Founded in 1994 Amazon is one of the largest online retailers on the planet. Originally a book retailer they have diversified to include all manner of products, including their own branded products.
They are now looking to set up a distribution warehouse in Australia. This will shorten delivery times to New Zealand customers and will have an impact on local retailers. The company is also seeking to broaden the product range to include beauty products, groceries, clothing and fashion, wine, appliances and hand tools, to name a few.
It is expected that they will seek to undercut current markets by a considerable amount.
Planned changes to GST and import duty may assist some local retailers with the proposed new threshold dropping from $400 down to $225, however a lot of amazon product will be sold under this price point, and with lower margins.
The Warehouse view amazon as a main competitor, and Stream Interactive online SHOP customers may well ask how Amazons expansion will affect them.
The move provides motivation for any retailer particularly with an online presence to be on the top of their game.