Amazon launches bigger local online store in Singapore
[SINGAPORE] Amazon.com Inc has launched a bigger local store and marketplace in Singapore, expanding its product selection and intensifying competition with rivals such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's Lazada and Sea Ltd's Shopee.
The US company launched local online shopping in the wealthy South-east Asian city-state more than two years ago with its fast delivery service through a mobile app. But its initial local selection, which focused on groceries and household essentials, has not been as wide as those offered by rivals.
"With Amazon.sg, we want to provide what customers have been asking us for: the ability for everyone to shop on desktop and mobile, more local and international selection from Amazon and trusted sellers, paired with fast and reliable delivery," Henry Low, Amazon Singapore country manager, said in a statement.
Amazon also said it will allow small and medium-sized businesses to offer their products to online shoppers with Amazon.sg. Other e-commerce firms including Lazada mainly operate via a marketplace model in Singapore.
Singapore, a small but high-value market with a population of just 5.7 million, is often seen as a launchpad for consumer-focused companies into much bigger South-east Asian countries such as Indonesia, home to over 260 million people.
REUTERS
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
Consumer & Healthcare
Wall Street Journal moves Asia headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore
South Korea to slap fines on food suppliers for ‘shrinkflation’
Olam outbids Dreyfus’ sweetened deal for Australia’s Namoi, raises offer to A$0.66 per share
Live Nation’s revenue beats estimates as boom in concerts drive ticket sales
Jim Beam owner bets on canned vodka cocktails to double revenue
Cutting the cord?: Events leading up to Cordlife’s MOH suspension and arrests of its directors, ex-group CEO