Copy linkEmailFacebookWhatsAppXLinkedInBlueskyThreadsImpact Link
SaveSaved
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider
subscribers. Become an Insider
and start reading now.Have an account? .
Amazon Books in Seattle.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
In November, Amazon opened its first brick-and-mortar location,Amazon Books, in Seattle's upscale University Village mall.
2015-12-05
The store sells not only books, but also Amazon devices such as the Kindle, Echo, Fire TV, and Fire Tablet.
But one thing about Amazon's new store is unlike all other retail locations: No prices are listed on any items for sale.
Instead, Amazon forces customers to look up prices on its app or at an in-store scanner.
Personally, I found it too time-consuming and annoying to have to walk around holding my phone in my hand instead of being able to page through potential books I wanted to purchase.
Regardless, it's a nice store and you really can't beat Amazon's prices — even if you have to scan for them. Check it out:
In November, Amazon opened its first retail location: a bookstore in Seattle's upscale University Village mall.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
During a recent weekend visit, Amazon Books was packed with customers.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
Like most bookstores, the aisles are filled with rows of books on a range of topics.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
But unlike regular bookstores, this one also sells Amazon Kindles ...
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
... and other Amazon devices.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
Like Amazon.com, each book is accompanied by user reviews and ratings from the website.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
The store clearly displays Amazon's top sellers in each category ...
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
... recommends books based on what you like ...
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
... and showcases Amazon's most-wished-for books.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
But the one thing you won't find listed anywhere in the store? PRICES.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
To check prices, customers must first download the Amazon app.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
Allow camera access to scan bar codes.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
Find your target.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
Then scan the book or item in question.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
And only THEN is the price of an item revealed.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
It would be a lot easier to just pick up a book and see a price tag — or have it printed on the review card beneath it — rather than going through the whole process on your phone.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
If your phone isn't working, Amazon has scanners set up in the store.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
Neither option is a very time-efficient way to check prices, and it can be frustrating if you already have your hands full from previous stops at the mall.
Getty Images
But at least the prices are still great, just like on Amazon.com.
Aly Weisman/Business Insider
Read next
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Aly is a Senior Correspondent for INSIDER, a new lifestyle publication from Business Insider Inc. She was previously the Senior Entertainment Editor at Business Insider. Before joining BI in 2011, she worked as a reporter, writer, and producer for E! News and E! Online in Los Angeles.Aly graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She has written for numerous entertainment and lifestyle publications and hosted TV and web segments of similar content. You can follow her @AlyWeisman.
