Rumours are circulating that Amazon has big plans to open physical stores selling furniture and home appliances which customers may otherwise be reluctant to purchase without seeing first.

According to national and international press, the stores would serve as showrooms where people could see the items in person and order them to their homes. The retailer is also said to be exploring the idea of using augmented reality to allow customers to 'try before they buy' and 'see' the items in their homes.

Amazon is also believed to be following Apple's lead with the concept of an electronics store with items associated with Amazon's devices and services.

The e-commerce giant recently opened a grocery store in Seattle and has five physical book stores dotted across the USA. It is said to be looking to India for its next grocery store venture.