History of Amazon

Amazon was founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos in Seattle, Washington, initially as an online bookstore. Bezos chose books as the starting product because of their broad appeal, availability, and low shipping cost. By offering a vast inventory online, Amazon quickly gained popularity for its convenience and wide selection, which were unmatched by traditional bookstores. Early on, Amazon embraced a “get big fast” philosophy, aiming to scale its business rapidly to become a dominant player in the e-commerce space.

In the late 1990s, Amazon expanded beyond books, diversifying into music, electronics, and other consumer goods. This was a strategic move that laid the groundwork for the company’s development into a 'one-stop-shop' for all types of products. Amazon also focused on customer experience, introducing features like personalized recommendations and user reviews. As the company continued to grow, it diversified further, creating Amazon Prime in 2005, a membership service offering free two-day shipping and later adding streaming content, which has played a key role in its success.

In addition to its retail operations, Amazon has developed into a technology powerhouse, launching Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2006. AWS provides cloud computing and storage solutions to individuals and businesses, and today it is one of Amazon’s most profitable segments. AWS has revolutionized industries by enabling businesses of all sizes to access powerful computing resources on a pay-as-you-go basis, driving Amazon’s transformation from a retail giant to a multifaceted tech company.

Amazon’s continued growth and diversification into areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and even healthcare illustrate its ambition to influence nearly every part of the consumer experience. The company has faced criticism over labor practices and market dominance, but its impact on global retail and technology remains immense. From a humble online bookstore to a worldwide leader in e-commerce, logistics, and cloud computing, Amazon’s evolution has been a defining story of modern business.