3 ms·

I believe there are a number of entrenched players in this space already. They're called "shops".

• bks 9y ago
  Except for my number 1 issue with shops...there is no way to check the inventory before you go. Their websites often suck at the store level inventory and if you do call customer care - and they do happen to send someone back to check it can take 10 minutes to find out if they have it, not just in their system - but on the shelf. The elegance of Amazon is its logistics.
  • m-j-fox 9y ago
    Don't forget wandering aisles looking for the Chromecast Fry's helpfully stocks in the back corner of the car radio department.
    • jvolkman 9y ago
      > Chromecast Hah. You'll be looking for a lot longer at any of Amazon's stores.
    • koolba 9y ago
      And most shops have open/closed hours. With this I can order something at 11pm and go pick it up immediately. Or order it at 2pm and pick up later that day.
  • reaperducer 9y ago
    Depends on the shop. Target, Walmart and CVS are really good about being able to check inventory at the local store online, then buy the item online, and pick it up at the customer service counter in an hour or two. This is the model that Amazon will have to beat. And the only way it can do that is through offering a better selection. Which should be possible since Amazon won't have aisles to stock.
    • mmagin 9y ago
      I have discovered that the inventory numbers at Home Depot are disappointingly bad however.
• elsewhen 9y ago
  Shops have to present goods in an attractive and easily accessible way. An Amazon pickup location can be dramatically more dense with products;in other words they can offer much more variety in the same footprint. Also if Amazon become good at having the items ready, it becomes a very different experience than traditional shopping.