INTRODUCTION 

Amazon is a technology and multinational company for E-commerce. Amazon was founded and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, in 1994 The company’s primary business is e-commerce, cloud computing, streaming and artificial intelligence. Amazon is amongst the technology companies that are Big Five in America and are fronted by Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook. In 2019, PR Newswire referred to Amazon as the “most valuable brand” in the world.

ORIGIN AND BUSINESS DESCRIPTION OF AMAZON

A well-known multinational technology and e-commerce company, Amazon, offers a wide range of products and services to businesses, consumers, and developers.

• Trade name: Amazon
• Industry: Conglomerate
• Founded: July 5, 1994; 29 years ago, in Bellevue, Washington, U.S.
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, and Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
• Area served: Worldwide
• Founder & Executive Chairman: Jeff Bezos
• President and CEO: Andy Jassy
• Revenue: US$574.8 billion (2023)
• Operating income: US$36.85 billion (2023)
• Net income: US$30.43 billion (2023)
• Total assets: US$527.9 billion (2023)
• Total equity: US$201.9 billion (2023)
• Number of employees: ≈ 1,525,000 (2023)
• Website:  www.amazon.com

WHAT PRODUCTS DOES AMAZON SELL AND WHAT SERVICES DOES IT PROVIDE?

The company is made up of different divisions, each with its unique resources and services.

1. E-Commerce Platform: Amazon— Its core offering is an E-Commerce Platform that enables shoppers to buy an enormous variety of goods online. Amazon began as an online bookstore, but soon diversified, selling electronics, apparel, furniture, equipment, food, and toys with some digital products.
2. Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is an overall cloud computing platform, that mainly offers a wide range of infrastructure and services for companies, and also for the developer. It could be computing power, storage database, machine learning, analytics, networking, security, and so on.
3. Digital Content and Services: Many types of content include applications, music, videos, games, and digital content that works on an Amazon Device and accessory, including:
   • Prime Video
   • Amazon Music
   • Kindle
   • Audible
   • Amazon Appstore
   • Amazon Studios
4. Hardware Devices: Amazon designs and manufacturers a lineup of Amazon Devices which include:
   • Amazon Echo
   • Fire Tablets
   • Fire TV
   • Ring
   • Amazon Basics
5. Subscription Services: Amazon has multiple subscription-based services for our customers, even subscriptions that automatically renew.
   • Amazon Prime
   • Amazon Prime Wardrobe
   • Amazon Fresh
   • Amazon Prime Pantry
   • Amazon Business

STAGES OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

EARLY STAGE

• 1994: Amazon, launched by Jeff Bezos. Established com as an online book store from his garage.
• 1995: Amazon broadens its reach by branching out from books to include music and videos in its selection of products.
• 1997: The company goes public with an IPO on the NASDAQ stock exchange
• 1998: Amazon unveils its online marketplace, where third-party sellers can list and sell items on its system.

GROWTH STAGE

• Early 2000s: Amazon adds electronics, toys, apparel, and other products to product lines
• 2002: Amazon debuts the Kindle e-reader. A game changer for the e-book market.
• 2007: Amazon releases the Kindle e-reader, revolutionizing the e-book industry.
• 2010: Amazon expands globally, entering markets like India, Brazil etc.
• 2013: Jeff Bezos acquires The Washington Post, signaling his interest in media and journalism.
• 2015: Prime Day, an annual shopping holiday that Amazon launched, kicks off
• 2017: The acquisition of Whole Foods Market marks Amazon’s entry into the grocery industry.

EXPANSION STAGE

• 2019: Amazon now employs over 600,000 workers around the world, and as such is providing essential employment for a new disease-stricken economy.
• 2020: Amazon’s offerings are in higher demand due to an increase in e-commerce growth with the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2021: In a move that will invest billions of dollars in renewable energy, affordable housing, and employee upskilling,
• 2022: It has been expanding its logistics and delivery network as well as investing in drone delivery technology.
• 2023: Sectors in which Amazon is looking for opportunities are healthcare, transportation, and space exploration.

