Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd is launching its first U.S. direct-to-consumer online shop, the Financial Times and other media reported. The website will operate as a marketplace similar to Alibaba's China-based TMall, which offers virtual store fronts to merchants who set their own prices and handle their own logistics for nearly everything but payments, the newspaper reported. The website, 11 Main.com, was showing an "opening soon" message. "Our shop owners are currently unpacking and getting settled," the site said.  Alibaba spokeswoman Florence Shih directed queries to representatives of 11 Main, who did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Reuters reported in February that Alibaba was set to launch its U.S. e-commerce website through its subsidiaries Vendio and Auctiva. (Reuters)