Irish Amazon shoppers have long relied on Amazon sites in the UK or other EU countries to meet their online shopping needs. However, those days are coming to an end with the exciting upcoming launch of Amazon.ie in 2025. This new development will bring a significant change to the shopping experience for Irish customers. Here’s everything you need to know about what this means for Irish customers and what to expect when Amazon.ie officially launches.
The introduction of Amazon.ie will provide Irish shoppers with a more localized and convenient shopping platform, tailored specifically to their preferences and needs. Gone will be the days of dealing with the complexities and potential extra costs of shipping from the UK or other European countries. Instead, customers in Ireland will enjoy faster delivery times, more relevant product recommendations, and potentially better deals tailored to the Irish market.
Furthermore, the launch of Amazon.ie is expected to boost local businesses by providing them with a direct platform to reach Irish consumers more efficiently. This move will not only enhance the shopping experience for customers but also support the local economy. As Amazon.ie prepares to open its virtual doors in 2025, Irish shoppers can look forward to a more seamless, efficient, and enjoyable online shopping experience.
Amazon.ie Launching in 2025
When is Amazon.ie Launching?
While an exact launch date hasn’t been confirmed, Amazon.ie is expected to go live sometime in 2025. This new site follows the opening of Amazon’s first fulfillment center in Dublin in 2022, which created 500 jobs and improved delivery speeds for customers across Ireland, including One-Day Delivery.
What Benefits Will Amazon.ie Offer to Irish Customers?
The introduction of Amazon.ie will significantly enhance the shopping experience for Irish customers. Here are some key benefits:
- Faster Deliveries: With a dedicated Irish site, delivery times will be much shorter. The presence of a local fulfillment center means many orders can be delivered within one day.
- No Customs Charges: Since products will be shipped from within Ireland, customers will avoid customs fees, making shopping cheaper and more straightforward.
- Enhanced Amazon Prime Benefits: Irish Prime members will enjoy additional benefits such as access to Prime Video and the ability to watch UEFA Champions League football matches starting from next season.
How Will Amazon.ie Impact Irish Businesses?
Amazon.ie presents significant opportunities for local businesses. Currently, over 1,000 small and medium-sized Irish enterprises (SMEs) sell on Amazon, generating over €150 million in export sales in 2022. Amazon has invested more than €20 billion from 2020 to 2022 to help European SMEs reach new customers, achieving over €8 billion in export sales in 2022 alone.
Amazon employs around 6,500 people in Cork, Dublin, and Drogheda, in roles ranging from data engineering to finance, supporting an additional 9,000 jobs in the broader Irish economy. The launch of Amazon.ie, supported by a five-year agreement with An Post, promises even more convenient and faster deliveries and returns.
Potential Challenges and Opportunities for Irish Retail with Amazon.ie Launching in 2025
While Amazon.ie offers new opportunities for Irish SMEs, its impact on the local retail landscape remains to be seen. The so-called “Amazon effect” has been transformative in other markets, often leading to significant changes in retail dynamics.
- The Amazon Effect: This refers to Amazon’s disruptive impact on traditional retail sales. The convenience and competitive pricing offered by Amazon have led to a decline in retail sales in many regions.
- Irish Retail Sales Decline: Ireland has seen a continued decline in retail sales, with a 0.6% decrease in volume in the month and a 1.0% decrease in the year up to May 2023. Sectors like clothing, footwear, textiles, motor trade, and hardware have all experienced declines.
- Global Retail Trends: The decline in traditional retail is a global phenomenon. In the US, department stores’ share of retail sales dropped from 14.1% in 1993 to just 2.6% last year. Similarly, UK department store revenue is projected to contract at an annual rate of 2.7%.
Official announcement can be found here https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/retail/amazon-launching-new-online-store-in-ireland-amazon-ie-in-2025
Conclusion
The launch of Amazon.ie in 2025 marks a significant milestone for Irish consumers and businesses. It promises faster deliveries, no customs charges, and enhanced benefits for Prime members. For local SMEs, it offers a substantial platform to reach more customers and increase sales.
However, the impact on traditional retail must be carefully monitored. The “Amazon effect” has historically led to declines in traditional retail sectors, and Ireland will need to navigate these changes carefully to balance the benefits of Amazon.ie with the health of its local retail environment.
Overall, Amazon.ie presents exciting opportunities and challenges, marking a new chapter in the Irish retail landscape. Whether you’re a shopper or a business owner, staying informed and adaptable will be key to making the most of Amazon’s dedicated Irish presence.
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