While some experts say that Google can't succeed in its retail ambitions without a distribution chain, others think that misses the point

Google is hoping to take on the huge task of moving a significant portion of the European retail sector online.


The company is extending Google Base, its system for advertising and selling goods and services, into a full retail operation, it revealed this week.


Some industry analysts are sceptical about Google’s prospects and have dismissed Google Base as "just advertising". Another analyst believes that Google Base’s true worth goes beyond just retail and that its "rounded, more complete, approach" will make like tough for companies like Amazon.com and eBay.


Nikesh Arora, head of Google's European arm, told the Financial Times on Thursday that Google wanted companies in retail and related sectors such as real estate to submit details of their goods and prices. Google would index them and package the information into a search engine.


Full story: ZDNet UK