Amazon unveils move in local services

US online giant Amazon said Monday it was launching a services marketplace offering to connect consumers with businesses offering anything from home improvement to piano lessons.

Amazon Home Services, which is being launched in major cities across the United States, includes businesses in diverse areas such as gardening, computer repair, and math or yoga instruction.

The new listings will connect consumers to "handpicked pros offering upfront pricing on pre-packaged services with helpful reviews from customers that have made verified purchases."

Amazon said it will offer a "happiness guarantee" for all the services.

The move further expands Amazon's footprint from its origins as an online bookseller, and which now sells a vast array of goods and digital services as well as online storage and hosting of websites.

© 2015 AFP