Will Amazon buy ailing DIY stores?

SHOPS left empty because of the crisis on the high street could be snapped up by Amazon.

The internet giant is reportedly bidding for properties being offloaded by troubled DIY chain Homebase.

More than 0 stores are set to be shut as it tries to slash costs and strike a rescue deal with landlords and creditors.

Seventy more could also be at risk if rents are not reduced, Homebase has warned.

But the stores are seen as valuable staging posts by Amazon, which wants to rapidly expand its delivery network, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Amazon first launched one-hour deliveries in London three years ago and has been buying properties across the country to expand the service.

It keeps most of its stock in huge outof-town warehouses but wants to use smaller outposts to reduce delivery times in built-up areas. It is estimated that Amazon acquired million sq ft of warehouse space last year, or the equivalent of 63 football pitches.