Amazon opens first ever hair salon in London, trialling AR technology while offering haircuts and blow-dries

In the 90s there was the “Rachel”, the subsequent decade introduced forth the “Posh bob” or “Pob”, named for Victoria Beckham – now, in 2021, might the “Bezos” be about to take maintain?

Not content material with dominating the ecommerce market or making inroads in the grocery, comfort and trend arenas, Amazon is now planning a foray into the realm of hair and magnificence.

The on-line juggernaut has opened a hair salon in London – the corporate’s first – as its growth into the bricks-and-mortar retail market continues apace.

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Named Amazon Salon, the premises, in east London’s stylish Spitalfields space, is ready over two flooring, comprising greater than 1,500 sq. toes.

Unveiling its newest enterprise enterprise, Amazon mentioned the salon will “trial the newest business technology, from augmented-reality hair consultations to point-and-learn technology”.

It will provide a variety of hairdressing providers for adults and kids, together with lower and blow dries, full-head highlights, balayage, texturiser remedies and braids.

Haircare and styling providers on the salon will probably be supplied by Elena Lavagni, proprietor of Neville Hair & Beauty, primarily based in west London’s prosperous Belgravia district.

The salon is being billed as a one-off experiential venue that may showcase new merchandise and technology somewhat than the first of many to seem across the UK.

Currently it is just open to Amazon staff however the firm has mentioned that the broader public will be capable to e book appointments there in the approaching weeks.

“We have designed this salon for purchasers to come back and expertise a few of the finest technology, hair care merchandise and stylists in the business,” mentioned John Boumphrey, UK nation supervisor for Amazon.

“We need this distinctive venue to carry us one step nearer to clients, and it is going to be a spot the place we are able to collaborate with the business and take a look at new applied sciences,” Mr Boumphrey added.

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Ms Lavagni mentioned: “I’m delighted to be a part of this undertaking – the salon combines basic hairdressing providers with technology to ship a unique expertise for shoppers.”

Hairdressers and barbers had been permitted to reopen in Wales on 15 March, in Scotland on 5 April and in England on 12 April.

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