Amazon’s North American sales were up 18% in the last quarter to 31 December 2008, against an overall 3% decline in US internet retail sales over the holiday shopping period — and international sales did even better with a 19% increase.
Amazon is to begin selling non-perishable groceries in the UK, according to a report in Retail Week:
Amazon is expected to emulate its US grocery offer, comprising more than 45,000 non-perishable items, in this country. A launch date has yet to be decided but industry sources said it is likely to be this year.
In the US, Amazon offers shoppers savings by enabling them to buy in bulk. The e-tailer also offers free delivery to prime customers and tracks routine purchases on a shopping list feature on its site.
Amazon is also testing a perishable food offer, AmazonFresh, in the Seattle area in the US’s Northwest and is asking customers to vote on whether the offer should be extended to more locations.
Sources said that they do not expect the fresh food range to be introduced in the UK soon, although this country’s size would make it logistically easier to provide a wider fresh food offer.
You can check out the shape of things to come at Amazon’s stateside non-perishable grocery offering and Amazon Fresh.
