Amazon records profit

Internet shopping firm Amazon.com today showed online shopping over Christmas proved popular, as customers were encouraged by price cuts and free shipping promotions.

The group, based in Seattle, reported its second profit ever – $2.7m (€2.5m) – for the three months to December 31.

Sales were $1.43bn (€1.32bn), up 28% on the same period the previous year.

Robin Terrell, managing director of the group’s UK subsidiary, Amazon.co.uk, said during the Christmas period the group took orders for 6.2 million items in the UK.

He said a promotion offering free shipping for purchases above €59 also boosted sales, and the group has subsequently continued the offer.

“It obviously does cost us money but we know the trade-off. It is a long term investment to keep our customers happy,” he said.

He added that over Christmas top selling items in the UK included DVD players, books such as What Not To Wear and CDs including Robbie Williams’ Escapology.

The group is also hoping to capitalise on the new Harry Potter book.

Mr Terrell said 30,000 pre-orders for the book, due out in June, had already been received.