Google intends to turn Google Base, still in beta, into an online retail platform and make a significant push into Europe's retail market, giving traditional retailers a base from which to offer their goods online, reports the Financial Times. Nikesh Arora, head of Google's European arm, is quoted as saying that Google has asked retail and possibly real estate companies to submit details of their goods and prices for Google to index.

One large U.K. retailer says the offer would be of interest if Google also arranged for distribution. Google interviewed 20 of Europe's top retailers, finding a high level of dissatisfaction about their online operations.

Until now, Google has been vague about its intentions for Google Base. The search giant has come under pressure to develop new business lines as online advertising shows signs of maturing.