THE NEXT MOVE FOR AMAZON

AMAZON is hunting for corner shops to help it deliver a new parcel click and collect service. The counter network will allow Amazon customers to pick up their ordered parcels at staffed pick-up points in shops around Europe. Fashion chain Next and Italian bookstore Giunti are two of the launch partners for the service, which went live yesterday. Amazon says it wants partners including “family run corner shops”. Patrick Supanc, Amazon director of lockers and pickup, said: “Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of the opportunity.” Lord Wolfson, chief executive of Next, added: “In a tough retail environment our aim is that Amazon Counter will contribute to the continued relevance and vibrancy of our stores.”