Amazon: A Behemoth in the Industry

By Lilyanne Rice - On Jul 10, 2019

Amazon, a name synonymous with online shopping. A behemoth of a company with its humble beginnings to one of the biggest and most recognizable names in the modern world. What started out as a small online bookstore turned into an online shopping hub, a high end grocery, and at some point started developing online games on its own. The internet is more than browsing or playing slot machines online and amazon is a testament to this. In this article we explore Amazon in its humble beginnings and what it is today.

Humble Beginnings.

In 1994, Jeff Bezos, brimming with ambition, launched Amazon from his garage in Bellevue, Washington. Initially, it was a mere online bookstore, a bold move in a nascent era of the internet. However, Bezos envisioned a vast digital marketplace, and Amazon soon expanded its offerings to encompass a wider range of products.

This relentless pursuit of variety earned Amazon the moniker “The Everything Store.” From electronics and clothing to furniture and groceries, it became a one-stop shop for consumers seeking convenience and competitive prices. But Amazon’s ambitions stretched far beyond retail.

Expansion and Diversification

In 2002, Amazon launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), a suite of cloud computing services that provided scalable computing power and storage solutions to businesses. AWS quickly became a critical revenue stream for Amazon, fueling its growth and innovation in other areas. Today, AWS is the leading cloud service provider globally, serving millions of customers, including startups, enterprises, and government agencies.

Another significant milestone was the introduction of Amazon Prime in 2005. For an annual fee, Prime members received free two-day shipping on eligible purchases, access to streaming video and music, and other exclusive benefits. Prime membership grew rapidly, fostering customer loyalty and increasing sales. As of 2024, Amazon Prime boasts over 200 million members worldwide.

Amazon Today

Here’s a glimpse into the diverse services offered by the modern-day Amazon:

Amazon Prime: A subscription service offering a multitude of benefits, including free one or two-day shipping, access to a vast streaming library (Prime Video), and exclusive discounts. Shows like the Boys or Invincible can only be played in this streaming service.
Amazon Marketplace: A platform for third-party sellers to list their products alongside Amazon’s offerings, creating a vast online marketplace with unmatched selection. Online shopping has never been the same without Amazon to pioneer it.
Amazon Studios: A film and television production company responsible for critically acclaimed shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys.”
Whole Foods Market: A high-end grocery chain acquired by Amazon in 2017, offering organic and specialty products.
Amazon Alexa: A virtual assistant embedded in various Amazon devices like Echo speakers, facilitating voice-activated smart home control and information retrieval.
Amazon Fire: A line of tablets, smart speakers, and streaming devices, offering affordable access to Amazon’s content and services.
New World: a massively multiplayer online role playing game founded and developed by amazon. Its opening week is still today one of the largest player count in history, making eleven the servers equipped to host such herculean amounts of new players world wide.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as an online bookstore, Amazon has grown into a global powerhouse, reshaping industries and setting new standards for innovation and customer service. Its diverse range of services, from e-commerce and cloud computing to digital content and smart devices, reflects its relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. As Amazon continues to push the boundaries of technology and expand its reach, it remains at the forefront of shaping the future of business and consumer experiences worldwide.