Amazon UK takes a stand for wearable technology by opening a dedicated store gadget fans can check out. Whether or not the gamble is worth it is yet to be seen but Amazon is making sure it's at the forefront just the same.
The wearable technology store features more than a hundred different products, ranging from smartwatches to fitness trackers and wearable cameras to smart glasses. Wearable technology falls under several different categories but it is also classified by brand to make finding products easier for customers. Some of the brands available at the Amazon UK wearable technology store include Samsung, Sony, Withings, Misfit, Garmin, GoPro, and Jawbone.
"Sales of wearable technology devices have taken off in the last year with many customers already using them on a daily basis," says Andrew Milliken, director of consumer electronics for Amazon.co.uk.
This makes opening the wearable technology store a logical move for Amazon given that it is simply going where the customers are taking it. Still, there is uncertainty in wearable technology because it has yet to achieve uniformity. Different products offering the same services provide different results, and this can be problematic.
Xavier Garambois, Vice president of EU Retail at Amazon, is optimistic though. "The advances in wearable technology mean that customers can now charge their phone through their clothing, monitor their sleep patterns and even track their pets. This new store allows customers to find whatever they are looking for in one place - whether that is tracking fitness, staying connected through smartwatches or capturing every adventure with wearable cameras," said Garambois.
Amazon knows wearable technology is still developing and aims to educate customers in making the right choices by featuring a "Learning Center" alongside the wearable technology store. Aside from basic product details, the "Learning Center" also contains compatibility information and reviews, as well as educational videos for those who prefer video content. Those new to wearable technology will definitely benefit from visiting the "Learning Center" as well.
The wearable technology store functions much like how Amazon has worked in the past, with featured products highlighted and the rest easily found through a refined search. Free deliveries are also offered for orders over £10. To access the "Learning Center," simply click on the "Learn About Wearable Technology" section below the list of popular fitness brands.
Amazon opened a wearable technology store for its U.S. site on April 2014.
