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Web Sites Big and Small Participating -- From Film Critics to Chefs to Puppies

/news/news-details/1996/Web-Sites-Big-and-Small-Participating----From-Film-Critics-to-Chefs-to-Puppies/default.aspx

Web-Sites-Big-and-Small-Participating----From-Film-Critics-to-Chefs-to-Puppies

07/18/1996 00:00:00

Web Sites Big and Small Participating -- From Film Critics to Chefs to Puppies

07/18/1996

1996

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 1996--Amazon.com Books (www.amazon.com), the leading Internet-based bookstore, is breaking new ground for commerce on the Web with a program announced today called Amazon.com Associates. Through this program, any Web site, whether it attracts only a few visitors or hundreds of thousands of hits, can enhance its content and earn revenue by recommending books. More than 300 Web sites are currently enrolled as Amazon.com Associates, with dozens signing up daily. With the Amazon.com Associates program, Web sites select books of interest to their visitors and link directly to the Amazon.com 1.1 million title catalogue. Amazon.com handles online ordering, credit card charging, customer service and shipping the books directly to customers. Amazon.com, already recognized as one of the leading electronic retailers, offers Associate customers the same discounted prices and service that has earned its reputation among Web users. Associate Web sites earn a referral fee for their book recommendations. "Literally thousands of Web sites offer great information and services designed for their visitors, whether it be cooking, astronomy or infinite other topics of interest. With the Amazon.com Associates program, these sites can now add book recommendations," said Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of Amazon.com Books. "By providing a referral fee for these recommendations, Amazon.com has developed an electronic business model that takes advantage of what the Web has to offer." Starchefs, a Web site featuring America's highest acclaimed chefs and cookbook authors was one of the first Amazon.com Associates. "We at Starchefs think our viewers should have the best the world of cookbooks has to offer. We already feature them on our site. And now, through our association with Amazon.com, we have made it possible for our audience to acquire them in the easiest possible way -- without ever having to leave their homes or offices. Information and convenience! It's a great partnership," said Fern W. Berman, partner Starchefs.com (www.starchefs.com). As many specialized sites look for ways to build their Web-based businesses, the Associates referral fee approach wins praise. "At Inquiry.com's Ask the VB Pro site (www.inquiry.com/techtips/thev bpro), we offer the latest information on software products and technologies. Participating in `Amazon.com Associates' allows us to sell the latest books on Visual Basic directly from our site," said Eric Smith, Webmaster of Inquiry.com. "Not only do we get to provide this wonderful new service to our visitors, we get a referral fee in the process. Now that makes good business sense." The Associates program is designed to make it easy for any site, no matter how large or small, to participate. With all the enrollment information on the Amazon.com site, Web sites can complete an application online, set up their book recommendations and link to the Amazon.com catalogue, all in a matter of hours. "Amazon.com made it incredibly easy for us to sell books from our site. We registered, chose the books and within hours they were for sale on our Web site." said Kenneth Troy of Pure Bred Puppynet (www.puppynet.com). "As owners and breeders of Pure-Bred dogs, we know the kind of books that will help our visitors in buying, owning and caring for their beloved pets. Participating in the Amazon.com Associates program has provided us with the capability of actually selling the books we recommend." Starchefs, Inquiry.com and Puppynet are just three of the more than 300 sites that have already enrolled in the program, with other sites ranging from individual's special interest pages to growing companies also offering and selling books. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com Books is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than eight times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than eight times the size of the largest physical bookstore.

<p>SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 1996--Amazon.com Books (www.amazon.com), the leading Internet-based bookstore, is breaking new ground for commerce on the Web with a program announced today called Amazon.com Associates. Through this program, any Web site, whether it attracts only a few visitors or hundreds of thousands of hits, can enhance its content and earn revenue by recommending books. More than 300 Web sites are currently enrolled as Amazon.com Associates, with dozens signing up daily.</p><p>With the Amazon.com Associates program, Web sites select books of interest to their visitors and link directly to the Amazon.com 1.1 million title catalogue. Amazon.com handles online ordering, credit card charging, customer service and shipping the books directly to customers. Amazon.com, already recognized as one of the leading electronic retailers, offers Associate customers the same discounted prices and service that has earned its reputation among Web users. Associate Web sites earn a referral fee for their book recommendations.</p><p>"Literally thousands of Web sites offer great information and services designed for their visitors, whether it be cooking, astronomy or infinite other topics of interest. With the Amazon.com Associates program, these sites can now add book recommendations," said Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of Amazon.com Books. "By providing a referral fee for these recommendations, Amazon.com has developed an electronic business model that takes advantage of what the Web has to offer."</p><p>Starchefs, a Web site featuring America's highest acclaimed chefs and cookbook authors was one of the first Amazon.com Associates. "We at Starchefs think our viewers should have the best the world of cookbooks has to offer. We already feature them on our site. And now, through our association with Amazon.com, we have made it possible for our audience to acquire them in the easiest possible way -- without ever having to leave their homes or offices. Information and convenience! It's a great partnership," said Fern W. Berman, partner Starchefs.com (www.starchefs.com).</p><p>As many specialized sites look for ways to build their Web-based businesses, the Associates referral fee approach wins praise. "At Inquiry.com's Ask the VB Pro site (www.inquiry.com/techtips/thev bpro), we offer the latest information on software products and technologies. Participating in `Amazon.com Associates' allows us to sell the latest books on Visual Basic directly from our site," said Eric Smith, Webmaster of Inquiry.com. "Not only do we get to provide this wonderful new service to our visitors, we get a referral fee in the process. Now that makes good business sense."</p><p>The Associates program is designed to make it easy for any site, no matter how large or small, to participate. With all the enrollment information on the Amazon.com site, Web sites can complete an application online, set up their book recommendations and link to the Amazon.com catalogue, all in a matter of hours. "Amazon.com made it incredibly easy for us to sell books from our site. We registered, chose the books and within hours they were for sale on our Web site." said Kenneth Troy of Pure Bred Puppynet (www.puppynet.com). "As owners and breeders of Pure-Bred dogs, we know the kind of books that will help our visitors in buying, owning and caring for their beloved pets. Participating in the Amazon.com Associates program has provided us with the capability of actually selling the books we recommend."</p><p>Starchefs, Inquiry.com and Puppynet are just three of the more than 300 sites that have already enrolled in the program, with other sites ranging from individual's special interest pages to growing companies also offering and selling books.</p><p>Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com Books is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than eight times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than eight times the size of the largest physical bookstore.</p>

Shopping for Books on the Internet Isn't Just for Tech Buyers Anymore; Amazon.com, World's Largest Bookseller, Tracks Who's Buying Online

/news/news-details/1996/Shopping-for-Books-on-the-Internet-Isnt-Just-for-Tech-Buyers-Anymore-Amazon.com-Worlds-Largest-Bookseller-Tracks-Whos-Buying-Online/default.aspx

Shopping-for-Books-on-the-Internet-Isnt-Just-for-Tech-Buyers-Anymore-Amazon.com-Worlds-Largest-Bookseller-Tracks-Whos-Buying-Online

06/14/1996 00:00:00

Shopping for Books on the Internet Isn't Just for Tech Buyers Anymore; Amazon.com, World's Largest Bookseller, Tracks Who's Buying Online

06/14/1996

1996

June 14, 1996--What do Dilbert, Robert Jordan, John Grisham and Lladro collectibles have in common? They are some of the most popular authors -- and subjects -- among book buyers on the Internet today, according to Amazon.com Books, the leading bookstore on the Web, which has the world's largest selection of books. While computer-related books were early favorites, Web buyers are now increasingly likely to choose popular bestsellers or specific subject interests, reflecting the diversity and growing number of people who are using the Web, announced Amazon.com at the American Bookseller's Association conference today. Amazon.com Books (http://www.amazon.com), which opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web less than a year ago, offers a catalogue of more than 1 million titles and easy online ordering. The Amazon.com Bestseller List updates the most popular books on the Web each week. Dilbert, Scott Adams' cartoon character who comments wryly on life amidst computers and managers, was an early favorite among Web-savvy readers. While The Dilbert Principle made headlines in the publishing industry just six weeks ago, when it climbed onto The New York Times Bestseller List (which ranks bookstore sales across the country), all of Adams' Dilbert books have been fixtures on the Amazon.com Bestseller List for months. Robert Jordan is much better known among the science-fiction and fantasy cognoscenti than among the general public. In fact, Jordan is so popular among his fans that they helped land his latest book, Crown of Swords, on the Amazon.com Bestseller List more than four months before it had even been published. Using Amazon.com's online catalogue and ordering system, droves of fans paid for the book in advance. They used the customer review feature (which allows any Web user to comment on a book listing) to rate the book to actually rate the unpublished book, hoping to persuade Jordan to finish the book early! The Dilbert Principle and Crown of Swords are signs of the continued popularity of computer-related and science-fiction books, which still rank as the best selling categories among Web book buyers. But they have been joined on the Amazon.com Bestseller list by such authors as John Grisham, Jane Smiley and Stephen King and by such books as Primary colors and I Was Amelia Earhart, which have been sleeper hits among readers nationally. Literary fiction is the number three category among subscribers to Amazon.com's Editor's Service, a unique email notification service which alerts readers to new books in their favorite genres. "The increasing popularity of national authors at Amazon.com is a sign of changes among Web users," says Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Books founder and CEO. "Not only are more people around the world using the Web, but they are increasingly comfortable with the convenience of shopping online." Beyond the bestseller list, Web book buyers are choosing an exceptionally broad range of special interest books. In a recent week at Amazon.com, customers made multiple book purchases on such topics as Lladro collectibles, kosher cooking, veterinary medicine and French film theory, just to name a few. "Just as the Web is the ideal medium for people to find information on special interests or to meet others who share their interest, no matter how obscure, a Web-based bookstore is the ideal way to find books on a very specific topic," notes Bezos. "With our 1 million title catalogue and customers from more than 95 countries, we are matching readers to books and publishers to customers in new ways. Those individual orders -- from three books on Charlie Chaplin to four books on pulmonary medicine -- are an everchanging snapshot of books and people on the Web today." Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com Books is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than eight times the size of the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than eight times the size of the largest physical bookstore.

<p>June 14, 1996--What do Dilbert, Robert Jordan, John Grisham and Lladro collectibles have in common? They are some of the most popular authors -- and subjects -- among book buyers on the Internet today, according to Amazon.com Books, the leading bookstore on the Web, which has the world's largest selection of books. While computer-related books were early favorites, Web buyers are now increasingly likely to choose popular bestsellers or specific subject interests, reflecting the diversity and growing number of people who are using the Web, announced Amazon.com at the American Bookseller's Association conference today.</p><p>Amazon.com Books (http://www.amazon.com), which opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web less than a year ago, offers a catalogue of more than 1 million titles and easy online ordering. The Amazon.com Bestseller List updates the most popular books on the Web each week.</p><p>Dilbert, Scott Adams' cartoon character who comments wryly on life amidst computers and managers, was an early favorite among Web-savvy readers. While The Dilbert Principle made headlines in the publishing industry just six weeks ago, when it climbed onto The New York Times Bestseller List (which ranks bookstore sales across the country), all of Adams' Dilbert books have been fixtures on the Amazon.com Bestseller List for months.</p><p>Robert Jordan is much better known among the science-fiction and fantasy cognoscenti than among the general public. In fact, Jordan is so popular among his fans that they helped land his latest book, Crown of Swords, on the Amazon.com Bestseller List more than four months before it had even been published. Using Amazon.com's online catalogue and ordering system, droves of fans paid for the book in advance. They used the customer review feature (which allows any Web user to comment on a book listing) to rate the book to actually rate the unpublished book, hoping to persuade Jordan to finish the book early!</p><p>The Dilbert Principle and Crown of Swords are signs of the continued popularity of computer-related and science-fiction books, which still rank as the best selling categories among Web book buyers. But they have been joined on the Amazon.com Bestseller list by such authors as John Grisham, Jane Smiley and Stephen King and by such books as Primary colors and I Was Amelia Earhart, which have been sleeper hits among readers nationally. Literary fiction is the number three category among subscribers to Amazon.com's Editor's Service, a unique email notification service which alerts readers to new books in their favorite genres.</p><p>"The increasing popularity of national authors at Amazon.com is a sign of changes among Web users," says Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Books founder and CEO. "Not only are more people around the world using the Web, but they are increasingly comfortable with the convenience of shopping online."</p><p>Beyond the bestseller list, Web book buyers are choosing an exceptionally broad range of special interest books. In a recent week at Amazon.com, customers made multiple book purchases on such topics as Lladro collectibles, kosher cooking, veterinary medicine and French film theory, just to name a few.</p><p>"Just as the Web is the ideal medium for people to find information on special interests or to meet others who share their interest, no matter how obscure, a Web-based bookstore is the ideal way to find books on a very specific topic," notes Bezos. "With our 1 million title catalogue and customers from more than 95 countries, we are matching readers to books and publishers to customers in new ways. Those individual orders -- from three books on Charlie Chaplin to four books on pulmonary medicine -- are an everchanging snapshot of books and people on the Web today."</p><p>Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com Books is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than eight times the size of the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than eight times the size of the largest physical bookstore.</p>

Amazon.com Completes $75 Million Credit Facility

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Completes-75-Million-Credit-Facility/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Completes-75-Million-Credit-Facility

12/30/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Completes $75 Million Credit Facility

12/30/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (December 29, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced that it had completed a $75 million, three-year credit facility led by Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Inc. Additional information concerning the facility is included in the company's Form 8-K report dated November 7, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. "This fully-funded credit facility provides Amazon.com with substantially increased resources to execute its long-term strategy," said Joy Covey, Amazon.com's Chief Financial Officer. "The additional $75 million in our possession will enhance the company's flexibility as we pursue our goal of extending our leading position in this competitive market. We intend to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing and expanding our product and service offerings and broadening our distribution relationships," Covey added. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, GeoCities, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (December 29, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced that it had completed a $75 million, three-year credit facility led by Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Inc. Additional information concerning the facility is included in the company's Form 8-K report dated November 7, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>"This fully-funded credit facility provides Amazon.com with substantially increased resources to execute its long-term strategy," said Joy Covey, Amazon.com's Chief Financial Officer. "The additional $75 million in our possession will enhance the company's flexibility as we pursue our goal of extending our leading position in this competitive market. We intend to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing and expanding our product and service offerings and broadening our distribution relationships," Covey added.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, GeoCities, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Issues Statement Regarding Barnes & Noble-AOL Commerce Agreement

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Issues-Statement-Regarding-Barnes--Noble-AOL-Commerce-Agreement/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Issues-Statement-Regarding-Barnes--Noble-AOL-Commerce-Agreement

12/18/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Issues Statement Regarding Barnes & Noble-AOL Commerce Agreement

12/18/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (December 18, 1997)-- Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) said today that the Barnes & Noble/America Online commerce agreement has no effect on Amazon.com's existing position as an exclusive bookseller on America Online. Amazon.com announced a three-year exclusive bookseller agreement with AOL in July of this year. Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com is the exclusive bookseller on AOL.com and AOL's NetFind search engine. In addition, Amazon.com has multi-year exclusive and premier bookseller relationships with 5 of the top 6 sites on the World Wide Web: AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, GeoCities, and Excite. "Amazon.com is and continues to be one of AOL's strongest partners," said Bob Pittman, president and chief executive officer of AOL Networks. "With the impressive results Amazon.com continues to garner, we feel very strongly about this partnership and are looking forward to working together with Amazon.com in the future and to build on this relationship," continued Pittman. "Of all the online bookstores, Amazon.com has the biggest selection, is the easiest to use, and offers the lowest prices," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "Amazon.com is providing the best possible online experience for book buyers and is the clear leader in online bookselling with a PC Meter (Media Metrix) reach of 5.9% compared to its nearest competitor's 1.5%." Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (December 18, 1997)-- Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) said today that the Barnes &amp; Noble/America Online commerce agreement has no effect on Amazon.com's existing position as an exclusive bookseller on America Online.</p><p>Amazon.com announced a three-year exclusive bookseller agreement with AOL in July of this year. Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com is the exclusive bookseller on AOL.com and AOL's NetFind search engine. In addition, Amazon.com has multi-year exclusive and premier bookseller relationships with 5 of the top 6 sites on the World Wide Web: AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, GeoCities, and Excite.</p><p>"Amazon.com is and continues to be one of AOL's strongest partners," said Bob Pittman, president and chief executive officer of AOL Networks. "With the impressive results Amazon.com continues to garner, we feel very strongly about this partnership and are looking forward to working together with Amazon.com in the future and to build on this relationship," continued Pittman.</p><p>"Of all the online bookstores, Amazon.com has the biggest selection, is the easiest to use, and offers the lowest prices," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "Amazon.com is providing the best possible online experience for book buyers and is the clear leader in online bookselling with a PC Meter (Media Metrix) reach of 5.9% compared to its nearest competitor's 1.5%."</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network.</p><p>Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

'Twas the Night Before Christmas and... You Haven't Shopped Yet?!? Amazon.com Saves the Day With E-Mail Gift Certificates

/news/news-details/1997/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-and...-You-Havent-Shopped-Yet-Amazon.com-Saves-the-Day-With-E-Mail-Gift-Certificates/default.aspx

Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-and...-You-Havent-Shopped-Yet-Amazon.com-Saves-the-Day-With-E-Mail-Gift-Certificates

12/18/1997 00:00:00

'Twas the Night Before Christmas and... You Haven't Shopped Yet?!? Amazon.com Saves the Day With E-Mail Gift Certificates

12/18/1997

1997

'Twas the Night Before Christmas and... You Haven't Shopped Yet?!? Amazon.com Saves the Day With E-mail Gift Certificates SEATTLE, WA (December 18, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, has just three soothing words for all the stressed-out, extremely last minute shoppers out there -- e-mail gift certificates. For an almost instantaneous gift that can be sent as late as December 25th, customers can order e-mail gift certificates in a matter of minutes through the Amazon.com Gift Center. "Amazon.com gift certificates are the best solution if you're down to the wire and still wracking your brain to find just the right present for someone," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "And if you wake up at 11:59 on Christmas Eve because you forgot a gift, make a quick trip to your PC, log on to Amazon.com and send a gift certificate via e-mail. You'll soon be sleeping soundly knowing that your gift will arrive on time." Corporate Gift-Giving Amazon.com gift certificates also provide corporations with an easy, personalized way to thank or reward employees, vendors and clients during the holidays. Through a special, limited-time offer, Amazon.com will process multiple gift certificate orders for 10 or more recipients. Companies can choose from paper or email certificates and have them delivered with a customized gift message to each individual. All corporate orders for multiple gift certificates must be placed by December 24th. With a catalog of 2.5 million titles to choose from, gift certificate recipients can find books that exactly match their personalities and passions. "When you know there's someone on your list who loves books, but you don't know what they've currently got on their nightstand, our gift certificates give them the freedom to choose what they want," said Bezos. The Amazon.com Gift Center features thousands of book recommendations and personalized gift-matching services for grownups and kids alike. In addition, customers also can choose from thousands of audio books and hundreds of calendars. Customers also benefit from Amazon.com's everyday low prices on more than 400,000 titles-40% off selected titles, 30% off hardcovers and audio books, 20% off paper backs and calendars, and up to 89% off special value editions. Amazon.com's Safe Shopping Guarantee Every credit-card purchase customers make at Amazon.com is backed by a security guarantee. If any unauthorized use of a customer's credit card occurs as a result of their credit-card purchase from Amazon.com, the customer can simply notify their credit-card provider in accordance with its reporting rules and procedures. If, through no fault of the customer, their credit-card company finds credit-card fraud but does not waive their entire liability for unauthorized charges, Amazon.com. will reimburse the customer for the remaining liability, up to a maximum of fifty dollars U.S. ($50). Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web- based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>'Twas the Night Before Christmas and... You Haven't Shopped Yet?!? Amazon.com Saves the Day With E-mail Gift Certificates</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (December 18, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, has just three soothing words for all the stressed-out, extremely last minute shoppers out there -- e-mail gift certificates. For an almost instantaneous gift that can be sent as late as December 25th, customers can order e-mail gift certificates in a matter of minutes through the Amazon.com Gift Center.</p><p>"Amazon.com gift certificates are the best solution if you're down to the wire and still wracking your brain to find just the right present for someone," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "And if you wake up at 11:59 on Christmas Eve because you forgot a gift, make a quick trip to your PC, log on to Amazon.com and send a gift certificate via e-mail. You'll soon be sleeping soundly knowing that your gift will arrive on time."</p><p>Corporate Gift-Giving</p><p>Amazon.com gift certificates also provide corporations with an easy, personalized way to thank or reward employees, vendors and clients during the holidays. Through a special, limited-time offer, Amazon.com will process multiple gift certificate orders for 10 or more recipients. Companies can choose from paper or email certificates and have them delivered with a customized gift message to each individual. All corporate orders for multiple gift certificates must be placed by December 24th.</p><p>With a catalog of 2.5 million titles to choose from, gift certificate recipients can find books that exactly match their personalities and passions. "When you know there's someone on your list who loves books, but you don't know what they've currently got on their nightstand, our gift certificates give them the freedom to choose what they want," said Bezos.</p><p>The Amazon.com Gift Center features thousands of book recommendations and personalized gift-matching services for grownups and kids alike. In addition, customers also can choose from thousands of audio books and hundreds of calendars. Customers also benefit from Amazon.com's everyday low prices on more than 400,000 titles-40% off selected titles, 30% off hardcovers and audio books, 20% off paper backs and calendars, and up to 89% off special value editions.</p><p>Amazon.com's Safe Shopping Guarantee</p><p>Every credit-card purchase customers make at Amazon.com is backed by a security guarantee. If any unauthorized use of a customer's credit card occurs as a result of their credit-card purchase from Amazon.com, the customer can simply notify their credit-card provider in accordance with its reporting rules and procedures. If, through no fault of the customer, their credit-card company finds credit-card fraud but does not waive their entire liability for unauthorized charges, Amazon.com. will reimburse the customer for the remaining liability, up to a maximum of fifty dollars U.S. ($50).</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web- based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc.</p><p>All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com and Geocities Strike Exclusive Bookseller Agreement

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-and-Geocities-Strike-Exclusive-Bookseller-Agreement/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Geocities-Strike-Exclusive-Bookseller-Agreement

12/03/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Geocities Strike Exclusive Bookseller Agreement

12/03/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore and the World's Largest and Fastest Growing Internet Community Team Up to Provide Users New Features and Services SEATTLE, WA (December 3, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore (Nasdaq: AMZN) and GeoCities, the world's largest and fastest growing community on the Internet, today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) the exclusive bookseller on GeoCities (www.geocities.com). In addition, GeoCities will incorporate Amazon.com throughout its 39 themed communities, offering GeoCities members and visitors new book features and services based on their areas of interest. Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com will be an anchor tenant in the GeoCities Marketplace and will have a prominent position on the GeoCities home page, neighborhood home pages, and neighborhood topic pages, providing GeoCities members and visitors easy access to Amazon.com's catalog of more than 2.5 million books. In addition, the two companies will team up in co-marketing efforts designed to attract GeoCities members, or "Homesteaders" to Amazon.com's successful Associates Program, providing Homesteaders the opportunity to sell books directly from their home pages through Amazon.com. A "Book Guide" program will also be created which will enable users to host chat sessions and provide bulletin boards about books, authors, and book genres, and to easily find Book Guides that are currently in operation. A combination of banners in high-traffic areas, targeted pop-up advertisements, interstitials, and other promotional programs will also be used to promote book buying opportunities through Amazon.com to GeoCities users. "As the largest and fastest growing community on the Internet, GeoCities already offers our millions of members and visitors a variety of valuable shopping opportunities," said David Bohnett, president and CEO of GeoCities. "We recognize that expanding our online commerce offerings enhances this value proposition for our users and we are excited to be partnering with Amazon.com to further this mission." "Amazon.com's Associates Program gives communities across the Web a chance to profitably marry their areas of interest with our bookstore," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We currently have more than 21,000 Associate members who have enrolled to sell books from their sites and we are particularly enthusiastic to extend the advantages of this program to the more than one million members of the GeoCities Homesteader community." Based in Santa Monica, CA, with advertising sales offices in New York and San Francisco, GeoCities (www.geocities.com) is the largest community of free home pages on the Web. The site currently receives more than 477 million page views and 77 million individual visits each month, according to IPRO's September 1997 report. PC Meter's latest analysis (September 1997) reported that one in five Internet users visited GeoCities in the month of September. In January of 1997, the company closed on a $9.0 million round of venture capital financing from SOFTBANK Holdings Inc., Chase Capital Partners, InnoCal, CMG@Ventures and Flatiron Partners. Recently, SOFTBANK Corporation of Japan and GeoCities launched a joint venture to develop an Internet-related company in Japan. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL .com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore and the World's Largest and Fastest Growing Internet Community Team Up to Provide Users New Features and Services</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (December 3, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore (Nasdaq: AMZN) and GeoCities, the world's largest and fastest growing community on the Internet, today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) the exclusive bookseller on GeoCities (www.geocities.com). In addition, GeoCities will incorporate Amazon.com throughout its 39 themed communities, offering GeoCities members and visitors new book features and services based on their areas of interest.</p><p>Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com will be an anchor tenant in the GeoCities Marketplace and will have a prominent position on the GeoCities home page, neighborhood home pages, and neighborhood topic pages, providing GeoCities members and visitors easy access to Amazon.com's catalog of more than 2.5 million books. In addition, the two companies will team up in co-marketing efforts designed to attract GeoCities members, or "Homesteaders" to Amazon.com's successful Associates Program, providing Homesteaders the opportunity to sell books directly from their home pages through Amazon.com. A "Book Guide" program will also be created which will enable users to host chat sessions and provide bulletin boards about books, authors, and book genres, and to easily find Book Guides that are currently in operation. A combination of banners in high-traffic areas, targeted pop-up advertisements, interstitials, and other promotional programs will also be used to promote book buying opportunities through Amazon.com to GeoCities users.</p><p>"As the largest and fastest growing community on the Internet, GeoCities already offers our millions of members and visitors a variety of valuable shopping opportunities," said David Bohnett, president and CEO of GeoCities. "We recognize that expanding our online commerce offerings enhances this value proposition for our users and we are excited to be partnering with Amazon.com to further this mission."</p><p>"Amazon.com's Associates Program gives communities across the Web a chance to profitably marry their areas of interest with our bookstore," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We currently have more than 21,000 Associate members who have enrolled to sell books from their sites and we are particularly enthusiastic to extend the advantages of this program to the more than one million members of the GeoCities Homesteader community."</p><p>Based in Santa Monica, CA, with advertising sales offices in New York and San Francisco, GeoCities (www.geocities.com) is the largest community of free home pages on the Web. The site currently receives more than 477 million page views and 77 million individual visits each month, according to IPRO's September 1997 report. PC Meter's latest analysis (September 1997) reported that one in five Internet users visited GeoCities in the month of September. In January of 1997, the company closed on a $9.0 million round of venture capital financing from SOFTBANK Holdings Inc., Chase Capital Partners, InnoCal, CMG@Ventures and Flatiron Partners. Recently, SOFTBANK Corporation of Japan and GeoCities launched a joint venture to develop an Internet-related company in Japan.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL .com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces New Deeper Discounts

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Announces-New-Deeper-Discounts/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-New-Deeper-Discounts

11/21/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces New Deeper Discounts

11/21/1997

1997

30% Off Audiobooks, 20% Off Calendars, Up to 89% Off Value Books SEATTLE, WA (November 21, 1997)-- Effective today, Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is deeply discounting virtually all audiobooks (more than 30,000 audiobooks) as well as virtually all 1998 calendars in all categories (more than 1,000 calendars). The discount on audiobooks is 30 percent, and the calendar discount is 20 percent. Audiobooks and calendars round out holiday gift-giving, and customers will appreciate the new savings. In addition, book lovers looking to spend less will love Amazon.com's new special value editions, with discounts of up to 89 percent. These new discounts are in addition to Amazon.com's already low everyday prices of up to 40 percent off on 400,000 books in its catalog of 2.5 million titles. Expensive and Rare Books For those looking to give a truly exceptional gift, Amazon.com today introduces a selection of exceedingly rare gift books, including a first edition of Thomas Hardy's classic, Tess of the Urbervilles ($10,000.00), and a handwritten letter by Thomas Jefferson ($34,000.00). "We're absolutely committed to providing our customers with exceptional values on an exceptional selection of books. We now offer great books for as little as $5.00 and as much as $50,000.00. These new discounts and our expanded selection are simply additional steps to deliver the best shopping experience to our customers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. These discounts and features complement the earlier launch of Amazon.com's holiday Gift Center, a powerful recommendation service that includes thousands of gift ideas from Amazon.com's editors, dynamic new personalized gift-matching services (specialized for both adults and children), gift certificates, and much more. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>30% Off Audiobooks, 20% Off Calendars, Up to 89% Off Value Books</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (November 21, 1997)-- Effective today, Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is deeply discounting virtually all audiobooks (more than 30,000 audiobooks) as well as virtually all 1998 calendars in all categories (more than 1,000 calendars). The discount on audiobooks is 30 percent, and the calendar discount is 20 percent. Audiobooks and calendars round out holiday gift-giving, and customers will appreciate the new savings. In addition, book lovers looking to spend less will love Amazon.com's new special value editions, with discounts of up to 89 percent.</p><p>These new discounts are in addition to Amazon.com's already low everyday prices of up to 40 percent off on 400,000 books in its catalog of 2.5 million titles.</p><p>Expensive and Rare Books</p><p>For those looking to give a truly exceptional gift, Amazon.com today introduces a selection of exceedingly rare gift books, including a first edition of Thomas Hardy's classic, Tess of the Urbervilles ($10,000.00), and a handwritten letter by Thomas Jefferson ($34,000.00).</p><p>"We're absolutely committed to providing our customers with exceptional values on an exceptional selection of books. We now offer great books for as little as $5.00 and as much as $50,000.00. These new discounts and our expanded selection are simply additional steps to deliver the best shopping experience to our customers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO.</p><p>These discounts and features complement the earlier launch of Amazon.com's holiday Gift Center, a powerful recommendation service that includes thousands of gift ideas from Amazon.com's editors, dynamic new personalized gift-matching services (specialized for both adults and children), gift certificates, and much more.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Celebrates Opening of Second Distribution Center

