on October 11 | in Advertising, Blog, Featured, Multichannel, Stores, Technology | by Helen James | with No Comments

In an ongoing attempt to develop a physical presence, online mega-retailer Amazon is opening a pop-up bar in Tokyo, Japan. This is only the latest in Amazon expanding into physical locations; the company has previously opened bookstores and just this past year it purchased grocery giant Whole Foods.

For 10 days beginning at the end of October, customers in the Japanese capital’s swanky Ginza district will be invited to the Amazon Bar, a 78-seat location where they will be able to sample various alcoholic beverages sold on the company’s website including wine, beer, cocktails and sake.

Interestingly, the bar won’t have a menu; it will operate using an automated recommendation system that will provide tips on what to drink. Food will also be offered and patrons will be able to chat with sommeliers about the best drink pairings.

The bar will open on October 20.  Items will cost between 500 to 1,500 yen (about $5 to $15).

Via PSFK

About the Author: Helen James

Helen is the key contributor and editor of This is Retail. Featured as a key influencer in Adnews 40 under 40, Helen is considered to be one of the leading retail creative minds in Australia. Not only was she instrumental in building the ALDI brand in Australia and creating the Smarter Shopping positioning, but she is also the creative brains behind rolling Rebel Sport's new positioning into the market. She is a regular participant in the Westfield Retail Study Tour, and contributor on retail best practice. Helen is currently the ECD of Retail at CHE Proximity and Co-founder of Rhubarb&Custard, a specialist retail and digital communications agency.

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