Amazon's Mysterious New Bookstores

On the Media | Aug 19, 2016

Earlier this year, an off-the-cuff remark by a giant property manager triggered curiosity and panic among bookstore owners. Sandeep Mathrani, CEO of General Growth Properties, casually mentioned that Amazon planned to open hundreds of retail locations. "You've got Amazon opening bricks and mortar bookstores, and their goal is to open, as I understand, 300 to 400 bookstores," he said in an earnings call.

Mathrani later walked back from that remark, saying that his comment "was not intended to represent Amazon's plans." Amazon itself has declined to comment. But those who have watched the company closely over the years say there are some intriguing strategic reasons why Amazon might want to open physical retail locations. Rob Salkowitz, author of Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture, offers Bob a few theories about Amazon's long-term plans for bookstores.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

MTA plans to beat the heat at sweltering subway stations with heat capture technology

The solution would store heat for wintertime use, and could roll out as soon as 2027.
Gothamist |

How Socialist Is the D.S.A.? Megan Romer Explains

Romer, a co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, defends some of the D.S.A.’s controversial positions: “I think people like us being rather bold. . . . People want a fighter.”
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

The Story Behind Trump’s Terrible Approval Rating

Plus, the origins of Trump’s media watchdog.
On the Media |

A Poet is Rediscovered in 'Late Fame'

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE