Amazon to open its first brick-and-mortar shop

Amazon is reported to be planning to open its first physical store.

A report in the Wall Street Journal today said the largest US e-commerce retailer will open a store in Manhattan ahead of the holiday shopping season. It cites anonymous sources familiar with the matter.

It is not clear if the store will be permanent or a holiday pop-up. The newspaper said the store could function as a warehouse and a showcase for inventory.

Amazon has never opened a bricks-and-mortar store but has installed pick-up lockers in major cities.

It has been investing heavily in the speedy fulfilment of orders, including adding six new distribution centres and about 15 sorting centres before the holidays. It operates 40 total distribution centers in the US.

Seattle-based Amazon said it has made no announcements about a location in Manhattan.