Amazon's Appetite Grows-Again
In a major expansion drive, (www.amazon.com) Amazon.com will open four new stores on Nov. 10: home improvement, software, video games and gift ideas. The company also has acquired Tool Crib of the North, a tools and equipment catalog company. "We're proud to offer customers the biggest selection for holiday shopping-and beyond," says Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder and CEO.
Amazon.com did not purchase Tool Crib's chain of five retail tool and equipment stores in North Dakota and Minnesota, which remain privately held. "Tool Crib already had the largest selection of tools and equipment anywhere-online or off-and Amazon.com has more than tripled that selection to launch our new home improvement store," says Joe Galli, Amazon's president and COO.
Following the Amazon way, the home improvement store will feature customer reviews of products, reviews by expert editors, and other product information. Customers will browse through eight categories such as electrical and lighting, hardware, housewares, lawn and garden, outdoor living, painting supplies, plumbing and tools.
Amazon will charge just $4.95/shipment, whether for a 500-lb. table saw or a screwdriver. As for returns, the company says customers with larger items can arrange free pick up.
Amazon's gift ideas store also will offer an extensive selection, the company says. Shoppers will be able to browse 15 categories arranged by interest or age. The company will offer gift wrapping with a gift card for each item, a personal message to each gift recipient and various wrapping options. Customers will be able to fill a shopping cart and send items to multiple recipients, but check out only once.
The retailer's software store will carry a complete line of office, educational and game titles. Product buying guides, customer comments, and professional reviews from Gamespot will be included. In addition, Amazon will provide links to help customers locate books, hardware or accessories related to their new software packages.
The video store will feature thousands of games and accessories for PCs and major game platforms. Like other stores at Amazon, this store will feature editorial content to help customers make purchase decisions. "Video Games 101" will focus on the nuances of major video game systems; "Setting Up Your System" will teach shoppers about accessories; and a "Pros and Cons" section will feature comments on select titles from expert reviewers.
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