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Amazon Company Growth

Amazon.com Inc. has recently opened a new brick-and-mortar center to help meet increased sales demands thanks to the success of newer features such as Amazon Prime. The online retailer continues to grow and enjoy a position as the top US online merchant. Amazon posted better holiday shopping numbers than originally expected, and plans are already under way to bring Prime subscription availability to Canadian customers.

New Jersey Fulfillment Center

The announcement became public this past week that Amazon will be building a 1-million square foot order fulfillment center in New Jersey to meet higher order volumes. The new center is valued at approximately $200 million, and plans are in place for it to open next year. At this facility, workers will pack and ship smaller merchandise such as DVDs, CDs and books. They will also enjoy full-time work hours with benefits and a higher pay rate than most other retail jobs.

Governor Chris Christie praised Amazon's new planned facility because of the job growth this center will create for the state of New Jersey. Hundreds of new full time jobs will be created, along with many more temporary and seasonal construction jobs. The governor expressed optimism about the state's partnership with Amazon and the company's investment to increase local job opportunities.

The new Amazon facility will be constructed in Robbinsville Township, much to the enthusiasm of Mayor Dave Fried. In a recent interview, he said that Amazon could have selected any New Jersey location for its new distribution center, and the local area is fortunate to have the resources to meet the company's needs. Amazon Vice President Mike Roth also thanked the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Business Action Center for their efforts in making this project possible.

Along with the new development center, Amazon Prime expanding to Canada is another exciting new development. Amazon.ca customers will soon be able to take advantage of the same shipping rates. Access to streaming video subscriptions and eBook lending will have to wait a bit longer for Canadian customers, though this will likely change in the future.