Amazon Business: 10 Years at the Helm of Business Buying
This year marks a decade since Amazon Business was launched in a bid to transform business buying. Aptly, it has just reached a significant milestone, actively serving eight million companies globally outside emerging markets.
By leveraging Amazon's robust platform, Amazon Business supports entities ranging from small businesses to some of the globe's largest corporations. It offers comprehensive services that include competitive pricing, an expansive selection of products and an efficient shopping and delivery experience.
The company's success hinges on a diverse supplier network, a resilient global logistics system and cutting-edge AI-powered data analytics which are essential for addressing the requirements of all partners, including 97 of the Fortune 100 companies and a multitude of small business clients worldwide.
Amazon Business has emerged as a critical player for Amazon, securing more than US$35bn in annual gross sales, propelled by increasing adoption and positive feedback from its user base.
Revolutionising buying for millions
Shelley Salomon, Global Vice President for Amazon Business, sheds light on the division's remarkable success.
She says: "When organisations partner with Amazon Business, they're not just shopping – they're streamlining their supply chain while saving time and money through powerful tools designed specifically for business needs.”
"From local entrepreneurs to multinational companies, we deliver what matters most: access to hundreds of millions of items worldwide, significant cost savings year-round and even more convenient delivery helping organisations save time and money, reduce complexity and ultimately grow."
The synergy with sellers ensures price competitiveness, while the creation of curated catalogues featuring products sold and dispatched by Amazon provides more consistent pricing models.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Amazon Business facilitated savings exceeding US$150m for US enterprises, ranging from bulk purchases of office supplies to laboratory and construction materials. Such savings enable organisations to reinvest in their core operations, manifesting the platform's commitment to enhancing supply chain dynamics.
Streamlined processes
Amazon Business offers a suite of tools designed to streamline procurement and reduce costs.
Its Guided Buying feature is critical as it channels purchases towards authorised products and suppliers, embedding spending controls and approval workflows. This aids organisations in managing unplanned purchases, leading to reduced expenditure.
Additionally, Spend Analytics offers insights into procurement activities, aiding organisations in identifying areas for cost-reduction and improving supplier negotiation strategies.
These tools enable businesses to leverage data for more informed decision-making, thus enhancing their supply chain strategies.
A comprehensive selection
Amazon Business continually expands its product offerings, enabling organisations to meet diverse demands. From basic operational supplies to complex industrial equipment, Amazon Business's expansive catalogue caters to the varied needs of enterprises.
The expansion extends to specialised product categories such as industrial and scientific supplies, highlighting Amazon Business’s dedication to supporting specific supply chain requirements.
Small business seller selections have notably increased by nearly 80% year-over-year, providing access to approximately 160 million products globally.
Amazon Business’s toolset transforms routine procurement into a streamlined process, emphasising enhanced supply chain resilience and competitive pricing. Integration with existing company systems minimises disruptions, ensuring consistency with organisational procurement standards.
Optimised delivery for businesses
Amazon Business ensures expedited and flexible delivery solutions, critical for modern supply chains requiring timely and reliable delivery.
Custom delivery options align with business operational hours, allowing for security and efficiency improvements in receiving processes.
Investment enhancements at Amazon include infrastructure like delivery stations and transportation networks, enabling swift delivery. Sustainable delivery practices, like the expanded pallet service, further bind supply chain sustainability goals with operational efficiencies.
Moreover, Amazon Business Prime enhances procurement with savings on delivery costs and enables strategic use of business-centric services, aiding in the optimisation of purchasing and supply chain management practices. This holistic approach ensures Amazon Business remains a pivotal resource in advancing supply chain effectiveness globally.