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Celebrates-Opening-of-Second-Distribution-Center/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Celebrates-Opening-of-Second-Distribution-Center

11/18/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Celebrates Opening of Second Distribution Center

11/18/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Expands Capacity and Speed of Delivery Time to Customers with Second State-of-the-Art Distribution Center in New Castle, Delaware NEW CASTLE, DE and SEATTLE, WA (November 18, 1997)-- Online bookseller Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) today officially opened its second distribution center--in New Castle, Delaware--in a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated at by Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos and Delaware Governor Thomas Carper. The 200,000-square-foot state-of-the-art distribution center, the length of three football fields, together with the expansion of its Seattle distribution center, increases the company's stocking and shipping capacities to nearly six times their previous levels. The new Delaware distribution center positions Amazon.com closer to its East Coast customers and provides immediate reductions in shipping times for many Amazon.com book buyers. The distribution center also brings the company closer to East Coast publishers, who benefit from faster shipping and receiving service. "Now with distribution centers on both coasts, we can dramatically reduce order-to-mailbox time for Amazon.com customers everywhere," Bezos said. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore Expands Capacity and Speed of Delivery Time to Customers with Second State-of-the-Art Distribution Center in New Castle, Delaware</p><p>NEW CASTLE, DE and SEATTLE, WA (November 18, 1997)-- Online bookseller Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) today officially opened its second distribution center--in New Castle, Delaware--in a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated at by Amazon.com Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos and Delaware Governor Thomas Carper. The 200,000-square-foot state-of-the-art distribution center, the length of three football fields, together with the expansion of its Seattle distribution center, increases the company's stocking and shipping capacities to nearly six times their previous levels.</p><p>The new Delaware distribution center positions Amazon.com closer to its East Coast customers and provides immediate reductions in shipping times for many Amazon.com book buyers. The distribution center also brings the company closer to East Coast publishers, who benefit from faster shipping and receiving service.</p><p>"Now with distribution centers on both coasts, we can dramatically reduce order-to-mailbox time for Amazon.com customers everywhere," Bezos said.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Rings in the Holidays with the Ultimate Online Shopping Solution

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Rings-in-the-Holidays-with-the-Ultimate-Online-Shopping-Solution/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Rings-in-the-Holidays-with-the-Ultimate-Online-Shopping-Solution

11/18/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Rings in the Holidays with the Ultimate Online Shopping Solution

11/18/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore makes it fast, fun, and convenient to find and send the perfect gifts this holiday season SEATTLE, WA (November 18, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore (Nasdaq: AMZN), is suiting up for the holidays with the launch of an innovative new Gift Center that makes Amazon.com the perfect one-stop, online-shopping solution for book lovers everywhere this holiday season. The powerful new features of the Amazon.com Gift Center–including thousands of gift recommendations from Amazon.com's editors, dynamic new personalized gift-matching services (one for grownups and one for kids), and gift certificates–make it simple, fast, and fun to find and send the best gifts this holiday season. "Books are ideal gifts for the holidays or any other time of year," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "With more than 2.5 million titles in our catalog, we've got something for everyone, no matter what age, personality, or passion–from Beginning Java to Green Eggs and Ham and everything in-between." "With a few simple mouse clicks, customers can select and order their gifts, choose any of 10 festive gift-wraps, and have their packages wrapped and sent with a personalized message anywhere in the world. This is especially good news for those who don't want to fight bad weather, traffic, and shopping mall crowds," adds Bezos. About the Amazon.com Gift Center The new Gift Center augments Amazon.com's powerful recommendation services, making it faster and easier than ever for book lovers to find a tailor-made gift for each person on their shopping lists. For the holiday-focused launch, the Gift Center features thousands of recommendations in such popular gift-giving categories as "Stocking Stuffers," "For the Person Who Has Everything," and "Kids' Books." Customers who prefer to shop by subject can easily enlarge their searches to encompass thousands of subjects in 24 easy-to-navigate subject categories: from mystery, music, and biographies to art, audiobooks, and history. Each subject category provides book excerpts, reviews, Essential Bookshelves, recommended reads, bestsellers, award winners, great gift ideas, and more. Gift Certificates Customers looking for a guarantee that those on their list will get exactly what they want this holiday season, and throughout the year, now have the option of sending Amazon.com gift certificates. Delivered in traditional paper form or via e-mail, Amazon.com gift certificates make it fun and easy to delight a hard-to-please friend or dazzle a dad who has it all. Online gift certificates are an innovative new way to send gifts to Internet friends and business associates, as an e-mail address is all that is required. Also, for the last-minute shopper, online gift certificates can be sent up to the very last minute and still arrive in time for the holidays. Amazon.com gift certificates can be issued in any dollar amount between U.S. $10.00 and U.S. $500.00. Special Features for Kids Home to more than 100,000 books for children and young adults, Amazon.com has added a special Gift Ideas for Kids feature in the Gift Center to help adults find the perfect books for children of any age and any personality. With Gift Ideas for Kids, for example, it's easy to find the perfect gift books for the insect lover who's crazy about bugs and spiders, and the ballerina who's passionate about purple. In response to customer requests, Amazon.com has also added a new feature that makes it easy to search for children's books by age range. For example, finding the perfect "moon" book for a preschooler or a 10-year-old is as simple as entering "moon" and clicking on the appropriate target age range. A list of recommendations for a preschooler would include Goodnight Moon, whereas Apollo to the Moon would appear on a recommendation list for a 10-year-old. "We've worked hard at Amazon.com to make gift shopping easier than ever for our customers," adds Bezos, "leaving more time for them to enjoy their family and friends instead." Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore makes it fast, fun, and convenient to find and send the perfect gifts this holiday season SEATTLE, WA (November 18, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore (Nasdaq: AMZN), is suiting up for the holidays with the launch of an innovative new Gift Center that makes Amazon.com the perfect one-stop, online-shopping solution for book lovers everywhere this holiday season.</p><p>The powerful new features of the Amazon.com Gift Center–including thousands of gift recommendations from Amazon.com's editors, dynamic new personalized gift-matching services (one for grownups and one for kids), and gift certificates–make it simple, fast, and fun to find and send the best gifts this holiday season.</p><p>"Books are ideal gifts for the holidays or any other time of year," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "With more than 2.5 million titles in our catalog, we've got something for everyone, no matter what age, personality, or passion–from Beginning Java to Green Eggs and Ham and everything in-between."</p><p>"With a few simple mouse clicks, customers can select and order their gifts, choose any of 10 festive gift-wraps, and have their packages wrapped and sent with a personalized message anywhere in the world. This is especially good news for those who don't want to fight bad weather, traffic, and shopping mall crowds," adds Bezos.</p><p>About the Amazon.com Gift Center</p><p>The new Gift Center augments Amazon.com's powerful recommendation services, making it faster and easier than ever for book lovers to find a tailor-made gift for each person on their shopping lists. For the holiday-focused launch, the Gift Center features thousands of recommendations in such popular gift-giving categories as "Stocking Stuffers," "For the Person Who Has Everything," and "Kids' Books."</p><p>Customers who prefer to shop by subject can easily enlarge their searches to encompass thousands of subjects in 24 easy-to-navigate subject categories: from mystery, music, and biographies to art, audiobooks, and history. Each subject category provides book excerpts, reviews, Essential Bookshelves, recommended reads, bestsellers, award winners, great gift ideas, and more.</p><p>Gift Certificates</p><p>Customers looking for a guarantee that those on their list will get exactly what they want this holiday season, and throughout the year, now have the option of sending Amazon.com gift certificates. Delivered in traditional paper form or via e-mail, Amazon.com gift certificates make it fun and easy to delight a hard-to-please friend or dazzle a dad who has it all. Online gift certificates are an innovative new way to send gifts to Internet friends and business associates, as an e-mail address is all that is required. Also, for the last-minute shopper, online gift certificates can be sent up to the very last minute and still arrive in time for the holidays. Amazon.com gift certificates can be issued in any dollar amount between U.S. $10.00 and U.S. $500.00.</p><p>Special Features for Kids</p><p>Home to more than 100,000 books for children and young adults, Amazon.com has added a special Gift Ideas for Kids feature in the Gift Center to help adults find the perfect books for children of any age and any personality. With Gift Ideas for Kids, for example, it's easy to find the perfect gift books for the insect lover who's crazy about bugs and spiders, and the ballerina who's passionate about purple.</p><p>In response to customer requests, Amazon.com has also added a new feature that makes it easy to search for children's books by age range. For example, finding the perfect "moon" book for a preschooler or a 10-year-old is as simple as entering "moon" and clicking on the appropriate target age range. A list of recommendations for a preschooler would include Goodnight Moon, whereas Apollo to the Moon would appear on a recommendation list for a 10-year-old.</p><p>"We've worked hard at Amazon.com to make gift shopping easier than ever for our customers," adds Bezos, "leaving more time for them to enjoy their family and friends instead."</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com and @Home Network Sign Multiyear Agreement to Sell Books Over the @Home Service

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-and-Home-Network-Sign-Multiyear-Agreement-to-Sell-Books-Over-the-Home-Service/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Home-Network-Sign-Multiyear-Agreement-to-Sell-Books-Over-the-Home-Service

11/10/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com and @Home Network Sign Multiyear Agreement to Sell Books Over the @Home Service

11/10/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore and @Home Network Offer Users Direct Access to Leading Online Bookseller SEATTLE, WA and REDWOOD CITY, CA (November 10, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) the leading online book retailer, and @Home Network (NASDAQ: ATHM) the leader in high-speed Internet services via the cable infrastructure, today announced a multi-year agreement whereby Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) will be the premier bookseller throughout the @Home service. @Home users will have high-speed, direct access to browse and purchase books from Amazon.com's catalog of more than 2.5 million books. These services are expected to be integrated into @Home's service by the end of the year. Under the terms of the agreement, Earth's Biggest Bookstore will be the premier bookseller on the @Home Network's shopping service, book directories, and search pages. @Home users also will have direct access to Amazon.com's fast and easy search and browse services through contextual links in @Home's editorial content. This agreement marks the first time Amazon.com has formed a strategic alliance with a cable Internet service provider. "By leveraging @Home's high-speed capabilities, broadband content, and unique user interface, this agreement clearly demonstrates our ability to build an effective portal for merchants," said Charles Moldow, @Home Network's Vice President of Media Development. "We expect our broadband environment to provide significantly higher revenues than merchants in the narrowband space, as our users can browse and shop effortlessly for a bestseller or a book on a specialized subject in Earth's Biggest Bookstore." "This deal matches huge selection with a broadband environment to provide our customers with a high-octane way to access our store," said George Aposporos, Amazon.com's Vice President of Business Development. "As the premier bookseller on the @Home service, we have maximized our position in the emerging cable Internet market." Based in Redwood City, California, @Home Network (http://www.home.net) distributes high-speed interactive services to residences and businesses using its own network architecture and a variety of transport options including the cable industry's hybrid-fiber coaxial infrastructure. The cable connection provides users significant increases in speed over conventional Internet services. Leveraging the always on attributes of cable, @Home allows for unique multimedia applications that go beyond current Web experiences. Since its founding in May 1995, @Home Network has reached affiliate agreements with eight leading cable companies in North America, including Tele-Communications Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp., Comcast Corporation, Cox Communications, InterMedia Partners, Marcus Cable, Rogers Cablesystems Limited, and Shaw Communications. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the Alta Vista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the amount of time required to integrate the @Home and Amazon.com services, Amazon.com's and @Home's limited operating history, the unpredictability of their future revenues, and the risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that may affect @Home's and Amazon.com's financial results is included in @Home's and Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Final Prospectus for @Home's initial public offering date July 11, 1997, the Final Prospectus for Amazon.com's initial public offering dated May 15, 1997, and Amazon.com's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997. Neither @Home or Amazon.com assumes any obligation to update the information contained in this press release. @Home Network, @Home, and the @ logo are trademarks of @Home Network and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other brands and products are trademarks of their respective companies.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore and @Home Network Offer Users Direct Access to Leading Online Bookseller</p><p>SEATTLE, WA and REDWOOD CITY, CA (November 10, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) the leading online book retailer, and @Home Network (NASDAQ: ATHM) the leader in high-speed Internet services via the cable infrastructure, today announced a multi-year agreement whereby Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) will be the premier bookseller throughout the @Home service. @Home users will have high-speed, direct access to browse and purchase books from Amazon.com's catalog of more than 2.5 million books. These services are expected to be integrated into @Home's service by the end of the year. Under the terms of the agreement, Earth's Biggest Bookstore will be the premier bookseller on the @Home Network's shopping service, book directories, and search pages. @Home users also will have direct access to Amazon.com's fast and easy search and browse services through contextual links in @Home's editorial content. This agreement marks the first time Amazon.com has formed a strategic alliance with a cable Internet service provider.</p><p>"By leveraging @Home's high-speed capabilities, broadband content, and unique user interface, this agreement clearly demonstrates our ability to build an effective portal for merchants," said Charles Moldow, @Home Network's Vice President of Media Development. "We expect our broadband environment to provide significantly higher revenues than merchants in the narrowband space, as our users can browse and shop effortlessly for a bestseller or a book on a specialized subject in Earth's Biggest Bookstore."</p><p>"This deal matches huge selection with a broadband environment to provide our customers with a high-octane way to access our store," said George Aposporos, Amazon.com's Vice President of Business Development. "As the premier bookseller on the @Home service, we have maximized our position in the emerging cable Internet market."</p><p>Based in Redwood City, California, @Home Network</p><p>(http://www.home.net) distributes high-speed interactive services to residences and businesses using its own network architecture and a variety of transport options including the cable industry's hybrid-fiber coaxial infrastructure. The cable connection provides users significant increases in speed over conventional Internet services. Leveraging the always on attributes of cable, @Home allows for unique multimedia applications that go beyond current Web experiences. Since its founding in May 1995, @Home Network has reached affiliate agreements with eight leading cable companies in North America, including Tele-Communications Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp., Comcast Corporation, Cox Communications, InterMedia Partners, Marcus Cable, Rogers Cablesystems Limited, and Shaw Communications.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the Alta Vista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the amount of time required to integrate the @Home and Amazon.com services, Amazon.com's and @Home's limited operating history, the unpredictability of their future revenues, and the risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that may affect @Home's and Amazon.com's financial results is included in @Home's and Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, see the Final Prospectus for @Home's initial public offering date July 11, 1997, the Final Prospectus for Amazon.com's initial public offering dated May 15, 1997, and Amazon.com's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997. Neither @Home or Amazon.com assumes any obligation to update the information contained in this press release.</p><p>@Home Network, @Home, and the @ logo are trademarks of @Home Network and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other brands and products are trademarks of their respective companies.</p>

Amazon.com Obtains Commitment For $75 Million Credit Facility

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Obtains-Commitment-For-75-Million-Credit-Facility/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Obtains-Commitment-For-75-Million-Credit-Facility

11/07/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Obtains Commitment For $75 Million Credit Facility

11/07/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (November 7, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced that it has entered into a commitment for a $75 million, 3-year credit facility led by Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Inc. DMG will syndicate the credit facility on an underwritten basis. Subject to the fulfillment of customary conditions precedent, the Company expects the facility to close in December 1997. Additional information regarding the credit facility may be found in the Company's Report on Form 8-K, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today. "This credit facility will provide Amazon.com with substantially increased resources to execute its long-term strategy," said Joy Covey, Amazon.com's Chief Financial Officer. "This additional $75 million will enhance our flexibility as we pursue our goal of extending our leading position in this competitive market. We intend to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing and expanding our product and service offerings and broadening our distribution relationships," Covey added. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, the Alta Vista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (November 7, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced that it has entered into a commitment for a $75 million, 3-year credit facility led by Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Inc. DMG will syndicate the credit facility on an underwritten basis. Subject to the fulfillment of customary conditions precedent, the Company expects the facility to close in December 1997. Additional information regarding the credit facility may be found in the Company's Report on Form 8-K, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.</p><p>"This credit facility will provide Amazon.com with substantially increased resources to execute its long-term strategy," said Joy Covey, Amazon.com's Chief Financial Officer. "This additional $75 million will enhance our flexibility as we pursue our goal of extending our leading position in this competitive market. We intend to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing and expanding our product and service offerings and broadening our distribution relationships," Covey added.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, the Alta Vista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Third Quarter 1997

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Third-Quarter-1997/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Third-Quarter-1997

10/27/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Third Quarter 1997

10/27/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (October 23, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 1997. Net sales for the third quarter were $37.9 million, a 36 percent increase over net sales of $27.9 million reported for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997. Sales increased 808 percent over net sales of $4.2 million reported for the third quarter of 1996. Net loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997 was $8.5 million, or $0.37 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended June 30, 1997 of $6.7 million, or $0.31 per share. The company reported a net loss of $2.4 million, or $0.12 per share, in the quarter ended September 30, 1996. Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to more than 940,000 by September 30, 1997, an increase of 54 percent from 610,000 customer accounts at the end of June. Repeat customer orders represented more than 55 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended September 30, 1997. Amazon.com's audience reach increased dramatically during the quarter, according to Media Metrix: The PC Meter Company. The site was ranked as the No. 1 Internet site across all shopping categories among both business and household users in August 1997. More broadly, in August, Amazon.com moved to No. 29 in rank among all Internet sites compared to No. 62 in June and No. 87 in January. No other book retailer appeared among the top 500 sites. Among household users, Amazon.com's reach rose to 4.5 percent in August, up from 3.2 percent in June. "The strong growth in our customer base and our growing reach among Internet users demonstrate our leadership in this rapidly evolving market," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com president and chief executive officer. "During the quarter, we progressed along many fronts in our effort to build an enduring franchise. We intend to continue to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing our product and service offerings, expanding the range of products we offer to our customers, and broadening our distribution relationships with the goal of maintaining and extending our leadership position in this competitive market." The company entered into agreements to increase its distribution center capacity to nearly six times the current level, including a new 200,000-square-foot facility in Delaware and a 70 percent increase in square footage in its Seattle facility. The capacity increases, scheduled for late 1997 and early 1998, will enable the company to stock hundreds of thousands of titles and support substantial future growth. In addition, by establishing distribution centers on both coasts, many Amazon.com customers will benefit from immediate reductions in shipping times. In September, Amazon.com launched major improvements to the Amazon.com store, including powerful new features that increase the benefits of online shopping. The new features include a state-of-the-art Recommendation Center; 22 subject-browsing areas; and the use of a proprietary technology, 1- Click(SM) ordering, to streamline the ordering process. These enhancements represent the largest-ever step forward in the company's strategy of offering customers the easiest, most enjoyable, and most effective way to find their next book. Amazon.com extended its promotional placement significantly during the quarter. Beginning in September, AOL.com, Excite.com, and Yahoo! implemented extensive Amazon.com promotional placements as part of the strategic relationships established in June. In addition, Amazon.com became the premier bookseller on the AltaVista Search Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and Netscape's Netcenter Marketplace. Amazon.com continued to extend its Associates Program by offering a bonus to Premium Associates. These relationships extend Amazon.com's customer reach and brand visibility throughout the Internet. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as in the company's Form 10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, the AltaVista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface. Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335. NOTE: Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Quarter Ended September 30, 1997 1996 Net sales $ 37,887 $ 4,173 Cost of sales 30,709 3,262 Gross profit 7,178 911 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 10,979 2,251 Product development 3,582 755 General and administrative 1,803 377 expenses 16,364 3,383 Loss from operations (9,186) (2,472) Interest income 676 92 Net loss $ (8,510) $ (2,380) Net loss per share $ (0.37) $ (0.12) Shares used in computation of net loss per share 22,863 19,041 22,550 AMAZON.COM, INC.Balance Sheets(in thousands) September 30, December 31, 1997 1996 (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 44,687 $ 6,248 Short-term investments 3,494 -- Inventories 2,732 571 Prepaid expenses and other 1,784 321 Total current assets 52,697 7,140 Equipment and purchased software, net 4,403 985 Other long-term assets 347 146 Total assets $ 57,447 $ 8,271 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 15,386 $ 2,852 Accrued advertising -- 598 Accrued product development -- 500 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 4,462 920 Total current liabilities 19,848 4,870 LT Lease Obligations 181 -- Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, none and 569,396 shares, respectively -- 6 Common stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 100,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, 23,858,702 and 15,900,229 shares, respectively 238 159 Additional paid-in capital 63,749 9,873 Deferred compensation (2,291) (612) Accumulated deficit (24,278) (6,025) Total stockholders' equity 37,418 3,401 Total liabilities & stockholders' equity $ 57,447 $ 8,271 * Because of new requirements issued in 1998 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for companies that recently completed an initial public offering and new interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the initial application of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, Earnings per Share, the number of shares used to calculate net loss per share was revised as of March 30, 1998 when the company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Share counts and net loss per share shown are revised figures.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (October 23, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 1997.</p><p>Net sales for the third quarter were $37.9 million, a 36 percent increase over net sales of $27.9 million reported for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997. Sales increased 808 percent over net sales of $4.2 million reported for the third quarter of 1996. Net loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997 was $8.5 million, or $0.37 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended June 30, 1997 of $6.7 million, or $0.31 per share. The company reported a net loss of $2.4 million, or $0.12 per share, in the quarter ended September 30, 1996.</p><p>Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to more than 940,000 by September 30, 1997, an increase of 54 percent from 610,000 customer accounts at the end of June. Repeat customer orders represented more than 55 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended September 30, 1997.</p><p>Amazon.com's audience reach increased dramatically during the quarter, according to Media Metrix: The PC Meter Company. The site was ranked as the No. 1 Internet site across all shopping categories among both business and household users in August 1997. More broadly, in August, Amazon.com moved to No. 29 in rank among all Internet sites compared to No. 62 in June and No. 87 in January. No other book retailer appeared among the top 500 sites. Among household users, Amazon.com's reach rose to 4.5 percent in August, up from 3.2 percent in June.</p><p>"The strong growth in our customer base and our growing reach among Internet users demonstrate our leadership in this rapidly evolving market," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com president and chief executive officer. "During the quarter, we progressed along many fronts in our effort to build an enduring franchise. We intend to continue to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing our product and service offerings, expanding the range of products we offer to our customers, and broadening our distribution relationships with the goal of maintaining and extending our leadership position in this competitive market."</p><p>The company entered into agreements to increase its distribution center capacity to nearly six times the current level, including a new 200,000-square-foot facility in Delaware and a 70 percent increase in square footage in its Seattle facility. The capacity increases, scheduled for late 1997 and early 1998, will enable the company to stock hundreds of thousands of titles and support substantial future growth. In addition, by establishing distribution centers on both coasts, many Amazon.com customers will benefit from immediate reductions in shipping times.</p><p>In September, Amazon.com launched major improvements to the Amazon.com store, including powerful new features that increase the benefits of online shopping. The new features include a state-of-the-art Recommendation Center; 22 subject-browsing areas; and the use of a proprietary technology, 1- Click(SM) ordering, to streamline the ordering process. These enhancements represent the largest-ever step forward in the company's strategy of offering customers the easiest, most enjoyable, and most effective way to find their next book.</p><p>Amazon.com extended its promotional placement significantly during the quarter. Beginning in September, AOL.com, Excite.com, and Yahoo! implemented extensive Amazon.com promotional placements as part of the strategic relationships established in June. In addition, Amazon.com became the premier bookseller on the AltaVista Search Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and Netscape's Netcenter Marketplace. Amazon.com continued to extend its Associates Program by offering a bonus to Premium Associates. These relationships extend Amazon.com's customer reach and brand visibility throughout the Internet.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as in the company's Form 10Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, the AltaVista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335.</p><p>NOTE: Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands, except per share amounts)</p><pre> (Unaudited) Quarter Ended September 30, 1997 1996 Net sales $ 37,887 $ 4,173 Cost of sales 30,709 3,262 Gross profit 7,178 911 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 10,979 2,251 Product development 3,582 755 General and administrative 1,803 377 expenses 16,364 3,383 Loss from operations (9,186) (2,472) Interest income 676 92 Net loss $ (8,510) $ (2,380) Net loss per share $ (0.37) $ (0.12) Shares used in computation of net loss per share 22,863 19,041 22,550</pre><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Balance Sheets(in thousands)</p><pre> September 30, December 31, 1997 1996 (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 44,687 $ 6,248 Short-term investments 3,494 -- Inventories 2,732 571 Prepaid expenses and other 1,784 321 Total current assets 52,697 7,140 Equipment and purchased software, net 4,403 985 Other long-term assets 347 146 Total assets $ 57,447 $ 8,271 LIABILITIES &amp; STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 15,386 $ 2,852 Accrued advertising -- 598 Accrued product development -- 500 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 4,462 920 Total current liabilities 19,848 4,870 LT Lease Obligations 181 -- Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, none and 569,396 shares, respectively -- 6 Common stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 100,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, 23,858,702 and 15,900,229 shares, respectively 238 159 Additional paid-in capital 63,749 9,873 Deferred compensation (2,291) (612) Accumulated deficit (24,278) (6,025) Total stockholders' equity 37,418 3,401 Total liabilities &amp; stockholders' equity $ 57,447 $ 8,271</pre><p>* Because of new requirements issued in 1998 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for companies that recently completed an initial public offering and new interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the initial application of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, <em>Earnings per Share</em>, the number of shares used to calculate net loss per share was revised as of March 30, 1998 when the company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Share counts and net loss per share shown are revised figures.</p>

Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com Announce Settlement of Lawsuit

/news/news-details/1997/Barnes--Noble-and-Amazon.com-Announce-Settlement-of-Lawsuit/default.aspx

Barnes--Noble-and-Amazon.com-Announce-Settlement-of-Lawsuit

10/21/1997 00:00:00

Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com Announce Settlement of Lawsuit

10/21/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (October 21, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Barnes & Noble, Inc. announced today that they have agreed to a settlement of the lawsuit filed by Barnes & Noble and of the counterclaims filed by Amazon.com. Neither party admitted liability of any type, and neither party paid any damages to the other. The parties simply decided that they would rather compete in the marketplace than in the courtroom. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, the AltaVista Search Service, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping service, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http//www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (October 21, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Barnes &amp; Noble, Inc. announced today that they have agreed to a settlement of the lawsuit filed by Barnes &amp; Noble and of the counterclaims filed by Amazon.com.</p><p>Neither party admitted liability of any type, and neither party paid any damages to the other. The parties simply decided that they would rather compete in the marketplace than in the courtroom.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, the AltaVista Search Service, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping service, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http//www.amazon.com. Telephone (206) 622-2335.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com and Netscape Announce Strategic Online Commerce Deal

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-and-Netscape-Announce-Strategic-Online-Commerce-Deal/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Netscape-Announce-Strategic-Online-Commerce-Deal

10/20/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Netscape Announce Strategic Online Commerce Deal

10/20/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore to Serve as Exclusive Bookseller on Leading Internet Business Site - Netscape Netcenter SEATTLE, WA and MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (October 20, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NCSP) today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) the exclusive bookseller on Netscape Netcenter's newly launched commerce section, Netscape Marketplace. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will offer members of Netscape Netcenter a co-branded storefront where Earth's Biggest Bookstore will be easily accessed through Netscape Netcenter (home.netscape.com). Through the co-branded storefront, which is expected to be available by the end of the year, Amazon.com will feature book titles and editorial content tailored specifically to the Netscape Netcenter audience. Under the agreement, Amazon.com will also have an above-the-fold button on Netscape's popular NetSearch page. This will provide easy access for busy Internet users to search and browse Amazon.com's more than 2.5 million titles. In addition, Amazon.com will receive prominent marketing and advertising within Netscape Netcenter and will be bookmarked in future releases of Netscape client software. In a related announcement today, Netscape unveiled its commerce strategy for Netcenter with the launch of Netscape Marketplace. Amazon.com will be one of the first commerce offerings that Netscape will provide to its Netscape Netcenter membership of busy professionals. "This agreement marks another important advance in our strategy to be the primary destination for all Internet bookbuyers," said George Aposporos, Amazon.com Vice President of Business Development. "We are particularly excited about our relationship with Netscape because it secures Amazon.com's place as the premier bookseller on the top three most highly trafficked sites on the Web." "Our agreement with Amazon.com will provide Internet users with a winning combination of Amazon's world-leading bookstore offerings through Netscape's highly-ranked business Internet site," said Jennifer Bailey, Vice President, Web Site at Netscape. "With our new co-branded storefront located in Netscape Marketplace, Netscape Netcenter members will have easy access not only to more than 2.5 million titles but also to leading editorial content customized for our busy professional audience." Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools, and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California. Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, by sending e-mail to info@netscape.com, or by calling (650) 937-2555 (corporations) or (650) 937-3777 (individuals). Netscape, Netscape Navigator, and the Netscape N logo are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other Netscape logos, product names, and service names are also trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation, which may be registered in other countries. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, the AltaVista Search Service, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping service, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore to Serve as Exclusive Bookseller on Leading Internet Business Site - Netscape Netcenter</p><p>SEATTLE, WA and MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (October 20, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: NCSP) today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) the exclusive bookseller on Netscape Netcenter's newly launched commerce section, Netscape Marketplace. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will offer members of Netscape Netcenter a co-branded storefront where Earth's Biggest Bookstore will be easily accessed through Netscape Netcenter (home.netscape.com). Through the co-branded storefront, which is expected to be available by the end of the year, Amazon.com will feature book titles and editorial content tailored specifically to the Netscape Netcenter audience. Under the agreement, Amazon.com will also have an above-the-fold button on Netscape's popular NetSearch page. This will provide easy access for busy Internet users to search and browse Amazon.com's more than 2.5 million titles. In addition, Amazon.com will receive prominent marketing and advertising within Netscape Netcenter and will be bookmarked in future releases of Netscape client software.</p><p>In a related announcement today, Netscape unveiled its commerce strategy for Netcenter with the launch of Netscape Marketplace. Amazon.com will be one of the first commerce offerings that Netscape will provide to its Netscape Netcenter membership of busy professionals. "This agreement marks another important advance in our strategy to be the primary destination for all Internet bookbuyers," said George Aposporos, Amazon.com Vice President of Business Development. "We are particularly excited about our relationship with Netscape because it secures Amazon.com's place as the premier bookseller on the top three most highly trafficked sites on the Web."</p><p>"Our agreement with Amazon.com will provide Internet users with a winning combination of Amazon's world-leading bookstore offerings through Netscape's highly-ranked business Internet site," said Jennifer Bailey, Vice President, Web Site at Netscape. "With our new co-branded storefront located in Netscape Marketplace, Netscape Netcenter members will have easy access not only to more than 2.5 million titles but also to leading editorial content customized for our busy professional audience."</p><p>Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools, and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol "NSCP," Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California.</p><p>Additional information on Netscape Communications Corporation is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, by sending e-mail to info@netscape.com, or by calling (650) 937-2555 (corporations) or (650) 937-3777 (individuals).</p><p>Netscape, Netscape Navigator, and the Netscape N logo are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other Netscape logos, product names, and service names are also trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation, which may be registered in other countries.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, the AltaVista Search Service, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping service, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p>

