Amazon to open in New York its first physical store, according to WSJ report

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 did not respond to a request for comment.