The retail giant is expanding into the physical world with a series of trials in its home town. First came a book shop, but the real prize is in grocery
The buzz of a text message heralds the latest offer on Amazon’s Treasure Truck – a funky lorry bedecked with funfair lights and retro signs that appears at random in the streets of Seattle with a one-off discounted product for sale.
Alaskan cod, four fillets for $17, was the most recent item; a few days earlier it was two 16oz prime steaks for $40. Click on your Amazon app to buy your “treasure” and you’ll be told where the truck is so you can pick it up.
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Shoppers scan their apps on entering the shop, put what they want in their bags, and walk out
The Treasure Truck is fun and gimmicky. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is a master of PR and getting people excited