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Serves Millionth Unique Customer

/news/news-details/1997/Earths-Biggest-Bookstore-Serves-Millionth-Unique-Customer/default.aspx

Earths-Biggest-Bookstore-Serves-Millionth-Unique-Customer

10/14/1997 00:00:00

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Serves Millionth Unique Customer

10/14/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Serves Millionth Unique Customer SEATTLE, WA (October 14, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced it will be the first Internet retailer to reach the one-millionth new customer milestone. Celebrating its number one status in e-commerce traffic, the company today kicks off a two-week customer promotion "You're One in a Million at Amazon.com." Harking back two years -- when Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos started Amazon.com out of his garage in a suburb of Seattle, wrapping orders and then delivering them to the post office in the family car -- Bezos will hand deliver an order celebrating the one millionth new customer, regardless of the order's destination. "We have customers in more than 160 countries," said Bezos, "I don't know if I'm on my way to Tanganyika or Beijing in the next several days, or if I'm travelling by jet or jet-ski, Daimler or dug-out canoe." In just two years, Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) has established itself as not only the leader in online booksellers but as the leading Internet retailer, according to the latest report from Media Metrix (formerly PC Meter). With an estimated 4.5% of all Web households visiting Amazon.com during August, 1997, Amazon.com received more traffic than Internet giants wal-mart.com, QVC.com, and landsend.com combined. Amazon.com continues to advance in the Media Metrix reach rankings. The company has moved from an 87 ranking in January 1997 to a 29 ranking in August 1997, led mainly by search engines and directory services. According to Media Metrix, Amazon.com has seven and a half times the reach ratings of its number one competitor and is the only bookseller in the top 500 Web sites. During the two-week promotion period, Amazon.com will thank its customers by awarding a $10,000 prize in the "You're One in a Million at Amazon.com" promotion. Also each day, 100 Amazon.com T-shirts will be awarded. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, AltaVista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Some restrictions apply to the "You're One in a Million at Amazon.com" promotion, please see full rules and regulations at Amazon.com's Web site, www.amazon.com. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore Serves Millionth Unique Customer</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (October 14, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced it will be the first Internet retailer to reach the one-millionth new customer milestone. Celebrating its number one status in e-commerce traffic, the company today kicks off a two-week customer promotion "You're One in a Million at Amazon.com."</p><p>Harking back two years -- when Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos started Amazon.com out of his garage in a suburb of Seattle, wrapping orders and then delivering them to the post office in the family car -- Bezos will hand deliver an order celebrating the one millionth new customer, regardless of the order's destination.</p><p>"We have customers in more than 160 countries," said Bezos, "I don't know if I'm on my way to Tanganyika or Beijing in the next several days, or if I'm travelling by jet or jet-ski, Daimler or dug-out canoe."</p><p>In just two years, Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) has established itself as not only the leader in online booksellers but as the leading Internet retailer, according to the latest report from Media Metrix (formerly PC Meter). With an estimated 4.5% of all Web households visiting Amazon.com during August, 1997, Amazon.com received more traffic than Internet giants wal-mart.com, QVC.com, and landsend.com combined.</p><p>Amazon.com continues to advance in the Media Metrix reach rankings. The company has moved from an 87 ranking in January 1997 to a 29 ranking in August 1997, led mainly by search engines and directory services. According to Media Metrix, Amazon.com has seven and a half times the reach ratings of its number one competitor and is the only bookseller in the top 500 Web sites.</p><p>During the two-week promotion period, Amazon.com will thank its customers by awarding a $10,000 prize in the "You're One in a Million at Amazon.com" promotion. Also each day, 100 Amazon.com T-shirts will be awarded.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, AltaVista Search Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Some restrictions apply to the "You're One in a Million at Amazon.com" promotion, please see full rules and regulations at Amazon.com's Web site, www.amazon.com.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p>

Amazon.com and Digital's AltaVista Announce Exclusive Bookseller Agreement

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-and-Digitals-AltaVista-Announce-Exclusive-Bookseller-Agreement/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Digitals-AltaVista-Announce-Exclusive-Bookseller-Agreement

10/09/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Digital's AltaVista Announce Exclusive Bookseller Agreement

10/09/1997

1997

AltaVista Launches into E-Commerce with Amazon.com SEATTLE, WA and LITTLETON, MA (October 9, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Digital Equipment Corp (NYSE: DEC) today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com the exclusive bookseller on the AltaVista search service (www.altavista.digital.com). Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) will have direct contextual links from search results pages to related Amazon.com titles as well as early promotion on the AltaVista home page. The agreement launches AltaVista in the new direction of electronic commerce. This alliance brings together one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced search engines with Earth's Biggest Bookstore. "We are excited that AltaVista's entry into e-commerce is with the clear leader in this area," said Bob Hult, Digital's Vice President and General Manager for AltaVista. "We are looking forward to extending Digital's relationship with Amazon.com." "AltaVista has quietly amassed a large and loyal base of business users," said George Aposporos, Amazon.com Vice President of Business Development. "This differentiated audience gives Amazon.com an important boost in drawing new users to our site." According to a recent study conducted by NPD Group, Inc., AltaVista is one of the premiere destination sites on the Web for serious searchers and business users. AltaVista attracts approximately 18 million unique users each month, accounting for over 400 million page-views. The agreement extends Amazon.com's ability to provide online customers with easy and enjoyable methods of shopping from its catalog of more than 2.5 million titles. Amazon.com also recently established premier bookseller agreements with AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. About AltaVista Search Network Digital's fast and powerful AltaVista Search Network is the premier solution for locating information in all concerns on the Internet. One f the top destination sites on the Web, AltaVista has won numerous awards worldwide for its Internet innovation and advanced technology. The AltaVista Search Network's flagship site is located at http://www.altavista.digital.com. About Digital Equipment Corporation Digital Equipment Corporation recognized for product and service excellence is a leading supplier of high-performance, Web-based computing solutions, which help enterprises compete in the global marketplace. Digital gives its customers a winning Internet advantage through a comprehensive portfolio of Internet solutions based on award-winning systems, advanced through networking infrastructure, innovative software, and industry applications M-^V including those from its business partners. The expertise and experience of Digital employees help customers plan, design, implement, manage and support Internet solutions in countries throughout the world. For the latest company information, visit Digital on the World Wide Web at http://www.digital.com. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping service, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.

<p>AltaVista Launches into E-Commerce with Amazon.com</p><p>SEATTLE, WA and LITTLETON, MA (October 9, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Digital Equipment Corp (NYSE: DEC) today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com the exclusive bookseller on the AltaVista search service (www.altavista.digital.com). Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) will have direct contextual links from search results pages to related Amazon.com titles as well as early promotion on the AltaVista home page. The agreement launches AltaVista in the new direction of electronic commerce. This alliance brings together one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced search engines with Earth's Biggest Bookstore.</p><p>"We are excited that AltaVista's entry into e-commerce is with the clear leader in this area," said Bob Hult, Digital's Vice President and General Manager for AltaVista. "We are looking forward to extending Digital's relationship with Amazon.com."</p><p>"AltaVista has quietly amassed a large and loyal base of business users," said George Aposporos, Amazon.com Vice President of Business Development. "This differentiated audience gives Amazon.com an important boost in drawing new users to our site."</p><p>According to a recent study conducted by NPD Group, Inc., AltaVista is one of the premiere destination sites on the Web for serious searchers and business users. AltaVista attracts approximately 18 million unique users each month, accounting for over 400 million page-views.</p><p>The agreement extends Amazon.com's ability to provide online customers with easy and enjoyable methods of shopping from its catalog of more than 2.5 million titles. Amazon.com also recently established premier bookseller agreements with AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and the Prodigy Shopping Network.</p><p>About AltaVista Search Network</p><p>Digital's fast and powerful AltaVista Search Network is the premier solution for locating information in all concerns on the Internet. One f the top destination sites on the Web, AltaVista has won numerous awards worldwide for its Internet innovation and advanced technology. The AltaVista Search Network's flagship site is located at http://www.altavista.digital.com.</p><p>About Digital Equipment Corporation</p><p>Digital Equipment Corporation recognized for product and service excellence is a leading supplier of high-performance, Web-based computing solutions, which help enterprises compete in the global marketplace. Digital gives its customers a winning Internet advantage through a comprehensive portfolio of Internet solutions based on award-winning systems, advanced through networking infrastructure, innovative software, and industry applications M-^V including those from its business partners. The expertise and experience of Digital employees help customers plan, design, implement, manage and support Internet solutions in countries throughout the world. For the latest company information, visit Digital on the World Wide Web at http://www.digital.com.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping service, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p>

Amazon.com Catapults Electronic Commerce to Next Level with Powerful New Features

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Catapults-Electronic-Commerce-to-Next-Level-with-Powerful-New-Features/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Catapults-Electronic-Commerce-to-Next-Level-with-Powerful-New-Features

09/23/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Catapults Electronic Commerce to Next Level with Powerful New Features

09/23/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore gives customers unrivaled state-of-the-art recommendation center, 22 subject-browsing areas, and the ease of 1-Click(SM) ordering SEATTLE, WA (September 23, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced powerful new features that dramatically increase the benefits of online shopping and further strengthen the company's position as a leader in e-commerce. The new features include an unparalleled, state-of-the-art recommendation center; 22 subject-browsing areas; and the use of a proprietary technology, 1-Click(SM) ordering, to streamline the ordering process. "The combination of Amazon.com's editorial expertise, technological leadership, and large customer base allows the company to offer customers these new features and services that are not available anywhere online or in physical stores," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "We are making Amazon.com the easiest, most enjoyable, and most effective way for customers to find their next book." Amazon.com's recommendation center empowers visitors with seven distinct ways to choose their next book. Features range from personalized book recommendations, based upon customer ratings, to an If You Like This Author selection which allows customers to select favorite authors and receive a list of suggested authors the customer might also enjoy discovering. Included in the recommendation center is Book Matcher, which features technology developed by Amazon.com using NetPerceptions GroupLens collaborative filtering technology. Amazon.com has designed 22 easy-to-navigate subject areas for customers who prefer to shop by subject. Within each area, subjects such as Literary Fiction, Mystery, and Romance are broken down into subcategories, including Bestsellers, Award Winners, New in Paperback, and Essential Bookshelf. Each area provides book excerpts, reviews, and recommended reads as well as Amazon.com's most popular selling books in the genre. Driving the model for e-commerce, Amazon.com has developed proprietary software that for the first time, gives customers the ability to make purchases on the Web with just one click of the mouse, eliminating the need for customers to fill out order information every time they return to the site. The 1-Click(SM) technology offers customers the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to shop. "1-Click represents a new standard for ease of buying on or off the Web," says Bezos. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, 1-Click, and Book Matcher are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet Address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore gives customers unrivaled state-of-the-art recommendation center, 22 subject-browsing areas, and the ease of 1-Click(SM) ordering</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (September 23, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced powerful new features that dramatically increase the benefits of online shopping and further strengthen the company's position as a leader in e-commerce. The new features include an unparalleled, state-of-the-art recommendation center; 22 subject-browsing areas; and the use of a proprietary technology, 1-Click(SM) ordering, to streamline the ordering process.</p><p>"The combination of Amazon.com's editorial expertise, technological leadership, and large customer base allows the company to offer customers these new features and services that are not available anywhere online or in physical stores," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "We are making Amazon.com the easiest, most enjoyable, and most effective way for customers to find their next book."</p><p>Amazon.com's recommendation center empowers visitors with seven distinct ways to choose their next book. Features range from personalized book recommendations, based upon customer ratings, to an If You Like This Author selection which allows customers to select favorite authors and receive a list of suggested authors the customer might also enjoy discovering. Included in the recommendation center is Book Matcher, which features technology developed by Amazon.com using NetPerceptions GroupLens collaborative filtering technology.</p><p>Amazon.com has designed 22 easy-to-navigate subject areas for customers who prefer to shop by subject. Within each area, subjects such as Literary Fiction, Mystery, and Romance are broken down into subcategories, including Bestsellers, Award Winners, New in Paperback, and Essential Bookshelf. Each area provides book excerpts, reviews, and recommended reads as well as Amazon.com's most popular selling books in the genre.</p><p>Driving the model for e-commerce, Amazon.com has developed proprietary software that for the first time, gives customers the ability to make purchases on the Web with just one click of the mouse, eliminating the need for customers to fill out order information every time they return to the site. The 1-Click(SM) technology offers customers the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to shop.</p><p>"1-Click represents a new standard for ease of buying on or off the Web," says Bezos.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, 1-Click, and Book Matcher are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet Address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p>

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Offers Premium Associate Incentive to Top 500 PC Meter Sites

/news/news-details/1997/Earths-Biggest-Bookstore-Offers-Premium-Associate-Incentive-to-Top-500-PC-Meter-Sites/default.aspx

Earths-Biggest-Bookstore-Offers-Premium-Associate-Incentive-to-Top-500-PC-Meter-Sites

09/09/1997 00:00:00

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Offers Premium Associate Incentive to Top 500 PC Meter Sites

09/09/1997

1997

Amazon.com Celebrates 15,000 Associate Sites SEATTLE, WA (September 8, 1997)-- Further expanding its Web presence, Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced a new incentive to recruit the Top 500 PC Meter sites as Premium Associates. This new offer is an extension of Amazon.com's tremendously successful Associates Program in which participating Web sites earn referral fees by recommending books. Amazon.com's Associates Program is currently celebrating the enrollment of more than 15,000 Associate Web sites. The Top 500 PC Meter sites will be eligible for a 50% bonus over the existing referral fee structure. This means that more than 400,000 titles will be eligible for a 22.5% referral fee, and Amazon.com's remaining 1.1 million in-print titles will be eligible for a 7.5% referral fee. The bonus will be paid on qualifying sales made between October 1, 1997, and March 31, 1998. The Amazon.com Associates Program is an innovative model for Internet-based commerce. Established in July 1996, the Associates Program allows individual Web sites to select books of interest to their visitors, add their own reviews and recommendations, and link directly to the Amazon.com catalog. Amazon.com handles the secure online ordering, customer service, and shipping, and sends weekly, automatically generated sales reports via e-mail. Associates enroll on the Amazon.com Web site and can be up and running in hours. Participation in the program is free. Additional enhancements to the Associates Program are planned in the coming months. Full details of the program and instructions for enrolling can be found at http://www.amazon.com/associates. Media Metrix, Inc., The PC Meter Company, is the leader in usage measurement services for the new interactive media and digital technologies. Its flagship is the syndicated World Wide Web Audience Measurement Service, which provides objective third-party usage statistics and demographics of Web users. Other Media Metrix measurement services address online services, and use of computer hardware, computer software and other new interactive technologies. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface.

<p>Amazon.com Celebrates 15,000 Associate Sites</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (September 8, 1997)-- Further expanding its Web presence, Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced a new incentive to recruit the Top 500 PC Meter sites as Premium Associates. This new offer is an extension of Amazon.com's tremendously successful Associates Program in which participating Web sites earn referral fees by recommending books. Amazon.com's Associates Program is currently celebrating the enrollment of more than 15,000 Associate Web sites. The Top 500 PC Meter sites will be eligible for a 50% bonus over the existing referral fee structure. This means that more than 400,000 titles will be eligible for a 22.5% referral fee, and Amazon.com's remaining 1.1 million in-print titles will be eligible for a 7.5% referral fee. The bonus will be paid on qualifying sales made between October 1, 1997, and March 31, 1998.</p><p>The Amazon.com Associates Program is an innovative model for Internet-based commerce. Established in July 1996, the Associates Program allows individual Web sites to select books of interest to their visitors, add their own reviews and recommendations, and link directly to the Amazon.com catalog. Amazon.com handles the secure online ordering, customer service, and shipping, and sends weekly, automatically generated sales reports via e-mail. Associates enroll on the Amazon.com Web site and can be up and running in hours. Participation in the program is free.</p><p>Additional enhancements to the Associates Program are planned in the coming months. Full details of the program and instructions for enrolling can be found at http://www.amazon.com/associates.</p><p>Media Metrix, Inc., The PC Meter Company, is the leader in usage measurement services for the new interactive media and digital technologies. Its flagship is the syndicated World Wide Web Audience Measurement Service, which provides objective third-party usage statistics and demographics of Web users. Other Media Metrix measurement services address online services, and use of computer hardware, computer software and other new interactive technologies.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, Yahoo!, and Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface.</p>

Amazon.com Secures Exclusive Bookseller Position on Prodigy Shopping Network

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Secures-Exclusive-Bookseller-Position-on-Prodigy-Shopping-Network/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Secures-Exclusive-Bookseller-Position-on-Prodigy-Shopping-Network

09/03/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Secures Exclusive Bookseller Position on Prodigy Shopping Network

09/03/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA and WHITE PLAINS, NY (September 3, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Prodigy Services Corporation today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com the exclusive bookseller on the Prodigy Shopping Network. Under the terms of the agreement, Prodigy Shopping Network (http://www.shopnet.prodigy.com) will offer Internet users a direct gateway to the Web site of online bookseller Amazon.com (www.amazon.com). The Prodigy Shopping Network search engine shops across a database of more than 20,000 items and enjoys a large and loyal user base. In the future, users will find Amazon.com to be prominent in the Prodigy Shopping Network Mall with direct links to Amazon.com content from relevant areas inside the Prodigy Internet service. Merchandisers on the Prodigy Shopping Network also include JCPenney, PC Flowers & Gifts, The Cheeseboard, Computer Express, The Gift Sender, The NBA Shop, World Beer and Cigar Direct, Music Style, and Health Oasis. The agreement is the latest in Amazon.com's continuing commitment to provide online customers with easy and enjoyable methods of shopping from its catalog of more than 2.5 million titles. Amazon.com also recently established premier bookseller agreements with America Online, Excite, and Yahoo. Amazon.com delivers both the broad selection and high quality service our members have come to rely on when shopping online, said Seth Radwell, Prodigy's Senior Vice President of Content. We look forward to creating innovative promotions that capitalize on the heightened interactivity of the Prodigy Shopping Network. We are pleased to be able to extend the ease of use for Prodigy customers, who have been valuable to us as we've built our customer base, said Rick Ayre, Vice President of Editorial for Amazon.com. In addition, this exclusive arrangement continues to extend our reach on the Web and further, right into the Prodigy Service. Prodigy Services Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prodigy, Inc., an international creator and distributor of Internet-based content and services. PC Magazine has selected Prodigy Internet as Editor's Choice for an ISP. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.

<p>SEATTLE, WA and WHITE PLAINS, NY (September 3, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Prodigy Services Corporation today announced an agreement naming Amazon.com the exclusive bookseller on the Prodigy Shopping Network. Under the terms of the agreement, Prodigy Shopping Network (http://www.shopnet.prodigy.com) will offer Internet users a direct gateway to the Web site of online bookseller Amazon.com (www.amazon.com).</p><p>The Prodigy Shopping Network search engine shops across a database of more than 20,000 items and enjoys a large and loyal user base. In the future, users will find Amazon.com to be prominent in the Prodigy Shopping Network Mall with direct links to Amazon.com content from relevant areas inside the Prodigy Internet service.</p><p>Merchandisers on the Prodigy Shopping Network also include JCPenney, PC Flowers &amp; Gifts, The Cheeseboard, Computer Express, The Gift Sender, The NBA Shop, World Beer and Cigar Direct, Music Style, and Health Oasis.</p><p>The agreement is the latest in Amazon.com's continuing commitment to provide online customers with easy and enjoyable methods of shopping from its catalog of more than 2.5 million titles. Amazon.com also recently established premier bookseller agreements with America Online, Excite, and Yahoo.</p><p>Amazon.com delivers both the broad selection and high quality service our members have come to rely on when shopping online, said Seth Radwell, Prodigy's Senior Vice President of Content. We look forward to creating innovative promotions that capitalize on the heightened interactivity of the Prodigy Shopping Network.</p><p>We are pleased to be able to extend the ease of use for Prodigy customers, who have been valuable to us as we've built our customer base, said Rick Ayre, Vice President of Editorial for Amazon.com. In addition, this exclusive arrangement continues to extend our reach on the Web and further, right into the Prodigy Service.</p><p>Prodigy Services Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prodigy, Inc., an international creator and distributor of Internet-based content and services. PC Magazine has selected Prodigy Internet as Editor's Choice for an ISP.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p>

Amazon.com Appoints Former Wal-Mart Executive As Chief Information Officer

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Appoints-Former-Wal-Mart-Executive-As-Chief-Information-Officer/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Appoints-Former-Wal-Mart-Executive-As-Chief-Information-Officer

08/26/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Appoints Former Wal-Mart Executive As Chief Information Officer

08/26/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (August 26, 1997)-- In its continuing commitment to develop leading information systems technology that will define a new category of electronic commerce and distribution, online bookseller Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced the appointment of Richard L. Dalzell to the position of Chief Information Officer. Dalzell joins Amazon.com from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world's largest retailer, where he served as Vice President, Information Systems Division since 1994, having joined the company in 1990. As Wal-Mart's Information Systems executive responsible for all merchandising and logistics systems, he led the development of world-class supply chain systems, set the standard for international retailing and merchandising systems, and was instrumental in establishing the world's largest commercial decision support and data mining systems. Dalzell's appointment completes the engineering and operations management team of the two-year-old online bookseller, launched on the World Wide Web in July 1995. Dalzell will deliver strategic systems and solutions to meet the needs of the company's burgeoning customer base. All corporate networks, logistics systems, electronic buying, accounting, and data warehousing systems fall into his domain. Announcing the appointment, Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, said, "There are very few people that have Rick's experience in large-scale retailing. His expertise in applying technology to merchandising is world-class." Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, and Yahoo! Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (August 26, 1997)-- In its continuing commitment to develop leading information systems technology that will define a new category of electronic commerce and distribution, online bookseller Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) today announced the appointment of Richard L. Dalzell to the position of Chief Information Officer.</p><p>Dalzell joins Amazon.com from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world's largest retailer, where he served as Vice President, Information Systems Division since 1994, having joined the company in 1990. As Wal-Mart's Information Systems executive responsible for all merchandising and logistics systems, he led the development of world-class supply chain systems, set the standard for international retailing and merchandising systems, and was instrumental in establishing the world's largest commercial decision support and data mining systems.</p><p>Dalzell's appointment completes the engineering and operations management team of the two-year-old online bookseller, launched on the World Wide Web in July 1995. Dalzell will deliver strategic systems and solutions to meet the needs of the company's burgeoning customer base. All corporate networks, logistics systems, electronic buying, accounting, and data warehousing systems fall into his domain.</p><p>Announcing the appointment, Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, said, "There are very few people that have Rick's experience in large-scale retailing. His expertise in applying technology to merchandising is world-class."</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Excite.com, and Yahoo! Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p>

John Updike and Amazon.com Seek 44 Coauthors for 'The Greatest Tale Ever Told'

/news/news-details/1997/John-Updike-and-Amazon.com-Seek-44-Coauthors-for-The-Greatest-Tale-Ever-Told/default.aspx

John-Updike-and-Amazon.com-Seek-44-Coauthors-for-The-Greatest-Tale-Ever-Told

07/29/1997 00:00:00

John Updike and Amazon.com Seek 44 Coauthors for 'The Greatest Tale Ever Told'

07/29/1997

1997

$100,000 Grand Prize to Be Awarded By Amazon.com John Updike Makes His First Foray Into Online Writing With Amazon.Com SEATTLE, WA (July 29, 1997)-- Engaging in what he describes as "sticking my head into the mouth of the electronic lion," Pulitzer-Prize winning author John Updike has written the beginning of an original story titled "Murder Makes the Magazine" exclusively for online bookseller Amazon.com. The first paragraph of "Murder Makes the Magazine" will appear on Amazon.com's Web site (www.amazon.com) on Tuesday, July 29. Over the next 44 days, visitors to Amazon.com may write and submit their own paragraphs to continue John Updike's story, his first murder mystery. On September 12, Updike will write the final paragraph of this collaborative tale. The writers of paragraphs selected by the Amazon.com editorial staff to continue the story will each receive $1,000. All visitors to the contest site may register to win a grand prize of $100,000. The winner will be announced at the close of the contest. Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO, announcing "The Greatest Tale Ever Told" from the company's headquarters in Seattle, said, "This is all about fun. We are pleased Mr. Updike decided to make his first foray onto the Internet with Amazon.com. We are committed to giving our customers rich and unique experiences. Forty-four talented people will get to collaborate in real-time with John Updike, the greatest living writer. We will all watch this collaboration unfold every day for 46 days." John Updike, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1982 for Rabbit Is Rich and again in 1991 for Rabbit at Rest (only the third American to be honored with this prize on two occasions), has his 18th novel scheduled for publication by Knopf this fall. Titled Toward the End of Time, it is characterized as a thoughtful and audacious novel, set in 2020. Filled with fantasy, scientific exploration, and the connections between past, present, and future -- all filtered through the mind of a 66-year-old man as he meditates on the life around him through the changing seasons of the year. Customers can order this book in advance from Amazon.com. Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.

