Amazon, Pushing Fashion, Opened Photo Studio As a 'Warehouse' Exemption (nytimes.com) 13
The New York Times reports that Amazon was playing fast and loose with the rules by opening up a fashion photo studio, claiming it could open under state rules that allowed warehouses and fulfillment operations to operate as essential businesses. From the report: A few days after The Times asked the state about the open studio, Amazon closed it. A manager told employees that someone in state government had given the company a heads-up that it may need to comply with an unspecified new policy. The studio remains closed. Photo studios, even those related to e-commerce, were not considered essential and should not be open for business in New York City, said Jack Sterne, a spokesman for the state. Local governments can fine businesses up to $10,000 for violating the state's executive order. An Amazon spokeswoman, Rachael Lighty, said that health and safety were "our top concern." She said the company continued "to work closely with local health authorities and the city and state of New York to ensure that all of our businesses are operating under state regulations and health guidelines." But when pressed, she did not provide more details on whom specifically Amazon had consulted about whether it could open.
Reopening the studio shows how Amazon has pressed ahead during the pandemic, looking to right its operations quickly after the virus initially caught it on its heels. The push to take advantage of its warehousing operations, when physical retailers were closed, was particularly evident in areas where it has long struggled, like high-end fashion. Sales across the clothing industry fell when the pandemic arrived in the United States, but the open studio gave Amazon access to new products and let it demonstrate its abilities as the demand for fashion returned.
Reopening the studio shows how Amazon has pressed ahead during the pandemic, looking to right its operations quickly after the virus initially caught it on its heels. The push to take advantage of its warehousing operations, when physical retailers were closed, was particularly evident in areas where it has long struggled, like high-end fashion. Sales across the clothing industry fell when the pandemic arrived in the United States, but the open studio gave Amazon access to new products and let it demonstrate its abilities as the demand for fashion returned.
$10,000 (Score:2)
I'm sure that has Bezos quaking in his boots.
Re: (Score:1)
Each boot is probably more than that.
Slashdot and NYTimes (Score:2)
This is like old time stereotypical gossipy housewives stuff.
"You won't believe what Amazon did when the public health police weren't looking! They opened a photo studio!"
"But that's against the rules! Shame! We always follow all the rules ourselves. We're very conscientious and bend a knee whenever the public health commissioner is around. Even when she's on TV."
"Piety and obedience are paramount. That's what I always say. Those Amazons aren't our kind of people."
important reporting (Score:2)
thanks, Karen
Re: (Score:2)
I hear they're growing their own Freedom Fries in the Autonomous Zone, I'll bet Littlefinger blows a gasket when he finds out.
Essential is soooo clear (Score:2)
What Did Them in (Score:2)
Was the porn shoots
"Top concern" (Score:2)
Rachael Lighty, said that health and safety were "our top concern."
Yes, the 'health and safety' of their stock was of upmost importance!
Don't want to hear it (Score:2)