From the “You have to be kidding me” file, rumors are circulating in the British media that Amazon is looking at opening retail store fronts.

According to The Sunday Times, a secret American retailer has been talking to “high street” (the British version of a main street in the USA) landlords about renting retail space.  While no names have been mentioned, the landlords have been hinting that it is indeed the leading online retailer.

Why would such a successful company, that has never had to deal with the headaches of a storefront, suddenly decide to do this?  Some speculation centers on the idea that consumers are really beginning to take to the idea of ordering online and picking items up at a storefront at a time of their choosing.  I could see this being tested in a smaller market such as the U.K., but the overhead this is going to add to Amazon’s operating costs is going to be staggering.

I can see why they would ponder this, but as someone has gone from retail to Internet only operations … you couldn’t pay me enough to go back to having a retail shop.  Sure it had its good moments, but it’s like a giant anchor around your neck.  I hope this does prove to just be rumor, but we shall see.

What do you think?  Good idea or bad?