<p>$100,000 Grand Prize to Be Awarded By Amazon.com</p><p>John Updike Makes His First Foray Into Online Writing With Amazon.Com</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (July 29, 1997)-- Engaging in what he describes as "sticking my head into the mouth of the electronic lion," Pulitzer-Prize winning author John Updike has written the beginning of an original story titled "Murder Makes the Magazine" exclusively for online bookseller Amazon.com. The first paragraph of "Murder Makes the Magazine" will appear on Amazon.com's Web site (www.amazon.com) on Tuesday, July 29. Over the next 44 days, visitors to Amazon.com may write and submit their own paragraphs to continue John Updike's story, his first murder mystery. On September 12, Updike will write the final paragraph of this collaborative tale.</p><p>The writers of paragraphs selected by the Amazon.com editorial staff to continue the story will each receive $1,000. All visitors to the contest site may register to win a grand prize of $100,000. The winner will be announced at the close of the contest.</p><p>Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO, announcing "The Greatest Tale Ever Told" from the company's headquarters in Seattle, said, "This is all about fun. We are pleased Mr. Updike decided to make his first foray onto the Internet with Amazon.com. We are committed to giving our customers rich and unique experiences. Forty-four talented people will get to collaborate in real-time with John Updike, the greatest living writer. We will all watch this collaboration unfold every day for 46 days."</p><p>John Updike, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1982 for Rabbit Is Rich and again in 1991 for Rabbit at Rest (only the third American to be honored with this prize on two occasions), has his 18th novel scheduled for publication by Knopf this fall. Titled Toward the End of Time, it is characterized as a thoughtful and audacious novel, set in 2020. Filled with fantasy, scientific exploration, and the connections between past, present, and future -- all filtered through the mind of a 66-year-old man as he meditates on the life around him through the changing seasons of the year. Customers can order this book in advance from Amazon.com.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Second Quarter 1997

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Second-Quarter-1997/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Second-Quarter-1997

07/10/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Second Quarter 1997

07/10/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (July 10, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 1997. Net sales for the second quarter were $27.9 million, a 74 percent increase over net sales of $16.0 million reported for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997. Net sales increased 1,168 percent over net sales of $2.2 million reported for the second quarter of 1996. Net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997 was $6.7 million, or a loss of $0.31 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended March 31, 1997 of $3.0 million, or a loss of $0.16 per share. The company reported a net loss of $767,000 or a loss of $0.04 per share in the quarter ended June 30, 1996. Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to more than 610,000 customer accounts at June 30, 1997, an increase of 79 percent from 340,000 customer accounts at the end of March 1997. Repeat customers represented more than 50 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended June 30, 1997. "The second quarter of 1997 marked several milestones for Amazon.com and its stockholders. We raised net proceeds of nearly $50 million in our initial public offering in May. These proceeds will enable us to invest aggressively in building our business, brand and customer base, and in enhancing our product and service offerings. We also invested in extensive promotional relationships with three of the most important aggregators of Internet traffic, Yahoo!, AOL and Excite. We believe these relationships will reinforce our momentum as the leading online bookseller by generating substantial additional brand awareness and customer flow for Amazon.com," said Jeff Bezos, president and chief executive officer of Amazon.com. "Our customers responded very well to our price reduction in June, which resulted in immediate increases in unit sales and conversion rates. It appears that this pricing has encouraged our customers to do more of their book buying online. We're happy to be able to focus exclusively on the success of online commerce, and believe that the combination of this pricing and our new presence with the aggregators will accelerate the adoption of online book buying by a broad range of consumers," continued Mr. Bezos. "We also continued to enhance our product and service offerings during the quarter and are eager to roll out the innovative services associated with our promotional relationships during the third and fourth quarters of 1997." About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface. This announcement contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the evolving nature of its business model, the increasingly competitive online commerce environment, dependence on continuing growth of online commerce and risks associated with capacity constraints and the management of growth. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners. AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands, except per share amounts) Second Quarter Ended June 30, 1997 1996 Net sales $ 27,855 $ 2,230 Cost of sales 22,633 1,753 Gross profit 5,222 477 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 7,773 696 Product development 2,808 394 General and administrative 1,708 163 Total operating expenses 12,289 1,253 Loss from operations (7,067) (776) Interest income 362 9 Net loss $(6,705) $(767) Net loss per share $(0.31) $(0.04) Shares used in computation of net loss per share 21,317 18,339 ets(in thousands) June 30, December 31, 1997 1996 Assets Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $56,392 $6,248 Inventories 1,652 571 Prepaid expenses and other 1,162 321 Equipment, net 3,564 985 Deposits 328 146 Total assets $63,098 $8,271 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Accounts payable 10,327 2,852 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,211 2,018 Total liabilities 17,538 4,870 Preferred stock -- 7,970 Common stock and paid-in-capital 61,328 1,456 Accumulated deficit (15,768) (6,025) Total stockholders' equity 45,560 3,401 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $63,098 $8,271 * Because of new requirements issued in 1998 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for companies that recently completed an initial public offering and new interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the initial application of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, Earnings per Share, the number of shares used to calculate net loss per share was revised as of March 30, 1998 when the company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Share counts and net loss per share shown are revised figures.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (July 10, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced financial results for the second quarter of 1997. Net sales for the second quarter were $27.9 million, a 74 percent increase over net sales of $16.0 million reported for the first quarter ended March 31, 1997. Net sales increased 1,168 percent over net sales of $2.2 million reported for the second quarter of 1996. Net loss for the second quarter ended June 30, 1997 was $6.7 million, or a loss of $0.31 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended March 31, 1997 of $3.0 million, or a loss of $0.16 per share. The company reported a net loss of $767,000 or a loss of $0.04 per share in the quarter ended June 30, 1996.</p><p>Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to more than 610,000 customer accounts at June 30, 1997, an increase of 79 percent from 340,000 customer accounts at the end of March 1997. Repeat customers represented more than 50 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended June 30, 1997.</p><p>"The second quarter of 1997 marked several milestones for Amazon.com and its stockholders. We raised net proceeds of nearly $50 million in our initial public offering in May. These proceeds will enable us to invest aggressively in building our business, brand and customer base, and in enhancing our product and service offerings. We also invested in extensive promotional relationships with three of the most important aggregators of Internet traffic, Yahoo!, AOL and Excite. We believe these relationships will reinforce our momentum as the leading online bookseller by generating substantial additional brand awareness and customer flow for Amazon.com," said Jeff Bezos, president and chief executive officer of Amazon.com.</p><p>"Our customers responded very well to our price reduction in June, which resulted in immediate increases in unit sales and conversion rates. It appears that this pricing has encouraged our customers to do more of their book buying online. We're happy to be able to focus exclusively on the success of online commerce, and believe that the combination of this pricing and our new presence with the aggregators will accelerate the adoption of online book buying by a broad range of consumers," continued Mr. Bezos.</p><p>"We also continued to enhance our product and service offerings during the quarter and are eager to roll out the innovative services associated with our promotional relationships during the third and fourth quarters of 1997."</p><p>About Amazon.com</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p><p>This announcement contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the evolving nature of its business model, the increasingly competitive online commerce environment, dependence on continuing growth of online commerce and risks associated with capacity constraints and the management of growth. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands, except per share amounts)</p><pre> Second Quarter Ended June 30, 1997 1996 Net sales $ 27,855 $ 2,230 Cost of sales 22,633 1,753 Gross profit 5,222 477 Operating expenses:Marketing and sales 7,773 696 Product development 2,808 394 General and administrative 1,708 163 Total operating expenses 12,289 1,253 Loss from operations (7,067) (776) Interest income 362 9 Net loss $(6,705) $(767) Net loss per share $(0.31) $(0.04) Shares used in computation of net loss per share 21,317 18,339 </pre><p>ets(in thousands)</p><pre> June 30, December 31, 1997 1996AssetsCash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $56,392 $6,248Inventories 1,652 571Prepaid expenses and other 1,162 321Equipment, net 3,564 985Deposits 328 146Total assets $63,098 $8,271Liabilities and Stockholders' EquityAccounts payable 10,327 2,852Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,211 2,018Total liabilities 17,538 4,870Preferred stock -- 7,970Common stock and paid-in-capital 61,328 1,456Accumulated deficit (15,768) (6,025)Total stockholders' equity 45,560 3,401Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $63,098 $8,271</pre><p>* Because of new requirements issued in 1998 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for companies that recently completed an initial public offering and new interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the initial application of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, <em>Earnings per Share</em>, the number of shares used to calculate net loss per share was revised as of March 30, 1998 when the company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Share counts and net loss per share shown are revised figures.</p>

Amazon.com and America Online Announce Multimillion-Dollar Advertising and Promotional Agreement

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-and-America-Online-Announce-Multimillion-Dollar-Advertising-and-Promotional-Agreement/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-America-Online-Announce-Multimillion-Dollar-Advertising-and-Promotional-Agreement

07/08/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com and America Online Announce Multimillion-Dollar Advertising and Promotional Agreement

07/08/1997

1997

Amazon.com Secures Prime Real Estate with Front-Screen Button on AOL.com, Prominent Banners and Promotions on AOL NetFind SEATTLE, WA and Dulles, VA (July 8, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. [Nasdaq:AMZN] and America Online, Inc. [NYSE:AOL] today announced a three-year comprehensive promotional agreement under which Amazon.com will be the exclusive bookseller on AOL.com and AOL's NetFind search engine. Under the agreement, Amazon.com will receive a permanent "above-the-fold" front-screen button (visible without scrolling down) on the AOL.com homepage, the most visited site on the Web. This button will link users directly to Amazon.com (www.amazon.com), the leading online bookseller, where they will be able to review and purchase books. In addition, Amazon.com and AOL will introduce a new navigational tool that will allow NetFind users to link directly to relevant Amazon.com search results pages through a hyperlink on every AOL NetFind Results page. By offering users additional in-context access to books at the time of their search, Amazon.com and AOL will enhance NetFind's informational value and broaden user access to Amazon.com's 2.5 million titles. Furthermore, Amazon.com will have broad exclusive promotional placement rights on AOL.com and NetFind, including a range of banner advertisements on selected NetFind Review Category pages and keyword categories. In return, AOL will receive $19 million over three years, with the possibility of additional payments should Amazon.com sales revenues exceed thresholds specified in the agreement. "Amazon's partnership with AOL gives us access to its more than 8 million members and makes us the exclusive booksellers to users of AOL.com and NetFind. We are especially enthusiastic about this agreement's creative approaches to putting information about Amazon.com in front of users when and where they are most likely to act on it," said Jeff Bezos, President and CEO of Amazon.com. "This is a significant step in Amazon's strategy of expanding our reach to online users." "With the growing popularity of e-commerce on the Internet, this landmark agreement demonstrates AOL's market leadership and creativity in driving traffic and business to our partners not only from our core service, but from AOL.com, the number one destination in cyberspace," said Bob Pittman, President and CEO of AOL Networks. "The decision of Amazon.com, the leading consumer commerce site on the Web, to partner with us, also illustrates our leadership in penetrating the community of Internet users underscored by recent PCMeter measures showing that AOL accounts for 38 percent of all home traffic to the Web." About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface. About AOL.com and AOL Networks AOL.com, AOL's proprietary Website, is a comprehensive guide to everything online and the number one destination on the World Wide Web. It includes AOL NetFind, the company's Internet navigation solution that helps users go beyond merely searching to finding the information, productions and services they are looking for online. In addition to a powerful web and news group search engine, AOL NetFind includes tools for finding both businesses and people, including Yellow and White pages, emails, addresses and maps, as well as editorial features such as Time Savers and AOL NetFind tips. America Online Networks is a division of America Online, Inc., based in Dulles, Virginia. America Online Networks oversees the America Online consumer online network, the world's most popular Internet online service, with more than 8 million members. AOL, founded in 1985, offers its subscribers a wide variety of services including electronic mail, conferencing, software, computing support, interactive magazines and newspapers, as well as easy access to services of the Internet. This announcement contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com Secures Prime Real Estate with Front-Screen Button on AOL.com, Prominent Banners and Promotions on AOL NetFind SEATTLE, WA and Dulles, VA (July 8, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. [Nasdaq:AMZN] and America Online, Inc. [NYSE:AOL] today announced a three-year comprehensive promotional agreement under which Amazon.com will be the exclusive bookseller on AOL.com and AOL's NetFind search engine.</p><p>Under the agreement, Amazon.com will receive a permanent "above-the-fold" front-screen button (visible without scrolling down) on the AOL.com homepage, the most visited site on the Web. This button will link users directly to Amazon.com (www.amazon.com), the leading online bookseller, where they will be able to review and purchase books.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com and AOL will introduce a new navigational tool that will allow NetFind users to link directly to relevant Amazon.com search results pages through a hyperlink on every AOL NetFind Results page. By offering users additional in-context access to books at the time of their search, Amazon.com and AOL will enhance NetFind's informational value and broaden user access to Amazon.com's 2.5 million titles.</p><p>Furthermore, Amazon.com will have broad exclusive promotional placement rights on AOL.com and NetFind, including a range of banner advertisements on selected NetFind Review Category pages and keyword categories.</p><p>In return, AOL will receive $19 million over three years, with the possibility of additional payments should Amazon.com sales revenues exceed thresholds specified in the agreement.</p><p>"Amazon's partnership with AOL gives us access to its more than 8 million members and makes us the exclusive booksellers to users of AOL.com and NetFind. We are especially enthusiastic about this agreement's creative approaches to putting information about Amazon.com in front of users when and where they are most likely to act on it," said Jeff Bezos, President and CEO of Amazon.com. "This is a significant step in Amazon's strategy of expanding our reach to online users."</p><p>"With the growing popularity of e-commerce on the Internet, this landmark agreement demonstrates AOL's market leadership and creativity in driving traffic and business to our partners not only from our core service, but from AOL.com, the number one destination in cyberspace," said Bob Pittman, President and CEO of AOL Networks. "The decision of Amazon.com, the leading consumer commerce site on the Web, to partner with us, also illustrates our leadership in penetrating the community of Internet users underscored by recent PCMeter measures showing that AOL accounts for 38 percent of all home traffic to the Web."</p><p>About Amazon.com</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p><p>About AOL.com and AOL Networks</p><p>AOL.com, AOL's proprietary Website, is a comprehensive guide to everything online and the number one destination on the World Wide Web. It includes AOL NetFind, the company's Internet navigation solution that helps users go beyond merely searching to finding the information, productions and services they are looking for online. In addition to a powerful web and news group search engine, AOL NetFind includes tools for finding both businesses and people, including Yellow and White pages, emails, addresses and maps, as well as editorial features such as Time Savers and AOL NetFind tips.</p><p>America Online Networks is a division of America Online, Inc., based in Dulles, Virginia. America Online Networks oversees the America Online consumer online network, the world's most popular Internet online service, with more than 8 million members. AOL, founded in 1985, offers its subscribers a wide variety of services including electronic mail, conferencing, software, computing support, interactive magazines and newspapers, as well as easy access to services of the Internet.</p><p>This announcement contains forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Makes Multimillion-Dollar, Multiyear Advertising Buy on Excite; Amazon.com Becomes Exclusive Bookseller in Excite's Topic-Based Channels

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Makes-Multimillion-Dollar-Multiyear-Advertising-Buy-on-Excite-Amazon.com-Becomes-Exclusive-Bookseller-in-Excites-Topic-Based-Channels/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Makes-Multimillion-Dollar-Multiyear-Advertising-Buy-on-Excite-Amazon.com-Becomes-Exclusive-Bookseller-in-Excites-Topic-Based-Channels

07/07/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Makes Multimillion-Dollar, Multiyear Advertising Buy on Excite; Amazon.com Becomes Exclusive Bookseller in Excite's Topic-Based Channels

07/07/1997

1997

Amazon.com becomes Exclusive Bookseller in Excite's topic-based Channels SEATTLE, WA and REDWOOD CITY, CA (July 7, 1997)--Excite, Inc. (NASDAQ:XCIT) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), the largest online bookseller, today announced that Amazon.com will make a multi-million dollar Internet advertising buy on Excite. The two companies have also established a strategic relationship where Amazon.com will be Excite's exclusive bookseller integrated throughout Excite's channels. The three-year relationship combines Excite's core competencies in distribution and programming with Amazon.com's strengths in bookselling and editorial content to offer consumers the opportunity to buy topic-related books while browsing Excite's channels. Throughout Excite's channels pages, Excite will offer users links that will take them directly to the related Amazon.com search results page. The full range of links is expected to be in place in the fourth quarter of 1997. Amazon.com's advertising will begin running immediately throughout Excite's popular topic-based channels at http://www.excite.com. "Coming right on the heels of our partnership with Ticketmaster, Amazon.com is another partner who sees value in our large audience base and rich channel environment. Amazon.com has chosen to offer their content expertise in book selection and editorial content to provide a valuable experience to the Excite network user," said George Bell, president and CEO, Excite. "The Web has established itself as a valuable medium for consumers searching for all kinds of information, including books. The value of delivering best-of-breed content with Amazon.com delivers on our promise of consistently providing the best content available for Excite's customers." First time ever - Amazon.com extends availability of book selections and editorial content For the first time ever, Amazon.com's editorial staff will create original content specifically for a site not their own. Amazon.com's editors will select books for each of the relevant topic-based channels within Excite. For example, users browsing the Arts & Entertainment channel will also be able to browse a selection of critically acclaimed and best-selling books about Arts & Entertainment, as well as browse reviews and editorial content about each book. The book summaries provided by Amazon.com will be uniquely created for Excite's channels. "We are bringing together the unique benefits of our Web sites and services to further enhance our users' shopping and navigation experiences," said Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of Amazon.com. "As Excite is one of the major points of distribution on the Web, we are delighted to work with Excite to offer this convenient access to our huge selection of books and outstanding editorial content to Excite's users." Pricing and Availability Amazon.com's book recommendations and editorial content are expected to be in place late this summer. The content will be available for free to Excite's users throughout Excite's channels at http://www.excite.com. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (http://www.amazon.com), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface. About Excite, Inc. Founded in 1994, Excite, Inc. is one of the Web's most popular networks. The Excite Network consists of four of the Internet's leading brands: Excite (http://www.excite.com), WebCrawler (http://webcrawler.com), Excite Travel by City.Net (http://city.net) and Magellan (http://www.mckinley.com). Excite, Inc. is committed to providing consumers with the most comprehensive network of directory and search services online. Excite offers topic-based channels of information where consumers can find topical news and content, reviews and guides, bulletin boards, chat and search. WebCrawler offers consumers simple, but powerful online search solutions. Excite Travel by City.Net offers travelers the Web's most comprehensive travel resource for travel planning, complete with destination information and transaction capabilities. The Magellan Internet Guide offers a guide of 'green light' or safe Web sites on the Internet. Based in Redwood City, Calif., Excite, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCIT) has strategic relationships with America Online, Inc., Intuit Inc., Tribune Company, CUC Investments Inc., Apple Computer, Inc. and Netscape Communications Corp. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including and without limitation, risks relating to consumer acceptance of the companies' proposed personal finance channel; the consummation of Intuit's investment in Excite; the ability of Excite to realize sustained increases in users resulting from its recent advertising campaign; the ability of Excite to experience increases in traffic from AOL, Netscape and other online and Internet access providers; the demand for advertising on the companies' proposed personal financial channel, as well as continued increases in the number of companies advertising on Excite's current services and on the Web generally; the commercial acceptance and success of new "gateways" to the Web such as WebTV; the viability of the Internet as a commercial medium; continued acceptance of the companies' respective products and services; technological changes; governmental regulations, including but not limited to those relating to content on and usage of the Internet and the Web; general economic conditions; and other risks detailed in Intuit's and Excite's most recent annual and quarterly reports on Forms 10-K and Forms 10-Q (as amended), on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com becomes Exclusive Bookseller in Excite's topic-based Channels</p><p>SEATTLE, WA and REDWOOD CITY, CA (July 7, 1997)--Excite, Inc. (NASDAQ:XCIT) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), the largest online bookseller, today announced that Amazon.com will make a multi-million dollar Internet advertising buy on Excite. The two companies have also established a strategic relationship where Amazon.com will be Excite's exclusive bookseller integrated throughout Excite's channels.</p><p>The three-year relationship combines Excite's core competencies in distribution and programming with Amazon.com's strengths in bookselling and editorial content to offer consumers the opportunity to buy topic-related books while browsing Excite's channels. Throughout Excite's channels pages, Excite will offer users links that will take them directly to the related Amazon.com search results page. The full range of links is expected to be in place in the fourth quarter of 1997. Amazon.com's advertising will begin running immediately throughout Excite's popular topic-based channels at http://www.excite.com.</p><p>"Coming right on the heels of our partnership with Ticketmaster, Amazon.com is another partner who sees value in our large audience base and rich channel environment. Amazon.com has chosen to offer their content expertise in book selection and editorial content to provide a valuable experience to the Excite network user," said George Bell, president and CEO, Excite. "The Web has established itself as a valuable medium for consumers searching for all kinds of information, including books. The value of delivering best-of-breed content with Amazon.com delivers on our promise of consistently providing the best content available for Excite's customers."</p><p>First time ever - Amazon.com extends availability of book selections and editorial content For the first time ever, Amazon.com's editorial staff will create original content specifically for a site not their own. Amazon.com's editors will select books for each of the relevant topic-based channels within Excite. For example, users browsing the Arts &amp; Entertainment channel will also be able to browse a selection of critically acclaimed and best-selling books about Arts &amp; Entertainment, as well as browse reviews and editorial content about each book. The book summaries provided by Amazon.com will be uniquely created for Excite's channels. "We are bringing together the unique benefits of our Web sites and services to further enhance our users' shopping and navigation experiences," said Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of Amazon.com. "As Excite is one of the major points of distribution on the Web, we are delighted to work with Excite to offer this convenient access to our huge selection of books and outstanding editorial content to Excite's users."</p><p>Pricing and Availability</p><p>Amazon.com's book recommendations and editorial content are expected to be in place late this summer. The content will be available for free to Excite's users throughout Excite's channels at http://www.excite.com.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (http://www.amazon.com), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p><p>About Excite, Inc.</p><p>Founded in 1994, Excite, Inc. is one of the Web's most popular networks. The Excite Network consists of four of the Internet's leading brands: Excite (http://www.excite.com), WebCrawler (http://webcrawler.com), Excite Travel by City.Net (http://city.net) and Magellan (http://www.mckinley.com). Excite, Inc. is committed to providing consumers with the most comprehensive network of directory and search services online. Excite offers topic-based channels of information where consumers can find topical news and content, reviews and guides, bulletin boards, chat and search. WebCrawler offers consumers simple, but powerful online search solutions. Excite Travel by City.Net offers travelers the Web's most comprehensive travel resource for travel planning, complete with destination information and transaction capabilities. The Magellan Internet Guide offers a guide of 'green light' or safe Web sites on the Internet. Based in Redwood City, Calif., Excite, Inc. (NASDAQ: XCIT) has strategic relationships with America Online, Inc., Intuit Inc., Tribune Company, CUC Investments Inc., Apple Computer, Inc. and Netscape Communications Corp.</p><p>Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including and without limitation, risks relating to consumer acceptance of the companies' proposed personal finance channel; the consummation of Intuit's investment in Excite; the ability of Excite to realize sustained increases in users resulting from its recent advertising campaign; the ability of Excite to experience increases in traffic from AOL, Netscape and other online and Internet access providers; the demand for advertising on the companies' proposed personal financial channel, as well as continued increases in the number of companies advertising on Excite's current services and on the Web generally; the commercial acceptance and success of new "gateways" to the Web such as WebTV; the viability of the Internet as a commercial medium; continued acceptance of the companies' respective products and services; technological changes; governmental regulations, including but not limited to those relating to content on and usage of the Internet and the Web; general economic conditions; and other risks detailed in Intuit's and Excite's most recent annual and quarterly reports on Forms 10-K and Forms 10-Q (as amended), on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Yahoo! and Amazon.com to Deliver Innovative New Navigational Service for Books on the Web

/news/news-details/1997/Yahoo-and-Amazon.com-to-Deliver-Innovative-New-Navigational-Service-for-Books-on-the-Web/default.aspx

Yahoo-and-Amazon.com-to-Deliver-Innovative-New-Navigational-Service-for-Books-on-the-Web

07/07/1997 00:00:00

Yahoo! and Amazon.com to Deliver Innovative New Navigational Service for Books on the Web

07/07/1997

1997

Amazon.com Selected as Premier Provider for Book Services on Yahoo! SANTA CLARA,CA and SEATTLE, WA (July 7, 1997)-- Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO) and Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN) today announced an agreement under which Amazon.com will be the premier bookseller featured on Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com). Amazon.com and Yahoo! will offer users direct links to related Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) book titles from every Yahoo! search result and book category page. This alliance brings together the world's single largest Internet navigational guide with the largest online bookseller, offering more than 2.5 million titles to provide users with the broadest, most comprehensive and easiest access to information on the Web. "Yahoo! has established itself as the Web's leading provider of value-added information and services in a variety of popular subject areas," said Jeff Mallett, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Yahoo!. "This alliance provides a seamless transition for Yahoo! users researching information on books and related sites to now include the ability to purchase relevant books directly from Amazon.com." "Working with Yahoo!, one of the web's largest distributors of information and services and a site with among the largest audience reach on the Internet, will allow us to further expand the reach and visibility of Amazon.com," said Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of Amazon.com. "This agreement furthers our strategy of providing customers with as many possible points of access to our store and our vast selection of 2.5 million titles." Expected to be launched in fall 1997, the new service offers users the opportunity to review and purchase relevant book titles from Amazon.com. Initially the service will be integrated throughout the Yahoo! main site as well as My Yahoo! And the 11 Yahoo! Metro sites. As the premier Yahoo! bookseller, Amazon.com will also receive extensive promotional exposure throughout Yahoo!, including banner advertising and relevant keyword placement. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, the Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy to use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface. About Yahoo! Yahoo! Inc. is an Internet media company that offers a network of globally branded properties, specialty programming and aggregated content distributed primarily on the Web, serving business professionals and consumers. As the first online navigational guide to the web, www.yahoo.com is the single largest guide in terms of traffic, advertising, and household reach, and is one of the most recognized brands associated with the Internet. Yahoo! Inc. continues to develop a family of community services, including Yahoo! Chat, Classifieds, and Yellow Pages, along with targeted Internet guides for geographic audiences (Yahoo! Japan, UK & Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston, Austin, Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Twin Cities); shared-interest audiences (Yahoo! Internet Life magazine and website, Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! News and unfURLed, MTV/Yahoo!'s online music guide); and demographic audiences (Yahooligans!, a Web guide for kids; and Beatrice's Web Guide for women). Yahoo! Inc. is headquartered is Santa Clara, Calif., and can be found on the Web at www.yahoo.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Yahoo!, the Yahoo! logo, and Yahooligans! are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. Beatrice's Web Guide is a trademark of Yahoo! Inc. and Wire Networks, Inc. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and /or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com Selected as Premier Provider for Book Services on Yahoo!</p><p>SANTA CLARA,CA and SEATTLE, WA (July 7, 1997)-- Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq:YHOO) and Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:AMZN) today announced an agreement under which Amazon.com will be the premier bookseller featured on Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com). Amazon.com and Yahoo! will offer users direct links to related Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) book titles from every Yahoo! search result and book category page. This alliance brings together the world's single largest Internet navigational guide with the largest online bookseller, offering more than 2.5 million titles to provide users with the broadest, most comprehensive and easiest access to information on the Web. "Yahoo! has established itself as the Web's leading provider of value-added information and services in a variety of popular subject areas," said Jeff Mallett, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Yahoo!. "This alliance provides a seamless transition for Yahoo! users researching information on books and related sites to now include the ability to purchase relevant books directly from Amazon.com."</p><p>"Working with Yahoo!, one of the web's largest distributors of information and services and a site with among the largest audience reach on the Internet, will allow us to further expand the reach and visibility of Amazon.com," said Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of Amazon.com. "This agreement furthers our strategy of providing customers with as many possible points of access to our store and our vast selection of 2.5 million titles." Expected to be launched in fall 1997, the new service offers users the opportunity to review and purchase relevant book titles from Amazon.com. Initially the service will be integrated throughout the Yahoo! main site as well as My Yahoo! And the 11 Yahoo! Metro sites. As the premier Yahoo! bookseller, Amazon.com will also receive extensive promotional exposure throughout Yahoo!, including banner advertising and relevant keyword placement.</p><p>About Amazon.com</p><p>Amazon.com, the Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy to use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p><p>About Yahoo!</p><p>Yahoo! Inc. is an Internet media company that offers a network of globally branded properties, specialty programming and aggregated content distributed primarily on the Web, serving business professionals and consumers. As the first online navigational guide to the web, www.yahoo.com is the single largest guide in terms of traffic, advertising, and household reach, and is one of the most recognized brands associated with the Internet. Yahoo! Inc. continues to develop a family of community services, including Yahoo! Chat, Classifieds, and Yellow Pages, along with targeted Internet guides for geographic audiences (Yahoo! Japan, UK &amp; Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston, Austin, Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Twin Cities); shared-interest audiences (Yahoo! Internet Life magazine and website, Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! News and unfURLed, MTV/Yahoo!'s online music guide); and demographic audiences (Yahooligans!, a Web guide for kids; and Beatrice's Web Guide for women). Yahoo! Inc. is headquartered is Santa Clara, Calif., and can be found on the Web at www.yahoo.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus dated May 15, 1997, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Yahoo!, the Yahoo! logo, and Yahooligans! are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. Beatrice's Web Guide is a trademark of Yahoo! Inc. and Wire Networks, Inc. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and /or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Dramatically Lower Prices!

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Announces-Dramatically-Lower-Prices/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Dramatically-Lower-Prices

06/10/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Dramatically Lower Prices!

