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Amazon's rise from a small online bookstore to a global e-commerce leader is a testament to innovation and strategic vision. By expanding its services, diversifying into new sectors, and focusing on customer experience, Amazon has revolutionized shopping, logistics, and technology, reshaping the global retail landscape.1
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Amazon began as an online bookstore in 1995, founded by Jeff Bezos in a garage, growing into a global e-commerce leader by offering diverse products and a superior customer experience.1
The first book sold on Amazon, Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies by Douglas Hofstadter, was purchased in 1995. It's believed John Wainwright bought it on April 3rd, according to former employee Ian McAllister. 2
The company’s AWS (Amazon Web Services) launched in 2006, transforming cloud computing by providing scalable infrastructure services, now generating a significant share of Amazon’s profits and global market dominance.3
In 2005, Amazon launched Amazon Prime, a membership offering free two-day shipping within the contiguous U.S. for $79 annually ($123 in 2023) and discounted one-day shipping rates on eligible purchases.
Amazon's profits nearly doubled from 2017 to 2018, yet it paid no federal taxes for two years, legally benefiting from tax breaks like the R&D credit and incentives for building warehouses and data centers.4
Amazon's Alexa can play music, read headlines, adjust lights, and more, aiming to make life easier, more meaningful, and enjoyable by offering voice control for your home and on-the-go activities. 5
Amazon is developing Prime Air, a futuristic delivery system that uses small drones to deliver packages within 30 minutes. The service is being created for the U.S. and other countries. 6
Amazon Kindle, launched in 2007 by Amazon's Lab126, is a series of e-readers allowing users to browse, buy, and read e-books, audiobooks, and other digital media through wireless access to the Kindle Store
Amazon's Seattle campus is pet-friendly, with around 6,000 dogs among the employees. The office includes a doggy deck featuring a fake fire hydrant, creating a welcoming space for furry companions.7
In 2018, Amazon opened The Spheres in Seattle to foster collaboration. Filled with 400+ plant species, they reflect John Schoettler's vision of integrating nature into Amazon's workplace culture for innovation and creativity. 8
On September 4, 2018, Amazon became the second company to reach a $1 trillion market cap, surpassing $2,050.27 per share, following Apple's achievement just a month earlier in August. 9
Originally named Cadabra, after "abracadabra," Amazon rebranded due to concerns about confusion with "cadaver." Jeff Bezos and his team chose Amazon, inspired by the vast South American river. 10
In 2022, Amazon's European renewable energy projects generated €2.4 billion in economic investment and created over 3,900 jobs, contributing significantly to the region's green energy and employment growth.
Amazon received the 2024 Top Employer certification in Europe, highlighting our commitment to employee development and well-being across operations, offices, customer service and R&D centers.11
Amazon Go stands out with Just Walk Out technology, allowing customers to skip traditional checkout. Simply pay using the Amazon app or a linked payment method for a seamless shopping experience. 12
Amazon offers an extensive selection of over 12 million products, providing customers with a vast variety of choices across multiple categories, from electronics to clothing, ensuring convenience and accessibility for every need.13
Amazon’s sustainability initiatives target net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, with investments in renewable energy, electric delivery vehicles, and climate-friendly technologies. 14
Electronics are the most popular products on Amazon, offering a wide range of devices such as smartphones, laptops, and smart home gadgets. These items attract millions of customers for their innovation and convenience. 15
In August 2013, Amazon services experienced a 40-minute outage, affecting many customers. The downtime highlighted the importance of service reliability and prompted Amazon to strengthen its infrastructure to prevent future disruptions. 16
