Had a long day? Amazon wants to get you a massage.
The ecommerce retailer is preparing to launch a digital marketplace for local services, pushing into turf currently occupied by companies like Yelp. The new platform could launch this year, according to a report from Reuters.
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The marketplace would primarily connect customers with services such as home repair. It was not immediately clear if the company would also use it to feature local craftmakers, a move that would also bring it into competition with Etsy.
Amazon continues to dominate online retail sales, with 2013 revenue of $67.9 billion accounting for more than the next nine companies combined. Margins remain tight, meaning Amazon generates little profit from each sale, resulting in profit that has
The company continues to explore other options to make money, including an expansion of its Prime service into music. The company has also explored it's own delivery service as well as a grocery delivery offering.
The report comes as Amazon is expected to announce a smartphone later this month.
Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.