06/10/1997

1997

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Increases Leadership in Online Book Selling--Offers Lowest Prices and Adds New Book Recommendation Feature SEATTLE, June 10 -- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, today announced significantly lower prices. For more than 400,000 titles, every hardcover is at least 30% off and every paperback is at least 20% off. Specially featured books are discounted 40%. "Our commitment from day one has been to offer customers the biggest selection of books, great prices, fast delivery and informative reviews and features," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "We've always offered the biggest selection, and with these prices, Amazon.com offers the lowest everyday book prices anywhere in the world, online or off." Amazon.com also announced a new feature that recommends books to customers that other customers who share their taste have enjoyed. For example, a customer who enjoyed The Partner can find the three most popular titles purchased by other readers of The Partner. Tapping its extensive information about book purchases, Amazon.com uniquely helps customers find books that match their tastes. Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is a publicly traded company. Amazon.com is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com, Inc. has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is Earth's biggest river--Amazon.com is Earth's Biggest Bookstore, offering 14 times the number of titles carried by the largest physical book superstore.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore Increases Leadership in Online Book Selling--Offers Lowest Prices and Adds New Book Recommendation Feature</p><p>SEATTLE, June 10 -- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, today announced significantly lower prices. For more than 400,000 titles, every hardcover is at least 30% off and every paperback is at least 20% off. Specially featured books are discounted 40%.</p><p>"Our commitment from day one has been to offer customers the biggest selection of books, great prices, fast delivery and informative reviews and features," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "We've always offered the biggest selection, and with these prices, Amazon.com offers the lowest everyday book prices anywhere in the world, online or off."</p><p>Amazon.com also announced a new feature that recommends books to customers that other customers who share their taste have enjoyed. For example, a customer who enjoyed The Partner can find the three most popular titles purchased by other readers of The Partner. Tapping its extensive information about book purchases, Amazon.com uniquely helps customers find books that match their tastes.</p><p>Founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is a publicly traded company. Amazon.com is the leading online retailer of books, offering a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com, Inc. has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search and retrieval interface.</p><p>Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is Earth's biggest river--Amazon.com is Earth's Biggest Bookstore, offering 14 times the number of titles carried by the largest physical book superstore.</p>

Amazon.com, Inc. Announces Initial Public Offering of 3,000,000 Shares of Common Stock

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Inc.-Announces-Initial-Public-Offering-of-3000000-Shares-of-Common-Stock/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Inc.-Announces-Initial-Public-Offering-of-3000000-Shares-of-Common-Stock

05/14/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com, Inc. Announces Initial Public Offering of 3,000,000 Shares of Common Stock

05/14/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (May 14, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced today the initial public offering of 3,000,000 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $18 per share. Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc. is acting as lead manager and Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated and Hambrecht & Quist are acting as co-mangers for the underwriting group. The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 450,000 additional shares from the Company for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any. Amazon.com, Inc. is an online retailer of books, offering more than 2.5 million titles through a consistent search and retrieval interface. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from: Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Inc.31 West 52nd Street, 4th FloorNew York, New York 10019Phone (800) 486-9119Fax (212) 469-5995 Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated1 South StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21202(410) 727-1700 Hambrecht & Quist LLCOne Bush StreetSan Francisco, CA 94104(415) 439-3300or230 Park AvenueNew York, New York 10169 On May 12, 1997, Barnes & Noble, Inc. filed suit against the Company alleging false advertising claims. A Dow Jones News Service release on May 13, 1997 reported that a "syndicate source characterized the lawsuit as petty and spiteful, and said it would probably put a 'little bit of a damper' on Amazon.com's IPO. The source said investors will view this suit as somewhat benign because it isn't in response to Amazon's handling of its finances or some other hard-core business practice." These statements were not authorized by and have not been endorsed by the Company. The Company is still in the process of evaluating Barnes & Noble's claims, and therefore is not in a position at this time to determine that the suit is not without merit. The Company intends to defend against the lawsuit vigorously. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, 4th Floor, Seattle, WA 98101; Internet Address: http://amazon.com; Phone: (206) 622-2335. Note to Editors: Amazon.com is a service mark of Amazon.com, Inc.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (May 14, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced today the initial public offering of 3,000,000 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $18 per share. Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc. is acting as lead manager and Alex. Brown &amp; Sons Incorporated and Hambrecht &amp; Quist are acting as co-mangers for the underwriting group. The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 450,000 additional shares from the Company for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. is an online retailer of books, offering more than 2.5 million titles through a consistent search and retrieval interface.</p><p>Copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from:</p><p>Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Inc.31 West 52nd Street, 4th FloorNew York, New York 10019Phone (800) 486-9119Fax (212) 469-5995</p><p>Alex. Brown &amp; Sons Incorporated1 South StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21202(410) 727-1700</p><p>Hambrecht &amp; Quist LLCOne Bush StreetSan Francisco, CA 94104(415) 439-3300or230 Park AvenueNew York, New York 10169</p><p>On May 12, 1997, Barnes &amp; Noble, Inc. filed suit against the Company alleging false advertising claims. A Dow Jones News Service release on May 13, 1997 reported that a "syndicate source characterized the lawsuit as petty and spiteful, and said it would probably put a 'little bit of a damper' on Amazon.com's IPO. The source said investors will view this suit as somewhat benign because it isn't in response to Amazon's handling of its finances or some other hard-core business practice." These statements were not authorized by and have not been endorsed by the Company. The Company is still in the process of evaluating Barnes &amp; Noble's claims, and therefore is not in a position at this time to determine that the suit is not without merit. The Company intends to defend against the lawsuit vigorously.</p><p>This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, 4th Floor, Seattle, WA 98101; Internet Address: http://amazon.com; Phone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>Note to Editors: Amazon.com is a service mark of Amazon.com, Inc.</p>

Amazon.com Files for Initial Public Offering

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Files-for-Initial-Public-Offering/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Files-for-Initial-Public-Offering

03/24/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Files for Initial Public Offering

03/24/1997

1997

SEATTLE, WA (March 24, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. announced today that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an initial public offering of 2,500,000 shares of common stock. The company has granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 375,000 additional shares from the Company for the purpose of covering any over-allotments, if any. Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc. is acting as lead manager and Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated and Hambrecht & Quist L.L.C. are acting as co-managers for the proposed underwriting group. Amazon.com is an online retailer of books, offering more than 2.5 million titles through a consistent search and retrieval interface. The preliminary prospectus for the offering is now available, and you may obtain copies from: Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.31 West 52nd Street, 2nd FloorNew York, New York 10019(800) 486-9119 Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated1 South StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21202(410) 727-1700 Hambrecht & Quist L.L.C.One Bush StreetSan Francisco, California 94104(415) 576-3300or230 Park AvenueNew York, New York 10169 A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. Note: Please do not confuse Amazon.com, Inc., with Amazon Natural Treasures, Inc., an unaffiliated company that formerly traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "AMZN." Amazon Natural Treasures, Inc.(R) recently announced that its trading symbol on the Bulletin Board was changed from "AMZN" to "AZNT." Amazon.com and Amazon Natural Treasures are entirely separate companies; there is no relationship between them.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (March 24, 1997)-- Amazon.com, Inc. announced today that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an initial public offering of 2,500,000 shares of common stock. The company has granted to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to 375,000 additional shares from the Company for the purpose of covering any over-allotments, if any. Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc. is acting as lead manager and Alex. Brown &amp; Sons Incorporated and Hambrecht &amp; Quist L.L.C. are acting as co-managers for the proposed underwriting group.</p><p>Amazon.com is an online retailer of books, offering more than 2.5 million titles through a consistent search and retrieval interface.</p><p>The preliminary prospectus for the offering is now available, and you may obtain copies from:</p><p>Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.31 West 52nd Street, 2nd FloorNew York, New York 10019(800) 486-9119</p><p>Alex. Brown &amp; Sons Incorporated1 South StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21202(410) 727-1700</p><p>Hambrecht &amp; Quist L.L.C.One Bush StreetSan Francisco, California 94104(415) 576-3300or230 Park AvenueNew York, New York 10169</p><p>A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.</p><p>Note: Please do not confuse Amazon.com, Inc., with Amazon Natural Treasures, Inc., an unaffiliated company that formerly traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "AMZN." Amazon Natural Treasures, Inc.(R) recently announced that its trading symbol on the Bulletin Board was changed from "AMZN" to "AZNT." Amazon.com and Amazon Natural Treasures are entirely separate companies; there is no relationship between them.</p>

Amazon.com announces new pricing and twice as many titles

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-announces-new-pricing-and-twice-as-many-titles/default.aspx

Amazon.com-announces-new-pricing-and-twice-as-many-titles

03/17/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com announces new pricing and twice as many titles

03/17/1997

1997

March 17, 1997-- Amazon.com, Earth's biggest bookstore and the leading Internet retailer, today announced twice as many titles, new pricing, and the first personalized book recommendation service on the Web. Already Earth's biggest bookstore, Amazon.com today more than doubled the number of titles in its Web-based store to 2.5 million, more than 14 times as many titles as the largest physical book superstores. In addition to the 1.5 million books in print, Amazon.com now offers one million of the most popular, but extremely hard-to-find, out-of-print books. Amazon.com also announced dramatic price reductions, including: - 40% off the Amazon.com 500 - 40% off every U.S. Bestseller - 40% off the Science Fiction 50 - 40% off the Mystery 50 - 40% off the Literary 50 - 40% off the Computer 50 The Amazon.com 500 includes not only current Amazon.com bestsellers but also titles that Amazon.com predicts will be future bestsellers; books that are accelerating up the charts or have been hand-chosen by Amazon.com's expert editors as likely successes. Each category has been developed by Amazon.com's editorial staff with the help of special algorithms that analyze current and historic sales velocities of books. "Selection and price are important. We just doubled one and slashed the other," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Unlike physical bookstores, Amazon.com has infinite shelf space and no expensive retail rent to pay. With these huge advantages, we can give customers the greatest selection and dramatically lower prices." Amazon.com today also announced MatchMaker, the first personalized book recommendation service on the World Wide Web. Each customer rates a group of books on a five-point scale. Then, MatchMaker, using sophisticated collaborative filtering technology, recommends books that the customer is likely to enjoy. MatchMaker joins Eyes and Editors, Amazon.com's e-mail notification services, as the latest addition to Amazon.com's personalized shopping services. These services make finding the "right" book easier and more fun for every customer. MatchMaker will be available in the Amazon.com store at the end of March. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading Internet retailer, with Earth's biggest selection of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, features for easy searching and browsing, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is Earth's largest river, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than fourteen times the size of the largest physical book superstore. Amazon.com and MatchMaker are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc.

<p>March 17, 1997-- Amazon.com, Earth's biggest bookstore and the leading Internet retailer, today announced twice as many titles, new pricing, and the first personalized book recommendation service on the Web. Already Earth's biggest bookstore, Amazon.com today more than doubled the number of titles in its Web-based store to 2.5 million, more than 14 times as many titles as the largest physical book superstores. In addition to the 1.5 million books in print, Amazon.com now offers one million of the most popular, but extremely hard-to-find, out-of-print books.</p><p>Amazon.com also announced dramatic price reductions, including:</p><p>- 40% off the Amazon.com 500 - 40% off every U.S. Bestseller - 40% off the Science Fiction 50 - 40% off the Mystery 50 - 40% off the Literary 50 - 40% off the Computer 50</p><p>The Amazon.com 500 includes not only current Amazon.com bestsellers but also titles that Amazon.com predicts will be future bestsellers; books that are accelerating up the charts or have been hand-chosen by Amazon.com's expert editors as likely successes. Each category has been developed by Amazon.com's editorial staff with the help of special algorithms that analyze current and historic sales velocities of books. "Selection and price are important. We just doubled one and slashed the other," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Unlike physical bookstores, Amazon.com has infinite shelf space and no expensive retail rent to pay. With these huge advantages, we can give customers the greatest selection and dramatically lower prices." Amazon.com today also announced MatchMaker, the first personalized book recommendation service on the World Wide Web. Each customer rates a group of books on a five-point scale. Then, MatchMaker, using sophisticated collaborative filtering technology, recommends books that the customer is likely to enjoy. MatchMaker joins Eyes and Editors, Amazon.com's e-mail notification services, as the latest addition to Amazon.com's personalized shopping services. These services make finding the "right" book easier and more fun for every customer. MatchMaker will be available in the Amazon.com store at the end of March. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading Internet retailer, with Earth's biggest selection of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, features for easy searching and browsing, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is Earth's largest river, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than fourteen times the size of the largest physical book superstore.</p><p>Amazon.com and MatchMaker are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc.</p>

Upside Opens Web Site on Business Technology Books

/news/news-details/1997/Upside-Opens-Web-Site-on-Business-Technology-Books/default.aspx

Upside-Opens-Web-Site-on-Business-Technology-Books

02/12/1997 00:00:00

Upside Opens Web Site on Business Technology Books

02/12/1997

1997

Feb. 12, 1997--Upside Publishing Co., publisher of Upside magazine and Upside.com, today announced a new site on the World Wide Web devoted to informing readers about the latest business technology books. The site, www.upside.com/books/, is a product of the new Upside Books division, which launched in January. The site features reviews of recently published books on technology and business, as well as a list of "Upside Classics" -- books that never go out of style. These works may be purchased via links to Amazon.com, the earth's biggest bookstore, of which Upside Books is an Associate member. "We are very pleased to have Upside.com in the family of over 6,000 Amazon.com Associates," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Upside.com is a tremendous source of information for the latest web and technology news. As an Amazon.com Associate, their expert reviews and recommendations will help visitors buy the best business technology books available." In the future, excerpts from books with the Upside imprimatur, to be published under agreement with John Wiley & Sons Inc., will also appear on the site. The Upside-Wiley series will cover such subjects as profiles of technology companies and executives and how they succeed or fail; how technology is transforming business and society; and what business people need to know about technology to compete effectively. Books on similar topics will be considered for review in Upside magazine and on the Upside Books Web site. To submit a book for review, mail one copy to Karen Southwick, care of Upside Publishing Co., 2015 Pioneer Court, San Mateo, CA 94403. "Upside continues to expand its presence in the technology world, branching out from the magazine into conferences and now books," said David Bunnell, publisher and CEO of Upside Publishing Co. "The Web site is only the beginning." "Along with our agreement with John Wiley & Sons, this new site is an opportunity for Upside to extend its franchise into the book arena," said Karen Southwick, editor of Upside Books. "We expect to bring the same provocative voice to our book products as readers are accustomed to in the magazine." Upside is the only national magazine edited for the technology elite. Every month, technology executives turn to Upside for interviews with industry visionaries and in-depth analyses of the technologies and companies driving the digital revolution. Upside is published monthly by Upside Publishing Co. The company also produces Upside.com (http://www.upside.com), a comprehensive business resource center for technology-savvy executives who use the Web, and a series of executive conferences, including the Upside Technology Summit and David Coursey's Showcase '97 scheduled for April 27-30. Upside.com can be accessed at http://www.upside.com .

<p>Feb. 12, 1997--Upside Publishing Co., publisher of Upside magazine and Upside.com, today announced a new site on the World Wide Web devoted to informing readers about the latest business technology books.</p><p>The site, www.upside.com/books/, is a product of the new Upside Books division, which launched in January. The site features reviews of recently published books on technology and business, as well as a list of "Upside Classics" -- books that never go out of style. These works may be purchased via links to Amazon.com, the earth's biggest bookstore, of which Upside Books is an Associate member.</p><p>"We are very pleased to have Upside.com in the family of over 6,000 Amazon.com Associates," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Upside.com is a tremendous source of information for the latest web and technology news. As an Amazon.com Associate, their expert reviews and recommendations will help visitors buy the best business technology books available."</p><p>In the future, excerpts from books with the Upside imprimatur, to be published under agreement with John Wiley &amp; Sons Inc., will also appear on the site. The Upside-Wiley series will cover such subjects as profiles of technology companies and executives and how they succeed or fail; how technology is transforming business and society; and what business people need to know about technology to compete effectively.</p><p>Books on similar topics will be considered for review in Upside magazine and on the Upside Books Web site. To submit a book for review, mail one copy to Karen Southwick, care of Upside Publishing Co., 2015 Pioneer Court, San Mateo, CA 94403.</p><p>"Upside continues to expand its presence in the technology world, branching out from the magazine into conferences and now books," said David Bunnell, publisher and CEO of Upside Publishing Co. "The Web site is only the beginning."</p><p>"Along with our agreement with John Wiley &amp; Sons, this new site is an opportunity for Upside to extend its franchise into the book arena," said Karen Southwick, editor of Upside Books. "We expect to bring the same provocative voice to our book products as readers are accustomed to in the magazine."</p><p>Upside is the only national magazine edited for the technology elite. Every month, technology executives turn to Upside for interviews with industry visionaries and in-depth analyses of the technologies and companies driving the digital revolution. Upside is published monthly by Upside Publishing Co.</p><p>The company also produces Upside.com (http://www.upside.com), a comprehensive business resource center for technology-savvy executives who use the Web, and a series of executive conferences, including the Upside Technology Summit and David Coursey's Showcase '97 scheduled for April 27-30. Upside.com can be accessed at http://www.upside.com .</p>

Amazon.com appoints Patty Stonesifer to its board of directors

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Amazon.com-appoints-Patty-Stonesifer-to-its-board-of-directors

02/12/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com appoints Patty Stonesifer to its board of directors

02/12/1997

1997

Feb. 12, 1997-- Amazon.com Books, earth's biggest bookstore, today announced that Patty Stonesifer has been appointed to its board of directors. Stonesifer, now an independent management consultant whose clients include DreamWorks SKG, left Microsoft in early 1997 as the senior vice president leading the Interactive Media Division. Stonesifer joins Scott Cook, chairman and co-founder of Intuit, as the most recent additions to Amazon.com's board. "We are thrilled to welcome Patty Stonesifer to the Amazon.com board of directors," said Jeff Bezos. "She brings a rare set of experiences to our board. Her exceptional success using technology to build leading consumer products and services, coupled with her knowledge of publishing, will be of great benefit to Amazon.com. " Stonesifer joined Microsoft in 1988 as the senior manager of Microsoft Press and quickly rose through the ranks of the company. She became head of Microsoft's Consumer Division in 1993 and led the research, development and marketing of all small business software, home software and computer input devices. In 1996 the Consumer Division merged with the Interactive Media Division, with Stonesifer taking the helm as senior vice president. Under Stonesifer's management, Microsoft's consumer software product line became the leader in the industry. She also managed Microsoft's investments in new online content and service products, including MSN, the Microsoft Network (msn.com); MSNBC, Microsoft's joint venture with NBC; Slate (slate.com); Expedia (expedia.com), Microsoft's travel site; the Internet Gaming Zone (zone.com); as well as many other announced and unannounced Internet based products. Stonesifer came to Microsoft from Que Corporation, the leading publisher of books for the computer industry, where she held a variety of positions including Publisher, Editor-in-Chief and Director of Marketing. She graduated from Indiana University in 1982. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading interactive retailer on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, e- mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore. Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. Microsoft, Encarta, Expedia, Internet Gaming Zone, and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.

<p>Feb. 12, 1997-- Amazon.com Books, earth's biggest bookstore, today announced that Patty Stonesifer has been appointed to its board of directors. Stonesifer, now an independent management consultant whose clients include DreamWorks SKG, left Microsoft in early 1997 as the senior vice president leading the Interactive Media Division. Stonesifer joins Scott Cook, chairman and co-founder of Intuit, as the most recent additions to Amazon.com's board.</p><p>"We are thrilled to welcome Patty Stonesifer to the Amazon.com board of directors," said Jeff Bezos. "She brings a rare set of experiences to our board. Her exceptional success using technology to build leading consumer products and services, coupled with her knowledge of publishing, will be of great benefit to Amazon.com. "</p><p>Stonesifer joined Microsoft in 1988 as the senior manager of Microsoft Press and quickly rose through the ranks of the company. She became head of Microsoft's Consumer Division in 1993 and led the research, development and marketing of all small business software, home software and computer input devices. In 1996 the Consumer Division merged with the Interactive Media Division, with Stonesifer taking the helm as senior vice president.</p><p>Under Stonesifer's management, Microsoft's consumer software product line became the leader in the industry. She also managed Microsoft's investments in new online content and service products, including MSN, the Microsoft Network (msn.com); MSNBC, Microsoft's joint venture with NBC; Slate (slate.com); Expedia (expedia.com), Microsoft's travel site; the Internet Gaming Zone (zone.com); as well as many other announced and unannounced Internet based products.</p><p>Stonesifer came to Microsoft from Que Corporation, the leading publisher of books for the computer industry, where she held a variety of positions including Publisher, Editor-in-Chief and Director of Marketing. She graduated from Indiana University in 1982.</p><p>Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading interactive retailer on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, e- mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore.</p><p>Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. Microsoft, Encarta, Expedia, Internet Gaming Zone, and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.</p>

Net Perceptions Transforms World's Largest Bookstore into a Unique Personalized Shopping Experience; GroupLens Toolkit Gives Businesses Like Amazon.com the Power to Know Individual Customer's Needs and Increase Customer Satisfaction

/news/news-details/1997/Net-Perceptions-Transforms-Worlds-Largest-Bookstore-into-a-Unique-Personalized-Shopping-Experience-GroupLens-Toolkit-Gives-Businesses-Like-Amazon.com-the-Power-to-Know-Individual-Customers-Needs-and-Increase-Customer-Satisfaction/default.aspx

Net-Perceptions-Transforms-Worlds-Largest-Bookstore-into-a-Unique-Personalized-Shopping-Experience-GroupLens-Toolkit-Gives-Businesses-Like-Amazon.com-the-Power-to-Know-Individual-Customers-Needs-and-Increase-Customer-Satisfaction

02/10/1997 00:00:00

Net Perceptions Transforms World's Largest Bookstore into a Unique Personalized Shopping Experience; GroupLens Toolkit Gives Businesses Like Amazon.com the Power to Know Individual Customer's Needs and Increase Customer Satisfaction

02/10/1997

1997

Feb. 10, 1997--Readers are passionate about the books they love. But how do they discover other books that will ignite just the right spark? Net Perceptions' GroupLens toolkit, demonstrated today for key technology executives at the Demo 97 conference, is being integrated by Amazon.com Books, the world's biggest bookstore, to help readers identify books they'll likely enjoy. The GroupLens toolkit features advanced collaborative filtering technology that measures a customer's preferences and recommends books to match that individual's tastes. The GroupLens toolkit is like a friendly salesperson who develops a relationship with each customer, helping them find books they will like based on books they liked in the past. Behind the scenes, GroupLens matches the preferences of people to one another, drawing from a pool of titles chosen by a community of people with similar tastes. When the GroupLens system is fully operational on the site later this spring, Amazon.com customers will be able to rate any of the books in Amazon.com Books' 1.1 million title catalog. Recommendations will be offered in a variety of subject areas, from mystery and cooking to science fiction and biography. "The GroupLens toolkit allows Amazon.com to offer a completely new and incredibly helpful way to shop for books. Our customers will spend just a few minutes rating titles, and the toolkit will return book recommendations from thousands of other people who share their tastes and interests," said Jeff Bezos, chief executive officer of Amazon.com. "We chose the GroupLens toolkit from Net Perceptions because their approach gives us maximum control and flexibility to integrate personalization into our site exactly as we choose." Net Perceptions is one of a few companies personally selected to present at Demo 97, an industry-insider event that showcases the best and brightest new products and technologies. Demo 97 recognizes that Net Perceptions' groundbreaking GroupLens toolkit has pioneered a solution to the problem businesses face in developing close relationships with their customers. "We're honored that Demo 97 extended us an invitation to show how GroupLens can help Amazon.com deliver a more personalized and relevant online experience for its customers," said Steven Snyder, chief executive officer of Net Perceptions. "Merchants such as Amazon.com have told us that they want to build customer satisfaction and generate more return visits. We're helping them by delivering accurate predictions of what their customers will like." The GroupLens toolkit uses Adaptive Prediction, a patent-pending technology that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any Web site. It is designed to serve customers better by "learning" from each customer interaction with a Web site, using observations about what customers say they like, as well as observations about what customers actually do online. Net Perceptions also provides clear, well-documented APIs, allowing Web sites to easily integrate the GroupLens toolkit into existing applications. "The GroupLens toolkit API made it easy to personalize Amazon.com. The API fit seamlessly into our technology for developing our site," stated Bezos. Net Perceptions recently received second round financial backing from Paul Allen's investment group, Vulcan Ventures, Inc., as well as from St. Paul Venture Capital, Inc. and Hummer Winblad Venture Partners. In addition to Amazon.com, Net Perceptions' announced customer installations include Starwave and The SABRE Group. About DEMO 97 Demo 97 is the leading computer industry conference focused exclusively on emerging technologies and exciting new products. The two-part conference includes General Sessions, where products are presented on stage to a wide audience of top journalists from key business and industry publications, venture capitalists, industry executives, technology industry analysts, and marketing executives, and at demo stations, where companies offer one-on-one demos to conference attendees. About Amazon.com Books Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading interactive retailer on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of more than 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore. About Net Perceptions Net Perceptions, Inc., a company that creates tools to build high-yield customer relationships, was incorporated in July 1996. Founders of Net Perceptions include the original team of University of Minnesota researchers who pioneered concepts and applications of collaborative filtering with the GroupLens project. Net Perceptions can be found on the World Wide Web at www.netperceptions.com .

<p>Feb. 10, 1997--Readers are passionate about the books they love.</p><p>But how do they discover other books that will ignite just the right spark? Net Perceptions' GroupLens toolkit, demonstrated today for key technology executives at the Demo 97 conference, is being integrated by Amazon.com Books, the world's biggest bookstore, to help readers identify books they'll likely enjoy. The GroupLens toolkit features advanced collaborative filtering technology that measures a customer's preferences and recommends books to match that individual's tastes.</p><p>The GroupLens toolkit is like a friendly salesperson who develops a relationship with each customer, helping them find books they will like based on books they liked in the past. Behind the scenes, GroupLens matches the preferences of people to one another, drawing from a pool of titles chosen by a community of people with similar tastes.</p><p>When the GroupLens system is fully operational on the site later this spring, Amazon.com customers will be able to rate any of the books in Amazon.com Books' 1.1 million title catalog. Recommendations will be offered in a variety of subject areas, from mystery and cooking to science fiction and biography.</p><p>"The GroupLens toolkit allows Amazon.com to offer a completely new and incredibly helpful way to shop for books. Our customers will spend just a few minutes rating titles, and the toolkit will return book recommendations from thousands of other people who share their tastes and interests," said Jeff Bezos, chief executive officer of Amazon.com. "We chose the GroupLens toolkit from Net Perceptions because their approach gives us maximum control and flexibility to integrate personalization into our site exactly as we choose."</p><p>Net Perceptions is one of a few companies personally selected to present at Demo 97, an industry-insider event that showcases the best and brightest new products and technologies. Demo 97 recognizes that Net Perceptions' groundbreaking GroupLens toolkit has pioneered a solution to the problem businesses face in developing close relationships with their customers.</p><p>"We're honored that Demo 97 extended us an invitation to show how GroupLens can help Amazon.com deliver a more personalized and relevant online experience for its customers," said Steven Snyder, chief executive officer of Net Perceptions. "Merchants such as Amazon.com have told us that they want to build customer satisfaction and generate more return visits. We're helping them by delivering accurate predictions of what their customers will like."</p><p>The GroupLens toolkit uses Adaptive Prediction, a patent-pending technology that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any Web site. It is designed to serve customers better by "learning" from each customer interaction with a Web site, using observations about what customers say they like, as well as observations about what customers actually do online.</p><p>Net Perceptions also provides clear, well-documented APIs, allowing Web sites to easily integrate the GroupLens toolkit into existing applications. "The GroupLens toolkit API made it easy to personalize Amazon.com. The API fit seamlessly into our technology for developing our site," stated Bezos.</p><p>Net Perceptions recently received second round financial backing from Paul Allen's investment group, Vulcan Ventures, Inc., as well as from St. Paul Venture Capital, Inc. and Hummer Winblad Venture Partners. In addition to Amazon.com, Net Perceptions' announced customer installations include Starwave and The SABRE Group.</p><p>About DEMO 97</p><p>Demo 97 is the leading computer industry conference focused exclusively on emerging technologies and exciting new products. The two-part conference includes General Sessions, where products are presented on stage to a wide audience of top journalists from key business and industry publications, venture capitalists, industry executives, technology industry analysts, and marketing executives, and at demo stations, where companies offer one-on-one demos to conference attendees.</p><p>About Amazon.com Books</p><p>Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading interactive retailer on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalogue of more than 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers.</p><p>Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalogue is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore.</p><p>About Net Perceptions</p><p>Net Perceptions, Inc., a company that creates tools to build high-yield customer relationships, was incorporated in July 1996. Founders of Net Perceptions include the original team of University of Minnesota researchers who pioneered concepts and applications of collaborative filtering with the GroupLens project. Net Perceptions can be found on the World Wide Web at www.netperceptions.com .</p>

Amazon.com Expands its Senior Management Team with the Addition of Five Vice Presidents

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-Expands-its-Senior-Management-Team-with-the-Addition-of-Five-Vice-Presidents/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Expands-its-Senior-Management-Team-with-the-Addition-of-Five-Vice-Presidents

01/28/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com Expands its Senior Management Team with the Addition of Five Vice Presidents

01/28/1997

1997

Jan. 28, 1997-- Amazon.com today announced the addition of five vice presidents to its senior management team: Rick Ayre, vice president and executive editor; Mark Breier, vice president of marketing; Joy Covey, chief financial officer; Oswaldo Dueas, vice president of operations; and Scott Lipsky, vice president of business expansion. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors in July 1995 and is the leading bookstore on the Web, offering the world's largest selection of books. Over its 18-month history, the company has been building a management team that now includes senior executives with experience from a variety of leading technology and Fortune 500 companies. "We're bringing on board the management we need to cement and expand Amazon.com's leadership position in online commerce," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO. "If we're to build a lasting and important company, we must have a world-class management team." The new additions to Amazon.com's management team are listed below: Rick Ayre, 47, is vice president and executive editor, with responsibility for the editorial content and design of the Amazon.com Web site. Ayre came to Amazon.com in September 1996 from PC Magazine, the leading Ziff-Davis publication, where he was executive editor for technology. He was responsible for the print coverage of online technology and directed PC Magazine's online services, including the PC Magazine Online Web site and PC MagNet, part of ZD Net. ZD Net, with PC Magazine as its cornerstone, has grown to become one of the most popular sites on the Web, ranking among the most popular Web sites, according to the 100Hot Web Sites (www.100hot.com). During his five years at PC Magazine, Ayre also served as executive editor for software and as technical director for software in PC Magazine Labs. Before joining PC Magazine, Ayre served as chief of information resources management at the Highland Drive VAMC, a 750-bed hospital in Pittsburgh. Ayre holds a B.A. in Sociology from Drury College and did Ph.D. work in Psychiatric Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Mark Breier, 37, will join Amazon.com as vice president of marketing on Jan. 31, 1997. He will be responsible for corporate marketing and sales. From 1994 to 1996 Breier was vice president of marketing at Cinnabon World Famous Cinnamon Rolls, where he established the marketing department and contributed to annual sales growth of more than 30%. Prior to joining Cinnabon, Breier managed core brands and led new product introductions at Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream (1988 to 1994), Kraft Inc. (1986 to 1988) and Parker Brothers (1985 to 1986). From 1981 to 1984 Breier was president and co-founder of Amazing Events Unlimited, which specialized in entertainment and promotional events. Breier holds a B.A. in Economics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. Joy Covey, 33, joined Amazon.com in December of 1996 as chief financial officer; she is responsible for finance, planning, administration, and human resource activities. From 1991 to 1995 Covey was chief financial officer of Digidesign, where she was part of the management team that built the company valuation from $20 million to $200+ million and achieved more than 50% annual sales growth. During her tenure, she managed a successful IPO and negotiated and executed a merger with Avid Technology, a $400 million revenue digital media technology company. After the merger, she served as Vice President of Business Development and as Vice President of Operations for Avid's Broadcast Division. Prior to her work at Digidesign, she was a Mergers & Acquisitions Associate with Wasserstein Perella & Co. and a Certified Public Accountant at Arthur Young & Company. Covey holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude; an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where was designated a Baker Scholar (top 5% in the class); and a B.S., summa cum laude, in business administration from California State University Fresno. Covey is a CPA and a member of the bar in California. Oswaldo F. Dueas, 50, is vice president of operations and is responsible for warehouse and customer service management. Dueas brings to Amazon.com more than 20 years of experience with Federal Express, where he played a key role in its growth from inception to its development as the world's largest express transportation company. At Federal Express he held managing director positions, in which he was responsible for managing all regional operations, in New York, Miami (which included Puerto Rico and the Caribbean), and Mexico, in addition to a variety of other positions. Prior to joining Amazon.com in January of 1997, Dueas was vice president of the Latin America Division of International Service System Inc., the largest integrated service company in Latin America. Dueas was responsible for sales, marketing, operations and customer relations in the division and managed several thousand employees. Before joining ISS, he was president, director general of National Vision Associates in Mexico, where he had total responsibility for the national vision retail business in Mexico and managed optical retail outlets within 23 CIFRA stores and 14 Walmart stores throughout the country. Scott Lipsky, 32, is vice president of business expansion and responsible for corporate expansion and development of new products and services. Before joining Amazon.com in July 1996, Lipsky was the chief information officer of the superstore and college bookstore divisions of Barnes & Noble, where he was responsible for overall systems development and operations management for the two divisions. Lipsky was also founder and president of Omni Information Group, a Dallas-based consulting, software development and systems integration firm that serviced its proprietary retail operations solutions to the specialty retail chain market. Before launching Omni, Lipsky spent five years heading the Information Systems department at Babbage's, a Dallas-based consumer software retail chain that became part of Neostar Retail Group. During his tenure at Babbage's, he designed, then led, the development and deployment of the first totally integrated client-server retail chain management system. Shel Kaphan, 44, is vice president of development. Kaphan joined Amazon.com in October 1994 and is responsible for development and maintenance of Amazon.com's Web site. Prior to joining Amazon.com, he held senior engineering positions at Kaleida Labs, Frox and Lucid and has worked for the past 20 years designing hardware and software systems and services. Kaphan holds a B.A. in mathematics, cum laude, from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Amazon.com is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore, offers a catalog of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com offers more than six times the number of titles found in the largest bookstore.

