You may be wondering when did Amazon start.
Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos in his garage in Bellevue, Washington on July 5, 1994.
Initially, it was an online marketplace that only sold books.
However, it has expanded over the years to include a multitude of product categories, earning it the nickname “The Everything Store.”
Within a month of opening for business as an online bookseller on July 16, 1995, Amazon had shipped books to all 50 U.S. states and to 45 countries.
Since then, Amazon has grown exponentially, transforming how we shop, read, and consume media.
It has become a global technology giant, and its founder Jeff Bezos has become one of the richest people in the world.
Post Contents
When Did Amazon Start?

If you’re curious about when Amazon started, you’ve come to the right place.
In this section, we’ll explore the history of Amazon and when it all began.
Jeff Bezos’ Founding of Amazon
Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994.
At that time, Bezos was working on Wall Street and had a vision to create an online marketplace for books.
He believed that the internet would change the way people shopped, and he wanted to be at the forefront of that change.
So, he quit his job and started Amazon from his garage in Bellevue, Washington.
Bezos chose the name Amazon because it was a unique and memorable name that began with the letter “A.”
He also wanted a name that would convey the idea of something large and powerful, like the Amazon River.
Amazon’s Launch in 1995
Amazon officially launched on July 16, 1995, as an online bookstore.
Within a month, the company had shipped books to all 50 U.S. states and to 45 countries.
Over the years, Amazon has expanded its product offerings to include everything from electronics to clothing to groceries.
Today, Amazon is the largest e-commerce retailer in the world, with a market value of over $1 trillion.
Amazon’s Growth and Expansion

As Amazon started out as an online bookstore in 1994, it has since grown into a tech giant with a wide range of products and services.
Amazon’s IPO in 1997
In May 1997, Amazon went public with an initial public offering (IPO) of 3 million shares at $18 per share.
The IPO raised $54 million for the company, and Amazon’s market value was estimated at $438 million.
The company’s stock price continued to rise, and by the end of the year, it was valued at $1.7 billion.
Acquisitions and Partnerships
Over the years, Amazon has acquired many companies and partnered with others to expand its reach and capabilities.
Some notable acquisitions include Whole Foods Market, Twitch, and Ring.
Amazon has also partnered with companies such as Best Buy and Kohl’s to sell its products in their stores.
Amazon’s Move into Cloud Computing
In 2006, Amazon launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud computing platform that provides businesses with a range of services, including computing power, storage, and databases.
AWS has since become a major player in the cloud computing industry, with customers such as Netflix, Airbnb, and NASA.
Amazon’s Dominance in E-commerce

When it comes to online shopping, Amazon is a household name.
The company has become synonymous with e-commerce, and its dominance in the industry is undeniable.
Here are a few reasons why Amazon is so successful:
Amazon’s Prime Membership Program
One of Amazon’s biggest advantages is its Prime membership program.
For an annual fee, members receive free two-day shipping on millions of items, access to streaming of movies, TV shows, and music, and other benefits.
This program has been incredibly successful for Amazon, as it encourages customers to shop more frequently and spend more money.
Amazon’s Expansion into Physical Retail
In recent years, Amazon has also expanded into physical retail.
The company acquired Whole Foods in 2017, and it has opened its own brick-and-mortar stores, including Amazon Go and Amazon Books.
These stores allow customers to experience Amazon’s products and services in person, which can help to build brand loyalty and increase sales.
Amazon’s Impact on the Retail Industry
Amazon’s dominance in e-commerce has had a significant impact on the retail industry.
Traditional brick-and-mortar retailers have struggled to compete with Amazon’s low prices and convenience, and many have been forced to close their doors.
However, some retailers have been able to adapt and compete by offering unique products and experiences that Amazon can’t replicate.
Key Takeaways
If you’re curious about when Amazon started, here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Amazon was founded in July 1994 by Jeff Bezos in Bellevue, Washington.
- The company began as an online bookstore, but quickly expanded into other product categories, including music, DVDs, and electronics.
- Amazon’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Today, it is the largest online retailer in the world, with a market capitalization of over $1.7 trillion.
- The company has also expanded into other areas, such as cloud computing (Amazon Web Services) and digital media (Amazon Prime Video).
- Despite its success, Amazon has faced criticism over issues such as worker treatment and antitrust concerns.
Overall, the story of Amazon is a fascinating one.
From its humble beginnings as an online bookstore to its current status as a global retail giant, the company has come a long way in less than 30 years.
Whether you’re a customer, an investor, or just someone interested in the world of business, there’s no denying that Amazon’s impact has been significant.