Amazon, yes, that Amazon, is known for doing and selling almost everything. But maybe that's why Amazon has opened a real hair salon. It's called "Amazon Salon."

Well, Toto, we are no longer in Bellevue. We are no longer in Bellevue, because the Amazon Salon is located in East London.

Amazon has been a huge player in the online retail world, but in recent years it has begun to expand into other physical spaces. These include Amazon Go, a grocery store without cash registers, Whole Foods, shopping mall kiosks, and Amazon Books, a bookstore.

Now a hair salon has opened on Brushfield Street in London's Spitalfields neighborhood. It sometimes feels as if Amazon, which has been cited as one of the main reasons for the decline of brick-and-mortar stores, is slowly making the space its own.

That said, this is the first time Amazon has branched out into something that cannot be described as "coming to buy stuff from us." Then again, Amazon Salon still has that vibe. Even if you can get a haircut in the process.

According to John Bunfrey, Amazon's UK country manager, the point of Amazon Salon is to "allow customers to experience the best technology, hair care products, and stylists in the industry. We want to bring our customers one step closer by creating this unique venue, where they can collaborate with the industry and test new technologies"

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But it also sounds like a demo area for products available on Amazon: not only will there be "entertainment on Fire tablets," but hair care products will also be on display. All products have a QR code that will take you to the relevant Amazon page.

It is not at all clear if this will just be products for the hair, such as shampoos, conditioners, and dyes, or if it will extend to some of the technology used by salons. After all, what better way to advertise a new blow dryer or other hair-friendly technology machine than to use it on paying customers?

It's all about corporate synergy. Real estate is in dire straits right now, especially after the pandemic, and you can't sell haircuts over the Internet. What better way to open up new markets and sell stuff in the process?

Especially if you include gimmicks like augmented reality (AR) hair consulting to show people how their hair would look in different colors. Many hair-dye companies, such as L'Oréal, already offer smartphone apps and websites that allow users to do this virtually.

Amazon Salon is currently only available to Amazon employees, but apparently will be open to the public "within a few weeks." Hair and styling will be handled by Neville Hair and Beauty Salon.

Expect to pay less if you are a Prime member. Whether it will be called "Prime Cuts" is another story, as there are so many butchers using that name. The last thing Amazon wants is a Sweeney Todd-like comparison.

Fleet Street is almost two miles away.