<p>Jan. 28, 1997-- Amazon.com today announced the addition of five vice presidents to its senior management team: Rick Ayre, vice president and executive editor; Mark Breier, vice president of marketing; Joy Covey, chief financial officer; Oswaldo Dueas, vice president of operations; and Scott Lipsky, vice president of business expansion.</p><p>Amazon.com opened its virtual doors in July 1995 and is the leading bookstore on the Web, offering the world's largest selection of books. Over its 18-month history, the company has been building a management team that now includes senior executives with experience from a variety of leading technology and Fortune 500 companies.</p><p>"We're bringing on board the management we need to cement and expand Amazon.com's leadership position in online commerce," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO. "If we're to build a lasting and important company, we must have a world-class management team."</p><p>The new additions to Amazon.com's management team are listed below:</p><p>Rick Ayre, 47, is vice president and executive editor, with responsibility for the editorial content and design of the Amazon.com Web site. Ayre came to Amazon.com in September 1996 from PC Magazine, the leading Ziff-Davis publication, where he was executive editor for technology.</p><p>He was responsible for the print coverage of online technology and directed PC Magazine's online services, including the PC Magazine Online Web site and PC MagNet, part of ZD Net. ZD Net, with PC Magazine as its cornerstone, has grown to become one of the most popular sites on the Web, ranking among the most popular Web sites, according to the 100Hot Web Sites (www.100hot.com).</p><p>During his five years at PC Magazine, Ayre also served as executive editor for software and as technical director for software in PC Magazine Labs. Before joining PC Magazine, Ayre served as chief of information resources management at the Highland Drive VAMC, a 750-bed hospital in Pittsburgh. Ayre holds a B.A. in Sociology from Drury College and did Ph.D. work in Psychiatric Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh.</p><p>Mark Breier, 37, will join Amazon.com as vice president of marketing on Jan. 31, 1997. He will be responsible for corporate marketing and sales. From 1994 to 1996 Breier was vice president of marketing at Cinnabon World Famous Cinnamon Rolls, where he established the marketing department and contributed to annual sales growth of more than 30%.</p><p>Prior to joining Cinnabon, Breier managed core brands and led new product introductions at Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream (1988 to 1994), Kraft Inc. (1986 to 1988) and Parker Brothers (1985 to 1986). From 1981 to 1984 Breier was president and co-founder of Amazing Events Unlimited, which specialized in entertainment and promotional events. Breier holds a B.A. in Economics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.</p><p>Joy Covey, 33, joined Amazon.com in December of 1996 as chief financial officer; she is responsible for finance, planning, administration, and human resource activities. From 1991 to 1995 Covey was chief financial officer of Digidesign, where she was part of the management team that built the company valuation from $20 million to $200+ million and achieved more than 50% annual sales growth.</p><p>During her tenure, she managed a successful IPO and negotiated and executed a merger with Avid Technology, a $400 million revenue digital media technology company. After the merger, she served as Vice President of Business Development and as Vice President of Operations for Avid's Broadcast Division.</p><p>Prior to her work at Digidesign, she was a Mergers &amp; Acquisitions Associate with Wasserstein Perella &amp; Co. and a Certified Public Accountant at Arthur Young &amp; Company. Covey holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude; an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where was designated a Baker Scholar (top 5% in the class); and a B.S., summa cum laude, in business administration from California State University Fresno. Covey is a CPA and a member of the bar in California.</p><p>Oswaldo F. Dueas, 50, is vice president of operations and is responsible for warehouse and customer service management. Dueas brings to Amazon.com more than 20 years of experience with Federal Express, where he played a key role in its growth from inception to its development as the world's largest express transportation company.</p><p>At Federal Express he held managing director positions, in which he was responsible for managing all regional operations, in New York, Miami (which included Puerto Rico and the Caribbean), and Mexico, in addition to a variety of other positions. Prior to joining Amazon.com in January of 1997, Dueas was vice president of the Latin America Division of International Service System Inc., the largest integrated service company in Latin America.</p><p>Dueas was responsible for sales, marketing, operations and customer relations in the division and managed several thousand employees. Before joining ISS, he was president, director general of National Vision Associates in Mexico, where he had total responsibility for the national vision retail business in Mexico and managed optical retail outlets within 23 CIFRA stores and 14 Walmart stores throughout the country.</p><p>Scott Lipsky, 32, is vice president of business expansion and responsible for corporate expansion and development of new products and services. Before joining Amazon.com in July 1996, Lipsky was the chief information officer of the superstore and college bookstore divisions of Barnes &amp; Noble, where he was responsible for overall systems development and operations management for the two divisions.</p><p>Lipsky was also founder and president of Omni Information Group, a Dallas-based consulting, software development and systems integration firm that serviced its proprietary retail operations solutions to the specialty retail chain market. Before launching Omni, Lipsky spent five years heading the Information Systems department at Babbage's, a Dallas-based consumer software retail chain that became part of Neostar Retail Group.</p><p>During his tenure at Babbage's, he designed, then led, the development and deployment of the first totally integrated client-server retail chain management system.</p><p>Shel Kaphan, 44, is vice president of development. Kaphan joined Amazon.com in October 1994 and is responsible for development and maintenance of Amazon.com's Web site. Prior to joining Amazon.com, he held senior engineering positions at Kaleida Labs, Frox and Lucid and has worked for the past 20 years designing hardware and software systems and services.</p><p>Kaphan holds a B.A. in mathematics, cum laude, from the University of California, Santa Cruz.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore, offers a catalog of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers.</p><p>Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com offers more than six times the number of titles found in the largest bookstore.</p>

Amazon.com appoints Scott Cook to its board of directors

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-appoints-Scott-Cook-to-its-board-of-directors/default.aspx

Amazon.com-appoints-Scott-Cook-to-its-board-of-directors

01/16/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com appoints Scott Cook to its board of directors

01/16/1997

1997

Jan. 16, 1997-- Amazon.com, earth's biggest bookstore, announced that Scott D. Cook, co-founder and chairman of Intuit, Inc., has been appointed to its board of directors. "We are delighted and honored to have Scott Cook join the Amazon.com board of directors. No one is better at using technology to serve customers than Scott Cook," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "His experience building the preeminent financial software company in the face of fierce competition will be of great benefit to Amazon.com. " Since co-founding Intuit in 1983, Cook has been responsible for driving Intuit's strategy to improve the financial lives of consumers, small businesses and financial providers. Intuit develops and markets Quicken, the leading personal finance software; TurboTax, the best-selling tax preparation software; QuickBooks, the most popular small business accounting software; and Quicken Financial Network (http://www.qfn.com), where people can access the best the Web offers in financial information, news, products and services. Prior to co-founding Intuit, Mr. Cook was a consultant for Bain & Company, a strategy consulting firm, and a brand manager for Procter & Gamble. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Harvard University. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalog of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, e-mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalog is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore. -0- intuit, Quicken, QuickBooks and TurboTax are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.

<p>Jan. 16, 1997-- Amazon.com, earth's biggest bookstore, announced that Scott D. Cook, co-founder and chairman of Intuit, Inc., has been appointed to its board of directors.</p><p>"We are delighted and honored to have Scott Cook join the Amazon.com board of directors. No one is better at using technology to serve customers than Scott Cook," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "His experience building the preeminent financial software company in the face of fierce competition will be of great benefit to Amazon.com. "</p><p>Since co-founding Intuit in 1983, Cook has been responsible for driving Intuit's strategy to improve the financial lives of consumers, small businesses and financial providers. Intuit develops and markets Quicken, the leading personal finance software; TurboTax, the best-selling tax preparation software; QuickBooks, the most popular small business accounting software; and Quicken Financial Network (http://www.qfn.com), where people can access the best the Web offers in financial information, news, products and services.</p><p>Prior to co-founding Intuit, Mr. Cook was a consultant for Bain &amp; Company, a strategy consulting firm, and a brand manager for Procter &amp; Gamble. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Harvard University.</p><p>Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com, Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalog of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, e-mail services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalog is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore. -0-</p><p>intuit, Quicken, QuickBooks and TurboTax are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.</p>

Amazon.com announces 1996 Bestsellers

/news/news-details/1997/Amazon.com-announces-1996-Bestsellers/default.aspx

Amazon.com-announces-1996-Bestsellers

01/09/1997 00:00:00

Amazon.com announces 1996 Bestsellers

01/09/1997

1997

Jan. 9, 1997-- Amazon.com, the earth's biggest bookstore and the leading online bookseller, today announced its 100 best-selling books for 1996. Reflecting the increasing mainstream popularity of the World Wide Web, Amazon.com's top 100 includes a broad range of titles, from national bestsellers to lesser known special interest books. -0- The top 10 are listed below: 1. Creating Killer Web Sites: The Art of Third-Generation Site Design; David Siegel 2. Executive Orders; Tom Clancy 3. The Dilbert Principle: A Cubicle's Eye View of Bosses, Meetings, Management Fads & Other Workplace Afflictions; Scott Adams 4. Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk; Peter L. Bernstein 5. The English Patient; Michael Ondaatje 6. Idoru; William Gibson 7. Airframe; Michael Crichton 8. Creating Great Web Graphics; Laurie McCanna 9. Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins of the Internet; Matthew Lyon, Katie Hafner 10. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information; Edward R. Tufte The entire list of Amazon.com's 100 bestsellers of 1996 can be viewed at http://www. amazon.com/ exec/obidos/bestsellers/1996 -0- "Our 1996 Top 100 reflects our growing customer base and the variety of their interests; it's exciting to see customers taking advantage of our broad selection," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "There's great diversity in our top 10 alone, which includes Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk, a blend of biography, history and science; and The English Patient, a literary fiction bestseller." Amazon.com offers customers many ways to find books of interest to them: they can search the vast database, browse book reviews and features, and read interviews with authors. In addition, customers can post their own book reviews and ratings in the store. " Amazon.com's customer reviews are incredible -- people all over the Web helped us sell Creating Killer Web Sites," said David Siegel, Amazon.com's number one selling author for 1996. "I was excited to see such a diverse group buying the book instead of just a few thousand web designers." Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com Books is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalog of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalog is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore.

<p>Jan. 9, 1997-- Amazon.com, the earth's biggest bookstore and the leading online bookseller, today announced its 100 best-selling books for 1996.</p><p>Reflecting the increasing mainstream popularity of the World Wide Web, Amazon.com's top 100 includes a broad range of titles, from national bestsellers to lesser known special interest books. -0-</p><p>The top 10 are listed below:</p><p>1. Creating Killer Web Sites: The Art of Third-Generation Site Design; David Siegel</p><p>2. Executive Orders; Tom Clancy</p><p>3. The Dilbert Principle: A Cubicle's Eye View of Bosses, Meetings, Management Fads &amp; Other Workplace Afflictions; Scott Adams</p><p>4. Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk; Peter L. Bernstein</p><p>5. The English Patient; Michael Ondaatje</p><p>6. Idoru; William Gibson</p><p>7. Airframe; Michael Crichton</p><p>8. Creating Great Web Graphics; Laurie McCanna</p><p>9. Where Wizards Stay Up Late: The Origins of the Internet; Matthew Lyon, Katie Hafner</p><p>10. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information; Edward R. Tufte The entire list of Amazon.com's 100 bestsellers of 1996 can be viewed at http://www. amazon.com/ exec/obidos/bestsellers/1996 -0-</p><p>"Our 1996 Top 100 reflects our growing customer base and the variety of their interests; it's exciting to see customers taking advantage of our broad selection," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "There's great diversity in our top 10 alone, which includes Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk, a blend of biography, history and science; and The English Patient, a literary fiction bestseller."</p><p>Amazon.com offers customers many ways to find books of interest to them: they can search the vast database, browse book reviews and features, and read interviews with authors. In addition, customers can post their own book reviews and ratings in the store.</p><p>" Amazon.com's customer reviews are incredible -- people all over the Web helped us sell Creating Killer Web Sites," said David Siegel, Amazon.com's number one selling author for 1996. "I was excited to see such a diverse group buying the book instead of just a few thousand web designers."</p><p>Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon.com Inc. is headquartered in Seattle and is privately held. Amazon.com Books is the leading bookstore on the Web, with the world's largest selection of books. The Internet-only bookstore offers a catalog of 1.1 million titles, easy-to-search and browse features, email services, Web-based credit card payment and direct shipping to customers.</p><p>Amazon.com's name pays homage to the Amazon River. Just as the Amazon River is more than six times the size of the next largest river in the world, Amazon.com's catalog is more than six times the size of the largest conventional bookstore.</p>

The Battle of the Toms: Wolfe's A Man In Full Pushes Past Clancy's Rainbow Six for Bestseller of 1998

/news/news-details/1998/The-Battle-of-the-Toms-Wolfes-A-Man-In-Full-Pushes-Past-Clancys-Rainbow-Six-for-Bestseller-of-1998/default.aspx

The-Battle-of-the-Toms-Wolfes-A-Man-In-Full-Pushes-Past-Clancys-Rainbow-Six-for-Bestseller-of-1998

12/22/1998 00:00:00

The Battle of the Toms: Wolfe's A Man In Full Pushes Past Clancy's Rainbow Six for Bestseller of 1998

12/22/1998

1998

Amazon.com Releases 1998 Bestseller Lists with Reader Favorites from 9 Steps to Financial Freedom to 101 Nights of Grrrreat Sex Network Anchors Brokaw and Jennings in Tight Contest SEATTLE, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, today announced that Tom Wolfe's saga of the contemporary South, A Man in Full, is the best-selling book of 1998, outpacing Tom Clancy's #2 anti-terrorism thriller, Rainbow Six. "I'm immensely grateful to all the 'dot-commers' who have done this for me," Wolfe said, referring to Amazon.com's 4.5 million customers. In addition to its overall 1998 list of 100 best-selling titles available at http://www.amazon.com/top-100, Amazon.com today also released its 1,998 Category Bestsellers - the top-selling books in 26 major categories and their sub-categories, ranging from sex to spirituality (http://www.amazon.com/1998). "The Battle of the Toms" capped a year in which Amazon.com readers' choices for these lists demonstrated the size, breadth, and depth of the Amazon.com book selection. "The problem with the average bestseller list is that it's average," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "But people want better than average - they want exactly what's right for them. Backed by the power of the Internet and more than 4.5 million customers, Amazon.com bestseller lists help people discover the right books in the category they want - whether it's Antiques or Zoroastrianism." In a year marked by the popularity of personal investment books, The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman was the overall sixth best-selling title for 1998 and The Electronic Day Trader by Marc Friedfertig, George West, and George Piecznik is #11. At #13 is The Motley Fool Investment Guide: How the Fool Beats Wall Street's Wise Men and How You Can Too by David Gardner and Tom Gardner. The on-air ratings war between network news anchors Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings extended to the book world. At #17, Brokaw's The Greatest Generation, a riveting account of the men and women of World War II who built the post-war world, is barely ahead of Jennings' The Century, a sweeping photo-narrative that captures the 20th Century through the lives of ordinary people (#18). Also as 1998 comes to an end, Amazon.com tomorrow will begin counting down its Editors' Choices for the 10 best books of 1998. Starting tomorrow with #10, the countdown will continue each day until the Best Book of 1998 is unveiled on Jan. 1, 1999. "Our editor picks are just another way for people to discover books," Bezos said. "We've assembled a team of book enthusiasts whose insights and recommendations provide one more tool to help customers zero in on books that educate, inform and inspire." Visit www.amazon.com to follow the countdown of editor picks. The bestsellers lists, however, are based on sales and reflect actual reader choices for 1998. Amazon.com's 1998 Category Bestsellers are: Category Title Author Arts & Music The Not So Big House Sarah Susanka, Kira Obolensky Audiobooks The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical & Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying Suze Orman Biographies & Memoirs Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Ron Chernow Business & Investing The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical & Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying Suze Orman Children's Books The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale Starbright Foundation, Hans Christian Andersen Computers & Internet Time Bomb 2000: What the Year 2000 Computer Crisis Means to You! Edward Yourdon Cooking, Food & Wine How to Cook Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Food Mark Bittman Entertainment Pure Drivel Steve Martin Health, Mind & Body Sugar Busters!: Cut Sugar to Trim Fat H. Leighton Steward History The Greatest Generation Tom Brokaw Home & Garden If Only You Knew How Much I Smelled You Valerie Shaff, Roy Blount Jr. Horror Bag of Bones Stephen King Literature & Fiction A Man in Full Tom Wolfe Mystery & Thrillers Rainbow Six Tom Clancy Nonfiction Death of Outrage William Bennett Oprah Book Club Pick I Know This Much Is True Wally Lamb Overall A Man in Full Tom Wolfe Parenting & Families The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two William M. Sears, Martha Sears Reference Elements of Style William Strunk, E. B. White Religion & Spirituality Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Last Great Lesson Mitch Albom Romance The Loop Nicholas Evans Science & Nature Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge Edward Osborne Wilson Science Fiction & Fantasy The Path of Daggers (Wheel of Time Book 8) Robert Jordan Sports & Outdoors Into Thin Air Jon Krakauer Teens Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love and Learning Jack Canfield, Kimberly Kirberger, Mark V. Hansen Travel Literature A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail Bill Bryson In the category of Health, Mind and Body, the top-selling sex instruction manual is 101 Nights of Grrrreat Sex: Secret Sealed Seductions for Fun Loving Couples by Laura Corn. The full list of category and sub-category bestsellers is available at http://www.amazon.com/1998. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore(SM). Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 4.7 million books, music CDs, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com Releases 1998 Bestseller Lists with Reader Favorites from <em>9 Steps to Financial Freedom</em> to <em>101 Nights of Grrrreat Sex</em></p><p>Network Anchors Brokaw and Jennings in Tight Contest</p><p>SEATTLE, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, today announced that Tom Wolfe's saga of the contemporary South, <em>A Man in Full</em>, is the best-selling book of 1998, outpacing Tom Clancy's #2 anti-terrorism thriller, <em>Rainbow Six</em>.</p><p>"I'm immensely grateful to all the 'dot-commers' who have done this for me," Wolfe said, referring to Amazon.com's 4.5 million customers.</p><p>In addition to its overall 1998 list of 100 best-selling titles available at http://www.amazon.com/top-100, Amazon.com today also released its 1,998 Category Bestsellers - the top-selling books in 26 major categories and their sub-categories, ranging from sex to spirituality (http://www.amazon.com/1998).</p><p>"The Battle of the Toms" capped a year in which Amazon.com readers' choices for these lists demonstrated the size, breadth, and depth of the Amazon.com book selection.</p><p>"The problem with the average bestseller list is that it's average," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "But people want better than average - they want exactly what's right for them. Backed by the power of the Internet and more than 4.5 million customers, Amazon.com bestseller lists help people discover the right books in the category they want - whether it's Antiques or Zoroastrianism."</p><p>In a year marked by the popularity of personal investment books, <em>The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom</em> by Suze Orman was the overall sixth best-selling title for 1998 and <em>The Electronic Day Trader</em> by Marc Friedfertig, George West, and George Piecznik is #11. At #13 is <em>The Motley Fool Investment Guide: How the Fool Beats Wall Street's Wise Men and How You Can Too</em> by David Gardner and Tom Gardner.</p><p>The on-air ratings war between network news anchors Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings extended to the book world. At #17, Brokaw's <em>The Greatest Generation</em>, a riveting account of the men and women of World War II who built the post-war world, is barely ahead of Jennings' <em>The Century</em>, a sweeping photo-narrative that captures the 20th Century through the lives of ordinary people (#18).</p><p>Also as 1998 comes to an end, Amazon.com tomorrow will begin counting down its Editors' Choices for the 10 best books of 1998. Starting tomorrow with #10, the countdown will continue each day until the Best Book of 1998 is unveiled on Jan. 1, 1999.</p><p>"Our editor picks are just another way for people to discover books," Bezos said. "We've assembled a team of book enthusiasts whose insights and recommendations provide one more tool to help customers zero in on books that educate, inform and inspire."</p><p>Visit www.amazon.com to follow the countdown of editor picks. The bestsellers lists, however, are based on sales and reflect actual reader choices for 1998. Amazon.com's 1998 Category Bestsellers are:</p><table><tbody><tr><td>Category</td><td>Title</td><td>Author</td></tr><tr><td>Arts &amp; Music</td><td><em>The Not So Big House</em></td><td>Sarah Susanka, Kira Obolensky</td></tr><tr><td>Audiobooks</td><td><em>The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical &amp; Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying</em></td><td>Suze Orman</td></tr><tr><td>Biographies &amp; Memoirs</td><td><em>Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.</em></td><td>Ron Chernow</td></tr><tr><td>Business &amp; Investing</td><td><em>The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom: Practical &amp; Spiritual Steps So You Can Stop Worrying</em></td><td>Suze Orman</td></tr><tr><td>Children's Books</td><td><em>The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale</em></td><td>Starbright Foundation, Hans Christian Andersen</td></tr><tr><td>Computers &amp; Internet</td><td><em>Time Bomb 2000: What the Year 2000 Computer Crisis Means to You!</em></td><td>Edward Yourdon</td></tr><tr><td>Cooking, Food &amp; Wine</td><td><em>How to Cook Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Food</em></td><td>Mark Bittman</td></tr><tr><td>Entertainment</td><td><em>Pure Drivel</em></td><td>Steve Martin</td></tr><tr><td>Health, Mind &amp; Body</td><td><em>Sugar Busters!: Cut Sugar to Trim Fat</em></td><td>H. Leighton Steward</td></tr><tr><td>History</td><td><em>The Greatest Generation</em></td><td>Tom Brokaw</td></tr><tr><td>Home &amp; Garden</td><td><em>If Only You Knew How Much I Smelled You</em></td><td>Valerie Shaff, Roy Blount Jr.</td></tr><tr><td>Horror</td><td><em>Bag of Bones</em></td><td>Stephen King</td></tr><tr><td>Literature &amp; Fiction</td><td><em>A Man in Full</em></td><td>Tom Wolfe</td></tr><tr><td>Mystery &amp; Thrillers</td><td><em>Rainbow Six</em></td><td>Tom Clancy</td></tr><tr><td>Nonfiction</td><td><em>Death of Outrage</em></td><td>William Bennett</td></tr><tr><td>Oprah Book Club Pick</td><td><em>I Know This Much Is True</em></td><td>Wally Lamb</td></tr><tr><td>Overall</td><td><em>A Man in Full</em></td><td>Tom Wolfe</td></tr><tr><td>Parenting &amp; Families</td><td><em>The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two</em></td><td>William M. Sears, Martha Sears</td></tr><tr><td>Reference</td><td><em>Elements of Style</em></td><td>William Strunk, E. B. White</td></tr><tr><td>Religion &amp; Spirituality</td><td><em>Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and the Last Great Lesson</em></td><td>Mitch Albom</td></tr><tr><td>Romance</td><td><em>The Loop</em></td><td>Nicholas Evans</td></tr><tr><td>Science &amp; Nature</td><td><em>Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge</em></td><td>Edward Osborne Wilson</td></tr><tr><td>Science Fiction &amp; Fantasy</td><td><em>The Path of Daggers (Wheel of Time Book 8)</em></td><td>Robert Jordan</td></tr><tr><td>Sports &amp; Outdoors</td><td><em>Into Thin Air</em></td><td>Jon Krakauer</td></tr><tr><td>Teens</td><td><em>Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul: 101 Stories of Life, Love and Learning</em></td><td>Jack Canfield, Kimberly Kirberger, Mark V. Hansen</td></tr><tr><td>Travel Literature</td><td><em>A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail</em></td><td>Bill Bryson</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the category of Health, Mind and Body, the top-selling sex instruction manual is <em>101 Nights of Grrrreat Sex: Secret Sealed Seductions for Fun Loving Couples</em> by Laura Corn. The full list of category and sub-category bestsellers is available at http://www.amazon.com/1998.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore(SM). Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 4.7 million books, music CDs, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities.</p><p>More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Joins with the Starbright Foundation to Help Kids

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Joins-with-the-Starbright-Foundation-to-Help-Kids/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Joins-with-the-Starbright-Foundation-to-Help-Kids

12/03/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Joins with the Starbright Foundation to Help Kids

