Amazon launches London hair salon to test new tech

Amazon is set to open a 1,500 sq ft hair salon concept in Spitalfields, E1, which the e-commerce giant will use to trial new industry technology. The Amazon Salon, on Brushfield Street, will be spread over two floors. It will initially be open to Amazon employees, opening up to the public in the “coming weeks”. Amazon said the venue will be used to showcase new products and technology, and that there are no plans at the moment to open any other salon locations. The venue will trial augmented reality hair consultations and “point-and-learn” technology. Hair care and styling services will be provided by Elena Lavagni, owner of London-based independent salon Neville Hair & Beauty. John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon, said: “We have designed this salon for customers to come and experience some of the best technology, hair care products and stylists in the industry. “We want this unique venue to bring us one step closer to customers, and it will be a place where we can collaborate with the industry and test new technologies.” The news comes as Amazon continues to roll out its cashless Amazon Fresh grocery concept across the UK, with a third shop opening in White City earlier this week. To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette Image © Amazon