Amazon Captured 29% of Online Orders Before Christmas 2023

Recent data from a Bloomberg report reveals a startling leap in Amazon's global order volume to 29% in the lead-up to Christmas, up from 21% during the Thanksgiving and Black Friday period. This growth, calculated by Route from a staggering 55 million orders, underscores Amazon's ever-expanding influence in the retail world.

Amazon Captured 29% of Online Orders in Weeks Before Christmas

Amazon.com Inc.’s share of online orders spiked in the final days of the holiday shopping season, demonstrating how big investments in delivery speed paid off with procrastinating shoppers looking for a wide selection of products they could get quickly.

BloombergSpencer Soper

From personal experience, I can attest to Amazon's integration into the fabric of daily life. Its unparalleled convenience has made it my preferred choice for online shopping, often eclipsing my desire to visit my favorite retailer, Costco. Amazon's success is rooted in this very convenience, which has become the bedrock of its popularity.

The Amazon phenomenon is not restricted to the U.S. In Japan, Amazon has tailored its services to an impressive degree. It offers an English version of its platform, easing the journey for non-Japanese speakers.

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Nikkei AsiaStaff Writer

The convenience is further amplified in the purchase and delivery of large items, such as furniture and appliances. For those without personal transportation, this is a godsend. Moreover, Amazon Japan's flexible payment options, including credit cards, Cash on Delivery, and payment at convenience stores, cater to a diverse customer base.

However, reliance on Amazon tends to decrease as one's language proficiency in Japan improves (plus, it's more fun to shop in-person in Japan), indicating its role as a vital bridge for newcomers rather than a permanent fixture.

Amazon vs. Rakuten: The Battle for Japan’s E-commerce Throne 👑🇯🇵

Introduction Hey, corporate professionals! The e-commerce landscape in Japan is a fascinating battleground where global giant Amazon faces stiff competition from local hero Rakuten. Let’s dive into how these two giants are vying for the top spot in Japan’s lucrative e-commerce market.

Dr. Amr Elharony

WTF?

Yet, with great power comes great responsibility, and Amazon's dominance casts a long shadow. A recent Financial Times article brought to light a burgeoning legal industry aimed at assisting Amazon sellers in regaining their suspended accounts.

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The impact on small business owners is profound. Many depend on Amazon for their online sales, and account suspensions can be crippling. E-commerce-focused law firms in the U.S. are inundated with cases from disgruntled Amazon sellers, handling hundreds to thousands annually.

The concerns among sellers are mounting. There is increasing anxiety over Amazon's authority to suspend accounts or listings, often arbitrarily and without sufficient support. This leaves sellers in a precarious position, with one expressing the fear of losing their business overnight.

Amazon's story is a tale of two cities: on one hand, a beacon of convenience and adaptability, and on the other, a looming giant exerting control over its marketplace. And it's crucial to balance the scales between consumer convenience and fair market practice.

Amazon, as a leader in this domain, has a pivotal role to play in setting the tone for a future where both businesses and consumers can thrive.