Amazon to open its first physical store at US university


4 Feb 2015

The Amazon@Purdue outlet

E-commerce giant Amazon is to open its first ever staffed customer order pick-up and drop-off store at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Amazon@Purdue, as it will be known, will allow Purdue students to buy, rent and return text books plus other school-related items with free one-day pickup included.

In addition, once Purdue students activate their Amazon Student account, they will be able to identify books needed for classes by looking for a ‘badge’ with the university’s logo and class information within Amazon search results and product pages. Students can also purchase regular items available on Amazon and collect them from the store.

When their order is ready for collection, customers will be prompted to click on the link provided in an email or text. This link will generate a barcode and, after arriving at the store, the student can scan the barcode and pick up his or her order at one of the self-service lockers.

Amazon@Purdue marks a first for Amazon, being the e-commerce giant’s first pick-up and drop-off store at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana

“We’re excited to open our first-ever staffed pick-up location at Purdue, making it more convenient and affordable for students to get everything they need for life on campus,” said Paul Ryder, vice-president of media and student programs at Amazon.

“Whether students are ordering textbooks, laptops, or mac and cheese, Amazon and Purdue are now providing a convenient and secure spot for them to pick up their stuff at hours that work with their schedules. We look forward to bringing this experience to more universities soon.”

There have been a lot of rumours over the past few months regarding Amazon opening a bricks-and-mortar store, but the Purdue outlet is the company’s first firm announcement that it is entering the arena.

It has been reported that Amazon has been planning to open a store on Midtown Manhattan’s famed 34th Street after agreeing to a 17-year lease to rent a 470,000 sq-foot space in the heart of New York’s major shopping district.