12/03/1998

1998

Special Feature Created to Promote Sales of The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale SEATTLE, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that it is joining with the Starbright Foundation to help raise money for seriously ill children. The Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music store has created a special feature for The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale to spur sales of the book, which will raise funds for the foundation. The Amazon.com feature (www.amazon.com/emperor) includes exclusive Amazon.com celebrity interviews with Melissa Joan Hart and John Lithgow, a link to more information on the Starbright Foundation, plus excerpts and illustrations from the book. This deluxe gift set, including a book and CD that brings together 25 of today's best-loved celebrities and 23 of the world's most renowned children's book illustrators, was created by the Starbright Foundation. Chaired by Steven Spielberg and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the Starbright Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for its projects that help seriously ill children address the challenges they face on a daily basis. During the month of December, Amazon.com will donate a portion of the proceeds from its sales of The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale to the Starbright Foundation. The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale is an unprecedented creative collaboration for all ages that retells Hans Christian Andersen's time-honored tale and is enhanced by full-page, full-color illustrations by legendary artists, including Maurice Sendak and William Joyce. The celebrity authors include (in order of appearance) Jay Leno, Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford & Melissa Mathison, Rita Wilson, Angela Lansbury, Nathan Lane, Jason Alexander, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Madonna, Penny Marshall & Carrie Fisher, Melissa Joan Hart, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jeff Goldblum, Dan Aykroyd, Robin Williams, Geena Davis, Calvin Klein, Rosie O'Donnell, Fran Drescher, Joan Rivers, Steven Spielberg, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, and John Lithgow. Each celebrity has written a chapter from his or her character's point of view. Calvin Klein, for instance, writes the part of the Emperor's Underwear, and Jason Alexander relays the perspective of the Dresser's Spectacles. "The Emperor's New Clothes will raise significant funds to help Starbright continue to develop and distribute our programs to children across the country," said Spielberg. "We are grateful to Amazon.com for making an additional donation to Starbright for every book sold on its Web site." "Amazon.com is building an online community where people help people discover books and music," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's CEO and founder. "With The Emperor's New Clothes, the Amazon.com community can now help Starbright generate funds for its organization. The more books we sell, the more money we can raise to benefit some really special kids." Amazon.com is selling the title at 30% off the retail price and can ship it within 24 hours after receiving the order. The illustrated hardcover version is available for $19.57, while the book and CD set is $24.50. "You can even listen to each of the stars read this engaging story aloud in a variety of hilarious accents," said Amazon.com Kids editor Karin Snelson. "The combined experience of revisiting a favorite old story, tracking the clever narrative, admiring gorgeous artwork, and indulging in just plain silliness will amuse kids ages 8 to 108." The Starbright Foundation is a nonprofit organization representing a collaboration among pediatric medicine, entertainment, and advanced technology, working together to create projects that empower seriously ill children to combat the medical and emotional challenges they face on a daily basis. Among Starbright's projects is Starbright World, a private and secure interactive computer network being distributed to 100 hospitals across the United States. In Starbright World, children can interact through a virtual community populated with kids who face similar health-care challenges. Starbright World offers video conferencing, audio and text chat spaces, bulletin boards, e-mail, and more. Further information on the Starbright Foundation and its projects can be accessed at www.starbright.org. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore(SM). Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Special Feature Created to Promote Sales of <em>The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale</em></p><p>SEATTLE, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that it is joining with the Starbright Foundation to help raise money for seriously ill children. The Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music store has created a special feature for <em>The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale</em> to spur sales of the book, which will raise funds for the foundation.</p><p>The Amazon.com feature (www.amazon.com/emperor) includes exclusive Amazon.com celebrity interviews with Melissa Joan Hart and John Lithgow, a link to more information on the Starbright Foundation, plus excerpts and illustrations from the book.</p><p>This deluxe gift set, including a book and CD that brings together 25 of today's best-loved celebrities and 23 of the world's most renowned children's book illustrators, was created by the Starbright Foundation. Chaired by Steven Spielberg and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, the Starbright Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for its projects that help seriously ill children address the challenges they face on a daily basis. During the month of December, Amazon.com will donate a portion of the proceeds from its sales of <em>The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale</em> to the Starbright Foundation.</p><p><em>The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-Star Illustrated Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale</em> is an unprecedented creative collaboration for all ages that retells Hans Christian Andersen's time-honored tale and is enhanced by full-page, full-color illustrations by legendary artists, including Maurice Sendak and William Joyce. The celebrity authors include (in order of appearance) Jay Leno, Liam Neeson, Harrison Ford &amp; Melissa Mathison, Rita Wilson, Angela Lansbury, Nathan Lane, Jason Alexander, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Madonna, Penny Marshall &amp; Carrie Fisher, Melissa Joan Hart, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jeff Goldblum, Dan Aykroyd, Robin Williams, Geena Davis, Calvin Klein, Rosie O'Donnell, Fran Drescher, Joan Rivers, Steven Spielberg, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, and John Lithgow.</p><p>Each celebrity has written a chapter from his or her character's point of view. Calvin Klein, for instance, writes the part of the Emperor's Underwear, and Jason Alexander relays the perspective of the Dresser's Spectacles.</p><p>"<em>The Emperor's New Clothes</em> will raise significant funds to help Starbright continue to develop and distribute our programs to children across the country," said Spielberg. "We are grateful to Amazon.com for making an additional donation to Starbright for every book sold on its Web site."</p><p>"Amazon.com is building an online community where people help people discover books and music," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's CEO and founder. "With <em>The Emperor's New Clothes</em>, the Amazon.com community can now help Starbright generate funds for its organization. The more books we sell, the more money we can raise to benefit some really special kids."</p><p>Amazon.com is selling the title at 30% off the retail price and can ship it within 24 hours after receiving the order. The illustrated hardcover version is available for $19.57, while the book and CD set is $24.50.</p><p>"You can even listen to each of the stars read this engaging story aloud in a variety of hilarious accents," said Amazon.com Kids editor Karin Snelson. "The combined experience of revisiting a favorite old story, tracking the clever narrative, admiring gorgeous artwork, and indulging in just plain silliness will amuse kids ages 8 to 108."</p><p>The Starbright Foundation is a nonprofit organization representing a collaboration among pediatric medicine, entertainment, and advanced technology, working together to create projects that empower seriously ill children to combat the medical and emotional challenges they face on a daily basis.</p><p>Among Starbright's projects is Starbright World, a private and secure interactive computer network being distributed to 100 hospitals across the United States. In Starbright World, children can interact through a virtual community populated with kids who face similar health-care challenges. Starbright World offers video conferencing, audio and text chat spaces, bulletin boards, e-mail, and more. Further information on the Starbright Foundation and its projects can be accessed at www.starbright.org.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore(SM). Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities.</p><p>More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces the 100 Best CDs of 1998

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-the-100-Best-CDs-of-1998/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-the-100-Best-CDs-of-1998

11/30/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces the 100 Best CDs of 1998

11/30/1998

1998

From hip hop superstars to a 90-year-old cane fife player, Amazon.com's list is an eclectic mix SEATTLE, November 30, 1998 /PRNewswire/ -- With 1998 drawing to a close, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music retailer, will unveil tomorrow the "100 Best CDs of 1998," chosen by Amazon.com's team of music editors. Reflecting the vast selection of music offered at its music store, Amazon.com's "100 Best CDs of 1998" includes a broad range of well known artists and lesser known talents across multiple categories-from African diva Cesaria Evora and hip hop superstars the Beastie Boys to 90-year-old fife player Othar Turner and 19-year-old blues sensation Shemekia Copeland. Amazon.com's "100 Best CDs of 1998" is expected to be controversial both because of what is included on the list and what is not. For example, a 32-year-old performance by rock legend Bob Dylan-often bootlegged, but only released this year-secured the top spot on the list, while R.E.M. and Hole, critical and popular favorites who released new albums in 1998, were not selected. Roughly one-third of the selections come from the jazz, international, and classical worlds. Led by senior editor Keith Moerer, the "100 Best CDs of 1998" was determined collaboratively by Amazon.com's team of music editors and incorporates CDs from each of Amazon.com's 16 musical categories. The Amazon.com music editors also picked the Artist of the Year as well as the 10 Best CDs of 1998 in their music categories. "1998 was a great year for music," said Jennifer Cast, Amazon.com's general manager of music. "Our music editors have chosen 100 exceptional CDs reflecting the incredible diversity of music available to Amazon.com's customers. Old favorites like B.B. King, Elvis Costello, and Lyle Lovett join new discoveries like Lhasa de Sela and Cat Power in a list that is sure to help people find music they'll love." As part of Amazon.com's coverage of the year in music, 25 artists including Trisha Yearwood, David Byrne, Brian Wilson, and Liz Phair will choose their favorite CDs of 1998. Essays about the year in music, penned by well-known humorists, will also be available at the Amazon.com music store throughout the month of December. Amazon.com's "100 Best CDs of 1998" and other year-end features will be available at www.amazon.com/music beginning Tuesday. About Amazon.com's Music StoreAmazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%. From alternative to zydeco, hip hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features thousands of reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore. Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, audiobooks, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, 1998. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, PlanetAll, Internet Movie Database, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>From hip hop superstars to a 90-year-old cane fife player, Amazon.com's list is an eclectic mix</p><p>SEATTLE, November 30, 1998 /PRNewswire/ -- With 1998 drawing to a close, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music retailer, will unveil tomorrow the "100 Best CDs of 1998," chosen by Amazon.com's team of music editors.</p><p>Reflecting the vast selection of music offered at its music store, Amazon.com's "100 Best CDs of 1998" includes a broad range of well known artists and lesser known talents across multiple categories-from African diva Cesaria Evora and hip hop superstars the Beastie Boys to 90-year-old fife player Othar Turner and 19-year-old blues sensation Shemekia Copeland.</p><p>Amazon.com's "100 Best CDs of 1998" is expected to be controversial both because of what is included on the list and what is not. For example, a 32-year-old performance by rock legend Bob Dylan-often bootlegged, but only released this year-secured the top spot on the list, while R.E.M. and Hole, critical and popular favorites who released new albums in 1998, were not selected. Roughly one-third of the selections come from the jazz, international, and classical worlds.</p><p>Led by senior editor Keith Moerer, the "100 Best CDs of 1998" was determined collaboratively by Amazon.com's team of music editors and incorporates CDs from each of Amazon.com's 16 musical categories. The Amazon.com music editors also picked the Artist of the Year as well as the 10 Best CDs of 1998 in their music categories.</p><p>"1998 was a great year for music," said Jennifer Cast, Amazon.com's general manager of music. "Our music editors have chosen 100 exceptional CDs reflecting the incredible diversity of music available to Amazon.com's customers. Old favorites like B.B. King, Elvis Costello, and Lyle Lovett join new discoveries like Lhasa de Sela and Cat Power in a list that is sure to help people find music they'll love."</p><p>As part of Amazon.com's coverage of the year in music, 25 artists including Trisha Yearwood, David Byrne, Brian Wilson, and Liz Phair will choose their favorite CDs of 1998. Essays about the year in music, penned by well-known humorists, will also be available at the Amazon.com music store throughout the month of December.</p><p>Amazon.com's "100 Best CDs of 1998" and other year-end features will be available at www.amazon.com/music beginning Tuesday.</p><p>About Amazon.com's Music StoreAmazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%. From alternative to zydeco, hip hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features thousands of reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore. Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, audiobooks, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, PlanetAll, Internet Movie Database, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces 3-for-1 Stock Split

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-3-for-1-Stock-Split/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-3-for-1-Stock-Split

11/19/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces 3-for-1 Stock Split

11/19/1998

1998

SEATTLE, November 19 -- Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced today that its board of directors approved a three-for-one split of its common stock. Stockholders will receive two additional shares for every share held on the record date of December 18, 1998. The additional shares will be mailed or delivered on or about January 4, 1999, by the company's transfer agent, ChaseMellon Shareholder Services. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore. Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>SEATTLE, November 19 -- Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced today that its board of directors approved a three-for-one split of its common stock. Stockholders will receive two additional shares for every share held on the record date of December 18, 1998. The additional shares will be mailed or delivered on or about January 4, 1999, by the company's transfer agent, ChaseMellon Shareholder Services.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore. Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Opens Video and Holiday Gift Stores to Enhance Online Shopping

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Opens-Video-and-Holiday-Gift-Stores-to-Enhance-Online-Shopping/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Opens-Video-and-Holiday-Gift-Stores-to-Enhance-Online-Shopping

11/17/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Opens Video and Holiday Gift Stores to Enhance Online Shopping

11/17/1998

1998

Seasonal Gift Store Includes Electronics, Games, Toys, and More SEATTLE, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of what is expected to be the Internet's biggest holiday shopping season ever, Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today opened two new stores--its much-anticipated video store and a holiday gift store that, in addition to books, videos, and music, includes personal electronics, games, gadgets, and toys for all ages. The gift store markedly expands the online shopping opportunities available to millions of shoppers by allowing them to meet more of their holiday gift needs online-the fast, easy, hassle-free alternative to malls and stores. The Amazon.com video store offers more than 60,000 theatrical and general-interest videos and more than 2,000 DVDs, all accompanied by Amazon.com's search features and unmatched editorial content, which allow shoppers to find exactly the video they want at prices up to 30% off. "Together, these stores are exactly what our customers have told us they want," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "It's one destination where shoppers can meet all of their gift-giving needs at any time of day at one convenient location-their home or office computer. Don't fight the mob at the mall-go online. It's the easiest way to get gifts since Santa Claus." Of the new video store, Bezos added, "We've heard it loud and clear from our customers: Buying videos today is a painful shopping experience. Whether it's the lack of selection, the absence of helpful information, or the high prices-it's worse than a bad movie. So we created a video store that has nearly seven times the selection of a typical video store, is rich in content, and is easy on the wallet." The video store is Amazon.com's third product line, following its original line of books and then music CDs, which it added in June. Amazon.com is now the Internet's No. 1 book and No.1 CD retailer. The seasonal gift store will remain open through the holidays. About the Amazon.com Holiday Gift StoreFor the ultimate convenience, Amazon.com this year is introducing Gift-Click, the world's fastest and easiest way to give a gift. All you do is enter the gift recipient's e-mail address, and Amazon.com takes care of the rest. In less than 10 seconds, you can select, wrap, and send any one of millions of books, CDs, videos, and more. You don't even need the recipient's mailing address. Gifts--wrapped with a personal message--can also be sent to your home for personal delivery or shipped directly by Amazon.com to the gift recipient. Also for this holiday season, the Amazon.com gift store will offer a wider selection of gifts, including personal electronics, gadgets, games, and toys for all ages-in addition to Amazon.com's 3 million-plus book, music, and video titles. Amazon.com has also added a new gift-recommendation service, Gift Matcher, that suggests gifts based on interests. And for the truly puzzled shopper, Amazon.com offers gift certificates by paper or e-mail to allow recipients to make their own selections. Instant e-mail gift certificates, sent within an hour, can solve the problem of last-minute shopping--even on Christmas Day. About the Amazon.com Video StoreWith virtually unlimited online shelf space, Amazon.com's video store has a selection nearly seven times larger than the typical physical-world video retailer, and this vast catalog of titles will continue to grow. The Amazon.com video store stocks the Web's largest selection of titles available for shipping within 24 hours. Online shoppers will find browsing as simple as the click of a mouse, with 12 genres and literally hundreds of subcategories to choose from, including Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Classics, Comedy, Drama, Horror & Suspense, Music & Musicals, and Science Fiction & Fantasy. In addition, Amazon.com offers a huge selection of special-interest and television and documentary videos, as well as a DVD "store within a store." Amazon.com provides a variety of resources to assist shoppers with their buying decisions, including up-to-date reviews from Leonard Maltin and from Amazon.com editors, whose previous experience includes writing for The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, and The New York Times. Shoppers can also count on customer reviews, personalized recommendations, and various gift ideas. Movie quotes and trivia from the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the premiere online resource for movie lovers, are incorporated into the Amazon.com site. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 with a mission to offer products that educate, inform, and inspire. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, videos, DVDs, audio books, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998. Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, PlanetAll, Internet Movie Database, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Seasonal Gift Store Includes Electronics, Games, Toys, and More</p><p>SEATTLE, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of what is expected to be the Internet's biggest holiday shopping season ever, Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today opened two new stores--its much-anticipated video store and a holiday gift store that, in addition to books, videos, and music, includes personal electronics, games, gadgets, and toys for all ages.</p><p>The gift store markedly expands the online shopping opportunities available to millions of shoppers by allowing them to meet more of their holiday gift needs online-the fast, easy, hassle-free alternative to malls and stores.</p><p>The Amazon.com video store offers more than 60,000 theatrical and general-interest videos and more than 2,000 DVDs, all accompanied by Amazon.com's search features and unmatched editorial content, which allow shoppers to find exactly the video they want at prices up to 30% off.</p><p>"Together, these stores are exactly what our customers have told us they want," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "It's one destination where shoppers can meet all of their gift-giving needs at any time of day at one convenient location-their home or office computer. Don't fight the mob at the mall-go online. It's the easiest way to get gifts since Santa Claus."</p><p>Of the new video store, Bezos added, "We've heard it loud and clear from our customers: Buying videos today is a painful shopping experience. Whether it's the lack of selection, the absence of helpful information, or the high prices-it's worse than a bad movie. So we created a video store that has nearly seven times the selection of a typical video store, is rich in content, and is easy on the wallet."</p><p>The video store is Amazon.com's third product line, following its original line of books and then music CDs, which it added in June. Amazon.com is now the Internet's No. 1 book and No.1 CD retailer. The seasonal gift store will remain open through the holidays.</p><p>About the Amazon.com Holiday Gift StoreFor the ultimate convenience, Amazon.com this year is introducing Gift-Click, the world's fastest and easiest way to give a gift. All you do is enter the gift recipient's e-mail address, and Amazon.com takes care of the rest. In less than 10 seconds, you can select, wrap, and send any one of millions of books, CDs, videos, and more. You don't even need the recipient's mailing address.</p><p>Gifts--wrapped with a personal message--can also be sent to your home for personal delivery or shipped directly by Amazon.com to the gift recipient.</p><p>Also for this holiday season, the Amazon.com gift store will offer a wider selection of gifts, including personal electronics, gadgets, games, and toys for all ages-in addition to Amazon.com's 3 million-plus book, music, and video titles.</p><p>Amazon.com has also added a new gift-recommendation service, Gift Matcher, that suggests gifts based on interests. And for the truly puzzled shopper, Amazon.com offers gift certificates by paper or e-mail to allow recipients to make their own selections. Instant e-mail gift certificates, sent within an hour, can solve the problem of last-minute shopping--even on Christmas Day.</p><p>About the Amazon.com Video StoreWith virtually unlimited online shelf space, Amazon.com's video store has a selection nearly seven times larger than the typical physical-world video retailer, and this vast catalog of titles will continue to grow.</p><p>The Amazon.com video store stocks the Web's largest selection of titles available for shipping within 24 hours. Online shoppers will find browsing as simple as the click of a mouse, with 12 genres and literally hundreds of subcategories to choose from, including Action &amp; Adventure, Art House &amp; International, Classics, Comedy, Drama, Horror &amp; Suspense, Music &amp; Musicals, and Science Fiction &amp; Fantasy.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com offers a huge selection of special-interest and television and documentary videos, as well as a DVD "store within a store."</p><p>Amazon.com provides a variety of resources to assist shoppers with their buying decisions, including up-to-date reviews from Leonard Maltin and from Amazon.com editors, whose previous experience includes writing for <em>The Los Angeles Times</em>, <em>Entertainment Weekly</em>, and <em>The New York Times</em>. Shoppers can also count on customer reviews, personalized recommendations, and various gift ideas. Movie quotes and trivia from the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the premiere online resource for movie lovers, are incorporated into the Amazon.com site.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 with a mission to offer products that educate, inform, and inspire. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, videos, DVDs, audio books, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, PlanetAll, Internet Movie Database, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Makes It Easy For Millions of Music Fans Worldwide to Discover and Buy Unsigned Artists' and Independent Labels' CDs

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Makes-It-Easy-For-Millions-of-Music-Fans-Worldwide-to-Discover-and-Buy-Unsigned-Artists-and-Independent-Labels-CDs/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Makes-It-Easy-For-Millions-of-Music-Fans-Worldwide-to-Discover-and-Buy-Unsigned-Artists-and-Independent-Labels-CDs

11/03/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Makes It Easy For Millions of Music Fans Worldwide to Discover and Buy Unsigned Artists' and Independent Labels' CDs

11/03/1998

1998

Amazon.com Advantage for music uses the power of the Internet to revolutionize music distribution SEATTLE, November 5, 1998 /PRNewswire/ -- On the first day of CMJ's Music Marathon, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the No. 1 online music retailer, today announced Advantage for music, a revolutionary new program that solves the biggest problem faced by independent artists, bands, and labels: securing widespread distribution of their CDs. Amazon.com's Advantage for music program makes it easy for independent artists, bands, and labels to sell their CDs to Amazon.com's 4.5 million customers worldwide. Amazon.com's Advantage program was created to change the rules for success in the music industry. Unsigned artists, bands, and independent labels traditionally have a difficult time getting their CDs into stores so that fans can purchase their music. Advantage for music, a free program, now allows them to sell their CDs at the Amazon.com music store and to enjoy the same level of exposure on the Amazon.com Web site as CDs from major artists and labels. "Our mission over the past two decades has been the discovery and promotion of new artists," said CMJ President Robert Haber, when asked about Amazon.com's new Advantage for music program. "We are delighted to learn of Amazon.com's strategy for assisting these new artists in getting their music exposed to a potential audience in the millions. This is just the kind of program that makes the new medium of the Internet so exciting." Through CMJ New Music Report, CMJ New Music Monthly, and its annual CMJ Music Marathon convention, CMJ brings emerging artists to public attention. "In order to match the power of Amazon.com's global distribution, independent artists, bands, and labels would have to get their CDs into an estimated 100,000 retail stores worldwide," said Mary Morouse, Amazon.com's vice president of merchandising. "With music Advantage, these CDs will be only a few clicks away from 4.5 million Amazon.com customers worldwide." "No matter how slammin' your band is, it is really hard to get distribution without being signed to a major label," says Dara Quinn of Seattle's Rockin' Teenage Combo, Amazon.com's Advantage charter band. "Even if we could get our CDs stocked in stores in every city we play in when we're on tour, who has the time and money to print and distribute all those CDs? Now, whenever anyone hears the buzz about our music, they'll be able to buy our CD at Amazon.com-what could be easier than that?" Amazon.com Advantage for music builds on the success of Amazon.com Advantage for books, an innovative program that increases the visibility and sales of harder-to-find books from independent publishers. Getting the Amazon.com Advantage is easy-and it's free. Once enrolled, independent artists, bands, and labels simply place a limited quantity of CDs in Amazon.com's distribution centers for immediate sale and delivery to Amazon.com's customers all over the world. Amazon.com helps Advantage members sell CDs by enhancing their shelf presence with cover art, sound clips, and liner notes. Advantage members save time and money with hassle-free fulfillment, easy restocking, and automatic sales reports and payment. For more information about Advantage for music, or to join, visit: http://www.amazon.com/advantage. About Amazon.com's Music StoreAmazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editors' Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore. Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, audiobooks, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com Advantage for music uses the power of the Internet to revolutionize music distribution</p><p>SEATTLE, November 5, 1998 /PRNewswire/ -- On the first day of CMJ's Music Marathon, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the No. 1 online music retailer, today announced Advantage for music, a revolutionary new program that solves the biggest problem faced by independent artists, bands, and labels: securing widespread distribution of their CDs. Amazon.com's Advantage for music program makes it easy for independent artists, bands, and labels to sell their CDs to Amazon.com's 4.5 million customers worldwide.</p><p>Amazon.com's Advantage program was created to change the rules for success in the music industry. Unsigned artists, bands, and independent labels traditionally have a difficult time getting their CDs into stores so that fans can purchase their music. Advantage for music, a free program, now allows them to sell their CDs at the Amazon.com music store and to enjoy the same level of exposure on the Amazon.com Web site as CDs from major artists and labels.</p><p>"Our mission over the past two decades has been the discovery and promotion of new artists," said CMJ President Robert Haber, when asked about Amazon.com's new Advantage for music program. "We are delighted to learn of Amazon.com's strategy for assisting these new artists in getting their music exposed to a potential audience in the millions. This is just the kind of program that makes the new medium of the Internet so exciting." Through <em>CMJ New Music Report</em>, <em>CMJ New Music Monthly</em>, and its annual CMJ Music Marathon convention, CMJ brings emerging artists to public attention.</p><p>"In order to match the power of Amazon.com's global distribution, independent artists, bands, and labels would have to get their CDs into an estimated 100,000 retail stores worldwide," said Mary Morouse, Amazon.com's vice president of merchandising. "With music Advantage, these CDs will be only a few clicks away from 4.5 million Amazon.com customers worldwide."</p><p>"No matter how slammin' your band is, it is really hard to get distribution without being signed to a major label," says Dara Quinn of Seattle's Rockin' Teenage Combo, Amazon.com's Advantage charter band. "Even if we could get our CDs stocked in stores in every city we play in when we're on tour, who has the time and money to print and distribute all those CDs? Now, whenever anyone hears the buzz about our music, they'll be able to buy our CD at Amazon.com-what could be easier than that?"</p><p>Amazon.com Advantage for music builds on the success of Amazon.com Advantage for books, an innovative program that increases the visibility and sales of harder-to-find books from independent publishers. Getting the Amazon.com Advantage is easy-and it's free. Once enrolled, independent artists, bands, and labels simply place a limited quantity of CDs in Amazon.com's distribution centers for immediate sale and delivery to Amazon.com's customers all over the world. Amazon.com helps Advantage members sell CDs by enhancing their shelf presence with cover art, sound clips, and liner notes. Advantage members save time and money with hassle-free fulfillment, easy restocking, and automatic sales reports and payment.</p><p>For more information about Advantage for music, or to join, visit: http://www.amazon.com/advantage.</p><p>About Amazon.com's Music StoreAmazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editors' Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 book and No. 1 music retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and quickly became Earth's Biggest Bookstore. Today, the Amazon.com store has expanded to offer more than 3 million books, music CDs, audiobooks, videos, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates two international bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Third Quarter 1998

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Third-Quarter-1998/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Third-Quarter-1998

10/28/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Third Quarter 1998

10/28/1998

1998

Amazon.com Becomes #1 Online Music Retailer with Sales of $14.4 Million;First Quarter to Add More Than 1 Million Customers SEATTLE, WA-(October 28, 1998)-Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 1998. Net sales were $153.7 million, an increase of 306 percent over net sales of $37.9 million for the third quarter of 1997. Amazon.com also became the #1 online music retailer in its first full quarter of music sales. Amazon.com reported a third quarter pro forma operating loss of $21.0 million, or 14 percent of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $10.3 million, or 27 percent of net sales, in the prior year. Pro forma net loss of $24.7 million, or $0.49 per share, compared with a net loss of $9.6 million, or $0.21 per share, in the third quarter of 1997. On a GAAP basis, reported third-quarter net loss was $0.90 per share, and included $20.5 million of merger- and acquisition-related costs. Amazon.com announced that cumulative customer accounts increased by over 1.2 million during the third quarter to nearly 4.5 million at September 30, 1998, an increase of over 377 percent from 940,000 customer accounts at September 30, 1997. Repeat customer orders represented more than 64 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended September 30, 1998. "We are very grateful to our customers for choosing Amazon.com as their online music store so quickly," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and chief executive officer. "We work hard to earn the confidence of our customers. We're known for service, ease of use, selection, and everyday low prices, and these are the reasons our customers have made us the leading online music retailer. Though pleased with these results, we know our growth initiatives will continue to require aggressive investment and entail significant execution challenges." Recent Highlights Amazon.com Becomes the #1 Online Music Store, Adds Classical Third-quarter music sales were $14.4 million, the first full quarter following the June launch of Amazon.com's music store. Amazon.com exited the quarter as the leading online retailer of music less than four months after its launch. Customer response was strong, augmented by the September launch of its classical-music store. Adding to the success of its overall music store, Amazon.com opened the classical section of this store in early September. The classical section has added more than 47,000 classical and opera CDs to the existing Amazon.com music store, pushing the store's total number of CDs to more than 225,000--25 times the selection of the average physical music store. Amazon.com also introduced a variety of classical-specific features to help shoppers find and discover exactly the right CD, regardless of their familiarity with classical music. Among those features are thousands of classical-music reviews, editors' recommendations for more than 1,000 essential classical and opera CDs, and more than 1,000 narrow-niche classical and opera bestseller lists. Amazon.com Formally Enters European Book Market In October Amazon.com formally entered the European market with the launch of new stores in Germany and the United Kingdom. Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk replaced sites once operated by Telebook in Germany and Bookpages in the U.K. Amazon.com purchased both companies in April. For the first time on a local basis, the stores make available to Europeans a vast selection of titles, guaranteed safety of transactions, unparalleled convenience, and electronic gift certificates for worry-free gift giving. The two sites will significantly reduce the cost and shipping time for thousands of U.S. titles, thanks to a large supply of popular U.S. titles ready for immediate shipment from the U.K. and Germany. Amazon.de is headquartered and has a distribution center in Regensburg, Germany, with editorial and marketing offices in Munich, Germany. The store initially features over 400,000 titles from German publishers, as well as fast and easy access to nearly 500,000 U.S. titles. Amazon.co.uk is headquartered and has a distribution center in Slough, England. The store carries a complete catalog of over 1.2 million titles from U.K. publishers, along with fast and easy access to over 200,000 U.S. titles. Each store offers speedy delivery and an array of personalization features to better serve book buyers, including instant recommendations. You can find these sites at www.amazon.de and www.amazon.co.uk. Amazon.com Acquisitions of PlanetAll and Junglee In August Amazon.com acquired two companies: PlanetAll and Junglee. PlanetAll provides a unique Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. Junglee is the leading provider of advanced Web-based virtual database (VDB) technology that can help shoppers find and discover products on the Internet. Together, these acquisitions are intended to speed Amazon.com's enhancement of the e-commerce experience for its customers. Amazon.com acquired 100 percent of Junglee and PlanetAll in exchange for equity having an aggregate value of approximately $280 million. The PlanetAll acquisition was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests and, as a result, Amazon.com's financial statements have been restated for all periods presented. The Junglee acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, with substantially all of the approximately $180 million purchase price allocated to goodwill and other purchased intangibles. The goodwill and other purchased intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over lives averaging approximately 3 years. Growing Associate Relationships In early September Amazon.com augmented its growing list of Associate relationships when it announced one of the most extensive global merchant programs on the Internet, featuring Amazon.com as the premier book merchant throughout many of Yahoo!'s World sites. Amazon.com Associates now number more than 140,000. Web-site operators continue to prefer Amazon.com for the powerful benefits they receive from Amazon.com's leading traffic, content, customer experience, brand, service, and cross-product capabilities. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. In addition to its U.S.-based bookstore, www.amazon.com, Amazon.com operates two European bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, the unpredictability of its future revenues, competition, risks associated with system development and operation risks, management of potential growth, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, as amended by the Form 8-K filed September 11, 1998 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1998. Note on Financial Presentation GAAP financial results are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All of the charges associated with Amazon.com's merger and acquisition activities have been included in the single-income-statement line item titled "merger- and acquisition-related costs" in order to enhance the informational value of the financials and to present the most comparable classifications in the other line items. Among items included in merger- and acquisition-related costs are one-time merger-related costs and purchase-price elements, including amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles. Pro forma financial results exclude these merger- and acquisition-related costs. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Statements of Operations(in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30, 1998 1997 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net sales $153,698 $37,887 $357,103 $81,747 Cost of sales 118,823 30,717 276,679 65,842 Gross profit 34,875 7,170 80,424 15,905 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 37,517 11,516 84,522 23,596 Product development 13,374 3,998 29,526 8,650 General and administrative 4,978 1,972 10,342 4,930 Merger and acquisition related costs 20,512 - 25,925 - Total operating expenses 76,381 17,486 150,315 37,176 Loss from operations (41,506) (10,316) (69,891) (21,271) Interest income 4,754 688 9,789 1,118 Interest expense (8,419) (19) (18,017) (59) Net interest income (expense) (3,665) 669 (8,228) 1,059 Net loss $(45,171) $(9,647) $(78,119) $(20,212) Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.90) $(0.21) $(1.60) $(0.48) Shares used in computation of basic and diluted loss per share 50,234 45,865 48,700 42,438 Pro Forma Results Excluding Merger and Acquisition Related Costs Pro forma loss from operations, excluding merger and acquisition related costs $(20,994) $(10,316) $(43,966) $(21,271) Pro forma net loss, excluding merger and acquisition related costs $(24,659) $(9,647) $(52,194) $(20,212) Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share, excluding merger and acquisition related costs $(0.49) $(0.21) $(1.07) $(0.48) Shares used in computation of pro forma basic and diluted loss per share 50,234 45,865 48,700 42,438 Note: Pro forma results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 are presented for informational purposes only. These results present the operating results of Amazon.com, excluding charges of $20.5 million and $25.9 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 1998, respectively, for merger and acquisition related costs arising from Amazon.com's April 1998 acquisitions of Bookpages, Telebook and Internet Movie Database, and the August 1998 acquisitions of Junglee and PlanetAll, and are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. AMAZON.COM, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share data) September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $14,856 $1,876 Marketable securities 322,404 123,499 Inventories 19,772 8,971 Prepaid expenses and other 17,625 3,363 Total current assets 374,657 137,709 Fixed assets, net 23,821 9,726 Deposits and other 582 169 Goodwill and other purchased intangibles, net 213,064 - Deferred charges 7,590 2,240 Total assets $619,714 $149,844 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $60,046 $33,027 Accrued advertising 11,857 3,454 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 26,868 6,570 Current portion of long-term debt 684 1,500 Total current liabilities 99,455 44,551 Long-term debt 340,392 76,521 Long-term portion of capital lease obligation 103 181 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 10,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- none - - Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 300,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- 52,725,622 and 48,302,958 shares, respectively 527 483 Additional paid-in capital 298,322 67,552 Note receivable from officer for common stock (1,099) - Deferred compensation (2,943) (1,930) Other gains (losses) 590 - Accumulated deficit (115,633) (37,514) Total stockholders' equity 179,764 28,591 Total liabilities & stockholders' equity $619,714 $149,844

