Amazons low prices drive increased sales
US online retail giant Amazon has reported a net income rise of 24% in the three months to end of March to $177m (£121m), compared to last year.
The global general online shop says it has fared well from consumers move to save cash and take advantage of its high-street beating prices.
International sales in the UK, German, Japanese, French and Chinese delivered a 15% increase compared to last year, to $2.31bn (£1.58bn).
Meanwhile, its US and Canadian sales rose by 21% to deliver $2.58bn (£1.765bn) in the quarter, partly driven by the growth of its electronic book reading technology Kindle.
In addition to lowering prices, the company has widened its product ranges, while the closure of offline competitors such as Woolworths and Zaavi would have boosted customer numbers going to the retailer.
The e-tailer now sells products in over 30 categories ranging from hairdryers to jewellery. In the UK, it launched a music download site last year.
