I loved the Amazon Echo. While it seems like a gadget that you don’t need, you realize how useful it is once you have it (just check out our full review to see why). But if you were holding off because you wanted to see it in person, then you’re in luck. Today, Amazon announced that the Echo is coming to retail stores. Here’s their statement:
Amazon today announced that Amazon Echo, the best-selling device designed around your voice, will be available in more than 3,000 stores around the country in time for the holiday shopping season. Customers will be able to visit select locations of The Home Depot, Staples, Sears, Brookstone, RadioShack, Fred Meyer, P.C. Richard & Son, as well as several other retailers to experience and purchase Echo. For a full list of retailers visit www.amazon.com/help/devices/retail.
“Amazon Echo is a must-have gift this holiday season, and we’re excited to work with retailers across the country to make Echo available to their customers,” said Greg Hart, Vice President, Amazon Echo and Alexa Voice Services. “Using only your voice to play music, control your lights, and ask questions is magical, so it’s great that people will be able to visit local stores and try it for themselves.”
“Our customers continue to show interest in smart home products across the many categories we carry. One of our newest products, Amazon Echo, is a smart device that helps make connected home easy and fun,” said Jeff Epstein, Merchandising Vice President at The Home Depot. “Echo, paired with smart lighting devices, is an excellent gift for this holiday season.”
“Staples.com launched Amazon Echo several months ago and the product has been well received by our customers,” said Eric Cayton, VP Technology at Staples. “We are excited to continue to work with Amazon to offer Echo in select Staples retail stores and on Staples.com during the holiday season.”
“We’re thrilled to have Amazon Echo in select Brookstone stores this holiday season,” said Brookstone CEO Tom Via. “Our goal is to give customers the opportunity to see and try out the best in new technology and gifts, and Echo is a great fit for them.”
Again, I love the Echo and think it has a lot of potential. As it continues to grow and develop, it becomes even more essential. If you’ve got a tech geek you’re Christmas shopping for, then definitely be on the lookout for this (or you can still buy it through Amazon).
-Jordan