FUTURE PLAN

• Continued Expansion: Amazon will also likely keep growing into new markets and industries—around the world and in the United States.
• Investments in Technology: Newtech News mentioned that all these properties point to a vast possibility of building new technology like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, etc.
• Sustainability: Amazon is expected to double down on its strategy to combat climate change and reach net zero carbon across its business operations.
• Diversification: We see Amazon expanding its presence through acquisitions and partnerships or other ventures in a range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and entertainment.

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

Extensive marketing and advertising, Amazon utilizes multiple marketing and advertising tools to target its large & varied consumer base This is how they market and advertise:

 DIGITAL MARKETING

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): 
• Paid Search Advertising
• Amazon Advertising
• Email Marketing
• Affiliate Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Social Media Platforms
• Influencer Partnerships
• Content Marketing:
• Amazon Blogs
• Amazon Studios
• Traditional Advertising:
• Television Commercials
• Print Advertising
• Event Sponsorships and Partnerships:
• Sports Sponsorships
• Entertainment Partnerships

FINANCING

HOW THE COMPANY MANAGED ITS INITIAL FUND:

Jeff Bezos put up his own money with personal investments by family and friends in the early days of Amazon. A part of his personal savings of $10,000 had been provided by him to set up the online bookstore in 1994. Venture capital stepped in to fund its growth and operations, which grew as the firm gained ascendency.

DIFFERENT STAGES OF FUNDING:

• Seed Stage:

In the seed stage, Amazon bootstrapped and Amazon basically started with Jeff Bezos personal savings and funds from family and friends. This first investment helped the company to buy its first server, create its website, and start an online bookstore.

• Venture Capital Funding:

Amazon had its most important round of venture capital funding in 1995, well after the company was based, with even after a company had been built already, but they raised $8 million from investors including Kleiner Perkins and Sequoia Capital. The fact that this funding was received allowed Amazon to widen its inventory from just books as well as market and also modern technology.

• Initial Public Offering (IPO):

Amazon was incorporated in 1994 and, a year later, the site went live with Amazon’s previous name, Cadabra. com In 1997, the organization went open with an initial public offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ stock exchange and brought up nearly $54 million. Amazon received more money from the IPO to grow and expand.

• Secondary Offerings and Debt Financing:

Amazon has done many secondary stock issues over the years to raise more cash which helped the company to acquire other companies, invest in R&D, and expand its infrastructure.
In addition, Amazon has used debt financing to fund its facilities and strategic initiatives, further incorporating its excellent position to source business with some of the most avid lenders at attractive terms.

AMAZON’S UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITIONS (USPS)

1. Vast Product Selection
2. Convenience and Speed of Delivery
3. Customer-Centric Approach
4. Amazon Prime Membership
5. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
6. Innovative Technology
7. Amazon Prime Day and Special Events
8. Community Engagement and Partnerships

SUCCESS STORY

Amazon’s success story is a testament to the vision, determination, and innovative spirit of its founder, Jeff Bezos, and the thousands of employees who have contributed to its growth over the years.

1. Visionary Leadership
2. Relentless Innovation
3. Diversification and Expansion
4. Customer Obsession
5. Market Disruption
6. Continuous Growth and Adaptation
7. Leadership Transition.

CHALLENGES AND CRITICISMS

Amazon has had its fair share of struggles along the way despite its spectacular growth. The company has faced the following big issues:

1. It also raised regulatory and antitrust alarms.
2. Workplace Human Rights and Labor Practices
3. Fake Stuff & Scams
4. Data Privacy and Security
5. Environmental Impact & Sustainability
6. Supply Chain Disruptions
7. Competition & Hype
8. Architecture in times of globalization

FUTURE PLAN

Amazon executives said in a statement:

1. Expansion into New Markets
2. Further Diversification of Services
3. Investments in Technology and Innovation
4. Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
5. Focus on Prime and Subscription Services:
6. Innovations in Delivery and Logistics:
7. International Expansion and Localization
8. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives

CONCLUSION

Amazon’s success story is not just about building a successful business; it’s about reimagining what is possible and continuously striving to exceed customer expectations, innovate relentlessly, and make a positive impact on the world. As the company embarks on its next chapter under new leadership, its legacy of innovation, disruption, and customer obsession will continue to inspire and influence the future of commerce and technology.