Amazon has announced Amazon Storefronts for customers in the U.S. with the aim of helping small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) sell their goods through Amazon. The shopping giant launched the program in order to help customers identify and buy from SMBs who are finding it more difficult to compete as online shopping grows. While business owners have always been able to offer individual goods online, the new program gives brands more tools.
With Amazon Storefronts, customers can browse items from a curated collection of over one million products and deals from around 20,000 U.S. SMBs. In addition, businesses can promote their brand more easily with profiles that feature videos and stories. As of writing, items are broken down into 12 curated collections, including: Back to School, Halloween, Home, Kitchen, Grocery, Beauty & Grooming, Travel, Pet Supplies, Toys & Games, Electronics, Jewelry, and Books.
Discussing the announcement, Nicholas Denissen, Vice President for Amazon, said:
“We’ve created a custom, one-stop shopping experience for customers looking for interesting, innovative and high quality products from American businesses from all across the country. Amazon first invited businesses to sell on Amazon nearly two decades ago, and today, small and medium-sized businesses are a vital part of Amazon’s large selection and commitment to customers. We’re championing their success with this new store and a national advertising campaign featuring a successful Michigan business selling on Amazon to customers across the U.S. and worldwide.”
Amazon is also offering businesses more exposure with its Storefront of the Week, and Meet the Business Owners categories. The Storefront of the Week section includes a short video promoting a select video and range of their products which you can click through to and buy. In the Meet the Business Section you’ll find different categories such as Family-focused businesses, Artisans, Innovator-makers, and Women-owned businesses. When you drill down into one of the categories you’ll be presented with a page full of SMBs with each profile displaying a photo of the owner, a written description of the business, and a selection of products.
Time will tell whether Amazon’s initiative helps SMBs compete against the bigger stores with their new online exposure.
