natural extension of the exciting shopping experience of Amazon’s Treasure Truck. Whether you’re on the way to work or heading home for the day, Amazon customers and passersby will have a fun and convenient way to shop for an amazing deal, get their hands on a trending product or take part in a fun event. Kiosks will help turn an ordinary day into something a bit more special,” said Suruchi Saxena Bansal, U.K. country manager of Amazon Treasure Truck, according to reports.

Amazon has been increasing its brick-and-mortar efforts to reach more shoppers. In recent years, it has launched bookstores near college campuses, cashier-free Amazon Go stores and pop-up shops, and acquired Whole Foods.