Amazon has officially launched its dedicated Irish platform, Amazon.ie, offering Irish consumers faster deliveries, easier returns, and local pricing.
This move marks a significant step in the company’s long-awaited plans to cater specifically to the Irish market, reducing customers’ previous reliance on UK and European-based Amazon sites.
The new site, which went live on Tuesday 18th March, allows shoppers to browse over 200 million products priced in euros while avoiding the additional customs charges and currency conversion fees often associated with shopping on international Amazon platforms.
A key feature of Amazon.ie is the introduction of the “Brands of Ireland” section, developed in partnership with Enterprise Ireland. This initiative is designed to help Irish brands expand their reach both domestically and globally. Well-known names such as Barry’s Tea, Bewley’s, and Ella & Jo are now available on the platform, allowing local businesses to reach a wider audience.
“Brands of Ireland will make it easier for customers to discover their favourite Irish brands while helping local businesses grow,” said Alison Dunn, Ireland Country Manager at Amazon.
“We’ve been working towards this since opening our Fulfilment Centre in Dublin in 2022, and we’re excited to take this next step.
“We are committed to continuing to create opportunities for Irish businesses to reach customers both at home and around the world. Today’s launch is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see what’s next for Amazon in Ireland.”
Amazon’s presence in Ireland extends beyond its online platform. The company has already invested heavily in the country, with around 6,500 employees across Dublin, Cork, and Drogheda. Its Fulfilment Centre in Dublin, which opened in 2022, plays a crucial role in the operations of the Irish site and has created hundreds of jobs.
Minister Burke also noted that the launch of Amazon.ie would help stimulate the economy further by providing Irish businesses with greater access to global markets and creating new opportunities for local job growth.
The launch of Amazon.ie has been met with positive reactions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin called it “good news for all,” noting it would provide Irish consumers with more choice and better value. He also highlighted the platform’s potential to help local businesses promote their products more effectively.
Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, echoed these sentiments, adding that the new site will enhance the shopping experience and provide a valuable opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses. He also pointed out that Amazon has been a significant contributor to the Irish economy, citing that in 2023, Irish enterprises recorded €170 million in export sales through the platform.
Irish consumers can now subscribe to Amazon Prime for €6.99 per month, a price reduction from the previous rate of €11 per month. This subscription grants access to free delivery, exclusive deals, and benefits like Prime Day shopping events, streaming of TV shows, movies, and live sports, as well as Prime Gaming perks.
For existing UK Amazon Prime members, switching to Amazon.ie is easy. Once customers transfer to the Irish platform, their UK membership will be automatically cancelled and refunded.
Words by Alyssa O’Sullivan