Rumors: Amazon stock is volatile: Amazon may want to open stores in the US | newsletter

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing informed sources, that the first branches will go to California and Ohio initially. However, Amazon did not want to confirm this when asked. “We do not comment on rumors and speculation,” a company spokeswoman said.

However, such progress would not be a complete surprise. Amazon may have originated as a seller of everything online, but it’s also been rocking traditional retail for a number of years. Founded in 1994 by star entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, the group operates grocery chains under brands like Amazon Fresh and Go and also has smaller stores for books and other products. Amazon also owns the US supermarket chain Whole Foods.

With bigger stores, Amazon can also put its apparel, homeware and technology offerings offline. According to the Wall Street Journal, the stores of about 30,000 square feet (about 2,790 square meters) will be significantly larger than former Amazon retail stores, but much smaller than the average department store in the United States. The report did not include any specific information on the timetable.

In trading on the Nasdaq, Amazon shares were at times 0.57 percent more stable at $3,219.60. Now, however, it is losing 0.23 percent to $3,193.86.

New York (dpa-AFX)