Amazon is set to launch a series of pop up stores, Clicks and Mortar, to support small online businesses. With the flood of store closures that have taken place on the high street in recent years, Amazon will have plenty of places to choose from when they open their pop up shops across the UK.
Most of the locations are yet to be disclosed, but the first Clicks and Mortar will open in Manchester. The pop up shops will also feature Amazon lockers for their online customers to collect purchases.
The online giant has previously opened a fashion outlet and pop up spaces in other department stores to promote Black Friday deals. However, the Clicks and Mortar launch will give some small online businesses a high street platform for the first time.
Amazon is working with Enterprise Nation, a small business support organisation, in the year long project. It will also be providing training to over 150 apprentices through a £1 million fund to help small online businesses.
Founder of Enterprise Nation, Emma Jones MBE said, “This new concept will provide small businesses with the space, technology and support to experience physical retail for the first time, while enabling customers to discover new brands on their local high streets.”
