Washington: A report on Friday has said that Google is in talks with major retailers about an online shopping service that would deliver purchases to buyers within 24 hours. This step would also expand its services into new categories.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the online giant is in talks with major retailers about a 1-day paid delivery service. Google hopes to launch the service sometime next in 2012.
The report said that Google has approached firms such as Macy’s, OfficeMax and Gap. The idea was confirmed by Macy’s, but the department store chain noted that “we haven’t made any decisions”.
Such a service would be a direct challenge to e-commerce king Amazon.com, which promises one- to two-day delivery on purchases by people who pay $79 annually to be members of a Prime programme that comes with added perks.
Amazon has been gaining ground in the online advertising market as shoppers use the online retailer’s website for searches instead of Google or other services. Online ads are Google’s main source of revenue.
Amazon’s influence is growing with the allure of online videos and other content for Prime members.
Google, on the other hand, has been weighing into the online retail market with features such as coupons for deals at local businesses and Android smartphones that can double as electronic wallets to pay in stores.
