Amazon breaks silence on Australian retail plans

AMAZON says it’s officially searching for a large distribution centre in Australia, the first step to launching services here - and Brisbane has been highlighted as a possible location.

Amazon breaks its silence on Australian retail plans. Picture: AFP.

AMAZON has confirmed it is actively searching for a large distribution and fulfilment centre in Australia, the first step to launching services here.

Amazon MarketPlace, Amazon Prime Now and eventually Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh will be offered in Australia over the next few years, reports Fairfax Media.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos: the company is calling on local retailers to join its Marketplace services. Picture: AFP.

“Amazon Web Services launched an Australian region in 2012, we launched a Kindle Store on Amazon.com.au in 2013, and we now have almost 1000 employees in the country,” Amazon said.

“The next step is to bring a retail offering to Australia, and we are making those plans now.

“We are excited to bring thousands of new jobs to Australia, millions of dollars in additional investment, and to empower small Australian businesses through Amazon Marketplace.”

A decision hasn’t been made on a location but it is likely in either Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne, Fairfax Media reports.

Amazon’s Australian sales could reach $4 billion within five years, according to Bloomberg. Picture: AFP.

On Thursday, Amazon’s Australian website will carry a banner calling for expressions of interest from Australian companies keen to set up shop on Amazon Marketplace, which enables third-party sellers to sell their own products alongside Amazon products, reports Fairfax Media.

More than 1000 Australian companies already sell their wares on Marketplace, which gives them access to customers in Australia and overseas.