Amazon 'to open department stores the size of TK Maxx' as it takes on high street

Amazon is planning a number of department stores as part of plans to increase its physical presence on the high street, according to reports.

Its bricks-and-mortar stores would reportedly offer everything from furniture to clothing and electronics, as well as a major focus on its own brand of products.

According to anonymous sources who spoke to The Wall Street Journal, the sites would measure roughly 30,000sq ft - around the average size of a TK Maxx store.

Reports describe the plans as "large physical retail locations in the US that will operate akin to department stores".

It’s been reported that the stores are being planned in California and Ohio.

Amazon has yet to comment on the reports and there is no word on whether similar projects are being looked at for the UK.

The Wall Street Journal also reports how its sources said the plans aren’t yet final and could change.

It comes as Amazon is expected to open its sixth Fresh grocery store in London in Bankside’s Blue Fin Building over the next few weeks.

All its stores in London have technology in place that lets customers pick up items and walk out of the store without using a till.

Instead of interacting with staff, cameras monitor what items shoppers pick up and take out of the store.

Their Amazon account is then charged when they leave.

Shoppers have to scan a QR code to get into the stores, which links up to their Amazon account.

You do not need to be signed up to Amazon Prime to shop in its Fresh stores, but you do need to have an Amazon account.

In the US, Amazon has 12 Amazon Fresh grocery stores, two Amazon Go Grocery stores and 22 Amazon Go convenience stores.

It also operates 24 Amazon Books stores, 30 Amazon 4-Star outlets and seven Amazon pop-up locations.

The chain also recently opened its first ever salon as part of a pilot to dip into the beauty market.

Amazon declined to comment on the department stores plans when contacted by The Mirror today. 

Reference: Mirror: Levi Winchester