Photo: Courtesy of Amazon. UPDATE: Despite reports from numerous media outlets, a spokesperson for Amazon told Refinery29, "We have made no announcements about a location in Manhattan." We'll continue to update as the story progresses.
This story was originally published on October 9:
Next stop on Amazon's plan for world domination? 34th Street in midtown Manhattan.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the e-tailer will be opening up its first brick-and-mortar store in New York City, just in time for the holiday season. The retail location will "function as a mini-warehouse," offering same-day delivery within New York, as well as a place to return, exchange, and pick up certain products.
Since most of Amazon's convenience comes from door-to-door delivery, it's hard to see how lugging a TV home through the throngs of tourists in Herald Square makes things more convenient. Maybe that's just us.
While the company is keeping pretty quiet on any additional details, we're guessing the store will be packed with some of Amazon's best-selling items, like Kindles and smart phones, as well as newer products it's hoping to promote — like Fire TV. But, can Amazon IRL really compete with Amazon.com? And, seriously, will there be drones? Please, Jeff Bezos, don't fail us now. (WSJ)