Amazon recently started preparations for its launch in Sweden, a first in a Nordic nation. A date for the launch of the website has not been announced. The Swedish website amazon.se is still directing customers to amazon.de (Germany) with an option to deliver to Sweden. The company did not say whether it would create a warehouse or distribution hub in the country.
The move into the Nordic region’s biggest economy comes at a time when the U.S. retail giant is benefiting from an influx of consumers trying to avoid physical stores during the coronavirus pandemic. Shipping to Sweden from other European countries often resulted in higher delivery charges.
“We are optimistic that, by focusing on the things we believe customers will place the greatest emphasis on – low prices, a wide range and fast deliveries – we will eventually be able to win the trust of Swedish customers,” Alex Ootes, vice president for EU Expansion at Amazon, was quoted as saying by global newswires. Logistics group Kuehne and Nagel told a British news agency that it was building a contract logistics facility in Eskilstuna, about 100 km west of Stockholm.
“We are positive on Amazon’s plans and are convinced that the increased competition will lead to even stronger growth for e-commerce in Sweden,” said Per Ljungberg from the Swedish Digital Trade association.
