Zappos More Than Just a Warehouse of Shoes

In light of yesterday’s stunning announcement that Amazon had acquired Zappos for the sum of $807 million (plus), Seth Godin wonders what that deal actually means for Amazon, particularly when it’s clear that they already has plenty of shoes.

And while it’s hard to argue that eliminating the competition in one bold move is reason enough for the deal, Godin views things a bit differently, pointing to a number of valuable assets, many of which you can rarely buy for any price:

What you buy when you spend that kind of money is what matters now. And what matters is:

• A corporate culture that’s not the same (and where great people choose to work)
• A tight relationship with customers that give you permission to talk with them
• A business model that’s remarkable and worth talking about
• A story that spreads
• Leadership

Although these intangible qualities may indeed be worth every penny, as Godin notes, “These things are available to organizations of every size. If you want them and choose to work for them.” The kind of innovation that anyone can afford.

Seth Godin: When you buy Zappos, what do you buy?

[image via Luis Alves on Flickr]

Related Posts:

Zappos Launches Realtime Ordering Map

Workplace Inspiration from Zappos