Amazon to open brick-and-mortar store

NEW YORK — Amazon is planning to open its first physical store.

That’s according to a report in The Wall Street Journal that says the largest U.S. 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 says the store could function as a warehouse and a showcase for inventory.

Amazon has never opened a brick-and-mortar store but has installed pick-up lockers in major cities. It has been investing heavily in the speedy fulfillment of orders, including adding six new distribution centers and about 15 sortation centers before the holidays.

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

Shares fell $7.33, or 2.3 percent, to $315.37 amid a broader market sell-off on Thursday.