<p>Amazon.com Becomes #1 Online Music Retailer with Sales of $14.4 Million;First Quarter to Add More Than 1 Million Customers</p><p>SEATTLE, WA-(October 28, 1998)-Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 1998. Net sales were $153.7 million, an increase of 306 percent over net sales of $37.9 million for the third quarter of 1997. Amazon.com also became the #1 online music retailer in its first full quarter of music sales.</p><p>Amazon.com reported a third quarter pro forma operating loss of $21.0 million, or 14 percent of net sales, compared to an operating loss of $10.3 million, or 27 percent of net sales, in the prior year. Pro forma net loss of $24.7 million, or $0.49 per share, compared with a net loss of $9.6 million, or $0.21 per share, in the third quarter of 1997. On a GAAP basis, reported third-quarter net loss was $0.90 per share, and included $20.5 million of merger- and acquisition-related costs.</p><p>Amazon.com announced that cumulative customer accounts increased by over 1.2 million during the third quarter to nearly 4.5 million at September 30, 1998, an increase of over 377 percent from 940,000 customer accounts at September 30, 1997. Repeat customer orders represented more than 64 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended September 30, 1998.</p><p>"We are very grateful to our customers for choosing Amazon.com as their online music store so quickly," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and chief executive officer. "We work hard to earn the confidence of our customers. We're known for service, ease of use, selection, and everyday low prices, and these are the reasons our customers have made us the leading online music retailer. Though pleased with these results, we know our growth initiatives will continue to require aggressive investment and entail significant execution challenges."</p><p>Recent Highlights</p><p>Amazon.com Becomes the #1 Online Music Store, Adds Classical</p><p>Third-quarter music sales were $14.4 million, the first full quarter following the June launch of Amazon.com's music store. Amazon.com exited the quarter as the leading online retailer of music less than four months after its launch. Customer response was strong, augmented by the September launch of its classical-music store.</p><p>Adding to the success of its overall music store, Amazon.com opened the classical section of this store in early September. The classical section has added more than 47,000 classical and opera CDs to the existing Amazon.com music store, pushing the store's total number of CDs to more than 225,000--25 times the selection of the average physical music store. Amazon.com also introduced a variety of classical-specific features to help shoppers find and discover exactly the right CD, regardless of their familiarity with classical music. Among those features are thousands of classical-music reviews, editors' recommendations for more than 1,000 essential classical and opera CDs, and more than 1,000 narrow-niche classical and opera bestseller lists.</p><p>Amazon.com Formally Enters European Book Market</p><p>In October Amazon.com formally entered the European market with the launch of new stores in Germany and the United Kingdom. Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk replaced sites once operated by Telebook in Germany and Bookpages in the U.K. Amazon.com purchased both companies in April. For the first time on a local basis, the stores make available to Europeans a vast selection of titles, guaranteed safety of transactions, unparalleled convenience, and electronic gift certificates for worry-free gift giving. The two sites will significantly reduce the cost and shipping time for thousands of U.S. titles, thanks to a large supply of popular U.S. titles ready for immediate shipment from the U.K. and Germany.</p><p>Amazon.de is headquartered and has a distribution center in Regensburg, Germany, with editorial and marketing offices in Munich, Germany. The store initially features over 400,000 titles from German publishers, as well as fast and easy access to nearly 500,000 U.S. titles. Amazon.co.uk is headquartered and has a distribution center in Slough, England. The store carries a complete catalog of over 1.2 million titles from U.K. publishers, along with fast and easy access to over 200,000 U.S. titles. Each store offers speedy delivery and an array of personalization features to better serve book buyers, including instant recommendations.</p><p>You can find these sites at www.amazon.de and www.amazon.co.uk.</p><p>Amazon.com Acquisitions of PlanetAll and Junglee</p><p>In August Amazon.com acquired two companies: PlanetAll and Junglee. PlanetAll provides a unique Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. Junglee is the leading provider of advanced Web-based virtual database (VDB) technology that can help shoppers find and discover products on the Internet. Together, these acquisitions are intended to speed Amazon.com's enhancement of the e-commerce experience for its customers.</p><p>Amazon.com acquired 100 percent of Junglee and PlanetAll in exchange for equity having an aggregate value of approximately $280 million. The PlanetAll acquisition was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests and, as a result, Amazon.com's financial statements have been restated for all periods presented. The Junglee acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, with substantially all of the approximately $180 million purchase price allocated to goodwill and other purchased intangibles. The goodwill and other purchased intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over lives averaging approximately 3 years.</p><p>Growing Associate Relationships</p><p>In early September Amazon.com augmented its growing list of Associate relationships when it announced one of the most extensive global merchant programs on the Internet, featuring Amazon.com as the premier book merchant throughout many of Yahoo!'s World sites. Amazon.com Associates now number more than 140,000. Web-site operators continue to prefer Amazon.com for the powerful benefits they receive from Amazon.com's leading traffic, content, customer experience, brand, service, and cross-product capabilities.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. In addition to its U.S.-based bookstore, www.amazon.com, Amazon.com operates two European bookstore Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, the unpredictability of its future revenues, competition, risks associated with system development and operation risks, management of potential growth, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, as amended by the Form 8-K filed September 11, 1998 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1998 and June 30, 1998.</p><p>Note on Financial Presentation</p><p>GAAP financial results are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. All of the charges associated with Amazon.com's merger and acquisition activities have been included in the single-income-statement line item titled "merger- and acquisition-related costs" in order to enhance the informational value of the financials and to present the most comparable classifications in the other line items. Among items included in merger- and acquisition-related costs are one-time merger-related costs and purchase-price elements, including amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles. Pro forma financial results exclude these merger- and acquisition-related costs.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Statements of Operations(in thousands, except per share amounts)</p><pre> Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30, 1998 1997 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net sales $153,698 $37,887 $357,103 $81,747Cost of sales 118,823 30,717 276,679 65,842Gross profit 34,875 7,170 80,424 15,905Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 37,517 11,516 84,522 23,596 Product development 13,374 3,998 29,526 8,650 General and administrative 4,978 1,972 10,342 4,930 Merger and acquisition related costs 20,512 - 25,925 - Total operating expenses 76,381 17,486 150,315 37,176 Loss from operations (41,506) (10,316) (69,891) (21,271)Interest income 4,754 688 9,789 1,118 Interest expense (8,419) (19) (18,017) (59) Net interest income (expense) (3,665) 669 (8,228) 1,059 Net loss $(45,171) $(9,647) $(78,119) $(20,212)Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.90) $(0.21) $(1.60) $(0.48)Shares used in computation of basic and diluted loss per share 50,234 45,865 48,700 42,438Pro Forma Results Excluding Merger and Acquisition Related CostsPro forma loss from operations, excluding merger and acquisition related costs $(20,994) $(10,316) $(43,966) $(21,271)Pro forma net loss, excluding merger and acquisition related costs $(24,659) $(9,647) $(52,194) $(20,212)Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share, excluding merger and acquisition related costs $(0.49) $(0.21) $(1.07) $(0.48)Shares used in computation of pro forma basic and diluted loss per share 50,234 45,865 48,700 42,438 Note: Pro forma results for the quarter and nine months endedSeptember 30, 1998 and 1997 are presented for informational purposes only.These results present the operating results of Amazon.com, excluding chargesof $20.5 million and $25.9 million for the quarter and nine months endedSeptember 30, 1998, respectively, for merger and acquisition related costsarising from Amazon.com's April 1998 acquisitions of Bookpages, Telebook andInternet Movie Database, and the August 1998 acquisitions of Junglee andPlanetAll, and are not prepared in accordance with generally acceptedaccounting principles. AMAZON.COM, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share data) September 30, December 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash $14,856 $1,876 Marketable securities 322,404 123,499 Inventories 19,772 8,971 Prepaid expenses and other 17,625 3,363 Total current assets 374,657 137,709 Fixed assets, net 23,821 9,726 Deposits and other 582 169 Goodwill and other purchased intangibles, net 213,064 -Deferred charges 7,590 2,240 Total assets $619,714 $149,844 LIABILITIES &amp; STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent Liabilities: Accounts payable $60,046 $33,027 Accrued advertising 11,857 3,454 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 26,868 6,570 Current portion of long-term debt 684 1,500 Total current liabilities 99,455 44,551 Long-term debt 340,392 76,521 Long-term portion of capital lease obligation 103 181 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 10,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- none - -Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 300,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- 52,725,622 and 48,302,958 shares, respectively 527 483 Additional paid-in capital 298,322 67,552 Note receivable from officer for common stock (1,099) -Deferred compensation (2,943) (1,930)Other gains (losses) 590 -Accumulated deficit (115,633) (37,514) Total stockholders' equity 179,764 28,591 Total liabilities &amp; stockholders' equity $619,714 $149,844 </pre>

Amazon.com and Beastie Boys' Mike D Challenge Music Fans to Name Obscure Song at Amazon.com

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-and-Beastie-Boys-Mike-D-Challenge-Music-Fans-to-Name-Obscure-Song-at-Amazon.com/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Beastie-Boys-Mike-D-Challenge-Music-Fans-to-Name-Obscure-Song-at-Amazon.com

10/20/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Beastie Boys' Mike D Challenge Music Fans to Name Obscure Song at Amazon.com

10/20/1998

1998

What's That Song? You'll Never Guess SEATTLE, October 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Beastie Boys' Mike D and leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today challenged music fans worldwide to guess an obscure artist and song title on Thursday, October 22, as part of Amazon.com's ongoing What's That Song? online music event. In fact, Amazon.com and Capitol Records believe that Mike D's chosen song will prove so difficult to identify that Amazon.com has decided to increase the daily prize money for the correct answer on Thursday only from $1,000 to $5,000. Amazon.com asked Mike D, "What song is better than coffee for helping you wake up?" Anticipating that even the RealAudio song clip of his chosen song might not enable music fans to guess the name of the artist and title of the song, Mike D provided the following clue for the trivia-challenged: "[The artist] is a saint and certainly has the voice of one. Put this song on and set the tone to offer up your day." "Of all the world-renowned artists taking part in our online music event, none provided such a head-scratcher as Mike D," said Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com. "Admittedly, the obscurity of the song threw everyone off at first. But, to no one's surprise, we found that we already carried the artist's album as part of our extensive CD selection." What's That Song? is an online game created by Amazon.com, Capitol Records, RealNetworks, and many of the world's leading musical artists. The game, which began on October 6, tests fans' knowledge of music while providing revealing insights into many of today's top artists. At Amazon.com, every day through November 2, artists are asked provocative questions about their musical tastes--and fans guess the answer by identifying brief RealAudio song clips from the artists' responses. One-of-a-Kind Artist PrizesAt the end of the event, Amazon.com will randomly select a grand-prize winner from all the entrants. The grand-prize winner will receive $50,000 and a personalized gift from each of the participating artists. These gifts include a trip to New York to see Beastie Boys on The Chris Rock Show; a song written especially for the winner by Sean Lennon and recorded on the road during his current tour; a 10-minute phone conversation with members of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; framed original photos from Liz Phair's album photo session; signed, original lyrics from Dr. John's Anutha Zone album; one of Ben Harper's favorite guitars, a Maton ECW80, signed by Harper himself; unique Lenny Kravitz memorabilia; Meredith Brooks's favorite book, Navigating the Future; a signed drumhead from Marcy Playground; a framed, signed art board from Bonnie Raitt; a signed guitar from Foo Fighters; a special Native American book signed by Robbie Robertson; a signed Hope Floats script from Deana Carter; a signed, never-before-heard live CD from Medeski Martin & Wood; two signed Beach Boys box sets; and more. Artists participating in What's That Song? include Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz, Liz Phair, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Ben Harper, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Robbie Robertson, Cracker, the Beach Boys, Marcy Playground, Meredith Brooks, Medeski Martin & Wood, Sean Lennon, John Hiatt, and Deana Carter. Among Capitol's participating sister labels are Blue Note, Capitol Nashville, Grand Royal, Matador, and Virgin Records. Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editors' Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 with a mission to offer products that educate, inform, and inspire. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates international bookstore Web sites in the United Kingdom and in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members, dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. About Capitol RecordsCapitol Records' current roster includes Foo Fighters, Meredith Brooks, Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul McCartney. Capitol has been the home to some of the most esteemed names in the history of music, including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Tina Turner. The Capitol Records worldwide Web site, "Hollywood and Vine," is located at http://hollywoodandvine.com.

<p>What's That Song? You'll Never Guess</p><p>SEATTLE, October 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Beastie Boys' Mike D and leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today challenged music fans worldwide to guess an obscure artist and song title on Thursday, October 22, as part of Amazon.com's ongoing What's That Song? online music event.</p><p>In fact, Amazon.com and Capitol Records believe that Mike D's chosen song will prove so difficult to identify that Amazon.com has decided to increase the daily prize money for the correct answer on Thursday only from $1,000 to $5,000.</p><p>Amazon.com asked Mike D, "What song is better than coffee for helping you wake up?" Anticipating that even the RealAudio song clip of his chosen song might not enable music fans to guess the name of the artist and title of the song, Mike D provided the following clue for the trivia-challenged: "[The artist] is a saint and certainly has the voice of one. Put this song on and set the tone to offer up your day."</p><p>"Of all the world-renowned artists taking part in our online music event, none provided such a head-scratcher as Mike D," said Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com. "Admittedly, the obscurity of the song threw everyone off at first. But, to no one's surprise, we found that we already carried the artist's album as part of our extensive CD selection."</p><p>What's That Song? is an online game created by Amazon.com, Capitol Records, RealNetworks, and many of the world's leading musical artists. The game, which began on October 6, tests fans' knowledge of music while providing revealing insights into many of today's top artists. At Amazon.com, every day through November 2, artists are asked provocative questions about their musical tastes--and fans guess the answer by identifying brief RealAudio song clips from the artists' responses.</p><p>One-of-a-Kind Artist PrizesAt the end of the event, Amazon.com will randomly select a grand-prize winner from all the entrants. The grand-prize winner will receive $50,000 and a personalized gift from each of the participating artists. These gifts include a trip to New York to see Beastie Boys on <em>The Chris Rock Show</em>; a song written especially for the winner by Sean Lennon and recorded on the road during his current tour; a 10-minute phone conversation with members of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy; framed original photos from Liz Phair's album photo session; signed, original lyrics from Dr. John's <em>Anutha Zone</em> album; one of Ben Harper's favorite guitars, a Maton ECW80, signed by Harper himself; unique Lenny Kravitz memorabilia; Meredith Brooks's favorite book, <em>Navigating the Future</em>; a signed drumhead from Marcy Playground; a framed, signed art board from Bonnie Raitt; a signed guitar from Foo Fighters; a special Native American book signed by Robbie Robertson; a signed <em>Hope Floats</em> script from Deana Carter; a signed, never-before-heard live CD from Medeski Martin &amp; Wood; two signed Beach Boys box sets; and more.</p><p>Artists participating in What's That Song? include Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz, Liz Phair, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Ben Harper, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Robbie Robertson, Cracker, the Beach Boys, Marcy Playground, Meredith Brooks, Medeski Martin &amp; Wood, Sean Lennon, John Hiatt, and Deana Carter. Among Capitol's participating sister labels are Blue Note, Capitol Nashville, Grand Royal, Matador, and Virgin Records.</p><p>Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editors' Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 with a mission to offer products that educate, inform, and inspire. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates international bookstore Web sites in the United Kingdom and in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members, dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>About Capitol RecordsCapitol Records' current roster includes Foo Fighters, Meredith Brooks, Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul McCartney. Capitol has been the home to some of the most esteemed names in the history of music, including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Tina Turner. The Capitol Records worldwide Web site, "Hollywood and Vine," is located at http://hollywoodandvine.com.</p>

Amazon.com Enters European Book Market

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Enters-European-Book-Market/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Enters-European-Book-Market

10/15/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Enters European Book Market

10/15/1998

1998

Sites in Germany, United Kingdom Increase the Convenience and Service of Online Shopping SEATTLE, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) formally entered the European market today with the launch of new Web sites in Germany and the United Kingdom. Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk opened their virtual doors on the World Wide Web early this morning, replacing sites once operated by ABC Bücherdienst in Germany and Bookpages, Ltd., in the U.K. Amazon.com purchased both companies in April. For the first time on a local basis, the sites make available to Europeans a vast selection, guaranteed safety of transactions, unparalleled convenience, and electronic gift certificates for worry-free gift giving. In addition, the two sites will significantly reduce the cost of and shipping time for thousands of U.S. titles, thanks to a large supply of the most popular U.S. titles ready for immediate shipment from the U.K. and Germany. In addition, thousands of other U.S. titles will be delivered much sooner from Amazon.com facilities in the United States. Both sites will feature many of the customer features developed by Amazon.com: personalized recommendations, the ability to search for and locate books in a variety of ways, hundreds of browsing lists compiled by specific categories of bestselling books, reviews by experts and customers, easy and secure 1-Click(TM) ordering, and Amazon.com's attention to customer service. "Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de will provide a whole new level of convenience and customer service for book buyers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO. "These are stores that are open around the clock where people can find the specific books they want and discover others they may also like to buy. It combines the power of the Internet with a very personalized experience." As at Amazon.com, ordering is secure at Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk. Personal information and credit card numbers are encrypted for transmission over the Internet, and all transactions are backed by a security guarantee protecting shoppers from unauthorized use. Full details are available at www.amazon.de and www.amazon.co.uk. Amazon.de is headquartered in and has a distribution center in Regensburg and editorial and marketing offices in Munich. The store will initially feature 335,000 titles from German publishers, fast and easy access to 374,000 U.S. titles, swift delivery, and, soon, an array of recommendation features to better serve book buyers, including instant recommendations. A Munich-based staff of expert German editors will develop reviews and recommendations of German-title books. Amazon.co.uk is headquartered in and has a distribution center in Slough, England. The store carries a complete catalog of 1.2 million U.K. titles in print, fast and easy access to 200,000 U.S. titles, and speedy delivery. A staff of expert U.K. editors will provide recommendations and reviews. About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(TM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Sites in Germany, United Kingdom Increase the Convenience and Service of Online Shopping</p><p>SEATTLE, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) formally entered the European market today with the launch of new Web sites in Germany and the United Kingdom.</p><p>Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk opened their virtual doors on the World Wide Web early this morning, replacing sites once operated by ABC Bücherdienst in Germany and Bookpages, Ltd., in the U.K. Amazon.com purchased both companies in April.</p><p>For the first time on a local basis, the sites make available to Europeans a vast selection, guaranteed safety of transactions, unparalleled convenience, and electronic gift certificates for worry-free gift giving.</p><p>In addition, the two sites will significantly reduce the cost of and shipping time for thousands of U.S. titles, thanks to a large supply of the most popular U.S. titles ready for immediate shipment from the U.K. and Germany. In addition, thousands of other U.S. titles will be delivered much sooner from Amazon.com facilities in the United States.</p><p>Both sites will feature many of the customer features developed by Amazon.com: personalized recommendations, the ability to search for and locate books in a variety of ways, hundreds of browsing lists compiled by specific categories of bestselling books, reviews by experts and customers, easy and secure 1-Click(TM) ordering, and Amazon.com's attention to customer service.</p><p>"Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.de will provide a whole new level of convenience and customer service for book buyers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO. "These are stores that are open around the clock where people can find the specific books they want and discover others they may also like to buy. It combines the power of the Internet with a very personalized experience."</p><p>As at Amazon.com, ordering is secure at Amazon.de and Amazon.co.uk. Personal information and credit card numbers are encrypted for transmission over the Internet, and all transactions are backed by a security guarantee protecting shoppers from unauthorized use. Full details are available at www.amazon.de and www.amazon.co.uk.</p><p>Amazon.de is headquartered in and has a distribution center in Regensburg and editorial and marketing offices in Munich. The store will initially feature 335,000 titles from German publishers, fast and easy access to 374,000 U.S. titles, swift delivery, and, soon, an array of recommendation features to better serve book buyers, including instant recommendations. A Munich-based staff of expert German editors will develop reviews and recommendations of German-title books.</p><p>Amazon.co.uk is headquartered in and has a distribution center in Slough, England. The store carries a complete catalog of 1.2 million U.K. titles in print, fast and easy access to 200,000 U.S. titles, and speedy delivery. A staff of expert U.K. editors will provide recommendations and reviews.</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(TM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com and Capitol Records Invite Music Fans to Play

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-and-Capitol-Records-Invite-Music-Fans-to-Play/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Capitol-Records-Invite-Music-Fans-to-Play

10/06/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Capitol Records Invite Music Fans to Play

10/06/1998

1998

Renowned artists, including the Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Radiohead, Liz Phair, John Lee Hooker, and Ben Harper, team up with Amazon.com for online game Grand prize: $50,000 and one-of-a-kind artist prizes, including a phone conversation with a member of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and signed artwork from Bonnie Raitt's latest album SEATTLE, October 6 -- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Capitol Records, and many of the world's leading musical artists today unveiled "What's That Song?" an online game that tests fans' knowledge of music while providing revealing insights into many of today's top artists. At Amazon.com, every day from October 6 through November 2, artists will be asked provocative questions about their musical tastes--and fans will guess the answer by identifying brief RealAudio song clips from the artists' responses. Among the artists and the questions they were asked: What is Bonnie Raitt's favorite song from childhood? What song would Radiohead's Colin Greenwood play to make people dance at his party? What is Liz Phair's favorite seduction song? Artists participating in "What's That Song?" include the Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz, Liz Phair, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Ben Harper, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Robbie Robertson, Cracker, the Beach Boys, Marcy Playground, Meredith Brooks, Medeski Martin & Wood, Sean Lennon, and Deana Carter. Among Capitol's participating sister labels are Blue Note, Capitol Nashville, Grand Royal, Matador, and Virgin Records. "'What's That Song?' is a great new take on a game we all enjoy playing," said Matador/Capitol recording artist Liz Phair. "The questions Amazon.com asked me were a lot of fun to answer, so I know my fans will get a kick out of guessing my response. It's a cool contest that people will really get hooked on." "This game is probably as old as music itself. It's been on television and on the radio, and now Amazon.com is bringing it to the Internet--with our own unique twist," said David Risher, Amazon.com's senior vice president. "We're thrilled to collaborate on our first major music event with Capitol Records and its sister companies in the EMI Group, Virgin Records and EMD." "We are excited to be working with Amazon.com, one of the most widely recognized Web pioneers," said Robin Bechtel, senior director of new media for Capitol Records. "We have had a great response from all the artists involved and are looking forward to providing fans with a month of intriguing, little-known facts about the artists' lives, careers, and musical tastes." Music fans can also read exclusive interviews with many of the participating artists at Amazon.com. Each day, Amazon.com will randomly select a winner from those entrants who correctly identify the song title and recording artist's name for that day's song clip. Users will need the RealPlayer, available for free download at www.real.com, in order to access the song clips. Daily winners will receive $1,000 plus a prize or prizes related to the artist featured that day. All entries will automatically be entered in the grand-prize drawing. At the end of the event, Amazon.com will randomly select a grand-prize winner from all the entrants. The grand-prize winner will receive $50,000 and a personalized gift from each of the artists. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. The contest is open only to residents of the United States over the age of 18 and residents of Canada, other than Quebec, over the age of 19. Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editor's Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations. About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 with a mission to offer products that educate, inform, and inspire. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates international bookstore Web sites in the United Kingdom and in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members, dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. About Capitol RecordsCapitol Records' current roster includes Foo Fighters, Meredith Brooks, Radiohead, the Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul McCartney. Capitol has been the home to some of the most esteemed names in the history of music, including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Tina Turner. The Capitol Records worldwide Web site "Hollywood and Vine" is located at http://hollywoodandvine.com.

<p>Renowned artists, including the Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Radiohead, Liz Phair, John Lee Hooker, and Ben Harper, team up with Amazon.com for online game</p><p>Grand prize: $50,000 and one-of-a-kind artist prizes, including a phone conversation with a member of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and signed artwork from Bonnie Raitt's latest album</p><p>SEATTLE, October 6 -- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Capitol Records, and many of the world's leading musical artists today unveiled "What's That Song?" an online game that tests fans' knowledge of music while providing revealing insights into many of today's top artists.</p><p>At Amazon.com, every day from October 6 through November 2, artists will be asked provocative questions about their musical tastes--and fans will guess the answer by identifying brief RealAudio song clips from the artists' responses. Among the artists and the questions they were asked:</p><ul><li>What is Bonnie Raitt's favorite song from childhood?</li><li>What song would Radiohead's Colin Greenwood play to make people dance at his party?</li><li>What is Liz Phair's favorite seduction song?</li></ul><p>Artists participating in "What's That Song?" include the Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Radiohead, Lenny Kravitz, Liz Phair, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Ben Harper, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Robbie Robertson, Cracker, the Beach Boys, Marcy Playground, Meredith Brooks, Medeski Martin &amp; Wood, Sean Lennon, and Deana Carter. Among Capitol's participating sister labels are Blue Note, Capitol Nashville, Grand Royal, Matador, and Virgin Records.</p><p>"'What's That Song?' is a great new take on a game we all enjoy playing," said Matador/Capitol recording artist Liz Phair. "The questions Amazon.com asked me were a lot of fun to answer, so I know my fans will get a kick out of guessing my response. It's a cool contest that people will really get hooked on."</p><p>"This game is probably as old as music itself. It's been on television and on the radio, and now Amazon.com is bringing it to the Internet--with our own unique twist," said David Risher, Amazon.com's senior vice president. "We're thrilled to collaborate on our first major music event with Capitol Records and its sister companies in the EMI Group, Virgin Records and EMD."</p><p>"We are excited to be working with Amazon.com, one of the most widely recognized Web pioneers," said Robin Bechtel, senior director of new media for Capitol Records. "We have had a great response from all the artists involved and are looking forward to providing fans with a month of intriguing, little-known facts about the artists' lives, careers, and musical tastes."</p><p>Music fans can also read exclusive interviews with many of the participating artists at Amazon.com.</p><p>Each day, Amazon.com will randomly select a winner from those entrants who correctly identify the song title and recording artist's name for that day's song clip. Users will need the RealPlayer, available for free download at www.real.com, in order to access the song clips. Daily winners will receive $1,000 plus a prize or prizes related to the artist featured that day. All entries will automatically be entered in the grand-prize drawing. At the end of the event, Amazon.com will randomly select a grand-prize winner from all the entrants. The grand-prize winner will receive $50,000 and a personalized gift from each of the artists. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. The contest is open only to residents of the United States over the age of 18 and residents of Canada, other than Quebec, over the age of 19.</p><p>Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editor's Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's biggest book and music store (NASDAQ: AMZN), opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 with a mission to offer products that educate, inform, and inspire. Today, the Amazon.com store offers more than 3 million books, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, computer games, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search-and-locate features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology, and direct shipping. Amazon.com operates international bookstore Web sites in the United Kingdom and in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service, and the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members, dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>About Capitol RecordsCapitol Records' current roster includes Foo Fighters, Meredith Brooks, Radiohead, the Beastie Boys, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul McCartney. Capitol has been the home to some of the most esteemed names in the history of music, including Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and Tina Turner. The Capitol Records worldwide Web site "Hollywood and Vine" is located at http://hollywoodandvine.com.</p>

Amazon.com Adds Classical CDs to Earth's Biggest Book and Music Store

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Adds-Classical-CDs-to-Earths-Biggest-Book-and-Music-Store/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Adds-Classical-CDs-to-Earths-Biggest-Book-and-Music-Store

09/09/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Adds Classical CDs to Earth's Biggest Book and Music Store

09/09/1998

1998

More Selection, More Personalized Recommendations Than Other Music Stores SEATTLE, Sept. 9, 1998 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced the addition of more than 42,000 classical and opera CDs to its music store, bringing the store's total number of CDs to more than 200,000--25 times the selection of the average physical music store. Amazon.com also introduced a variety of features to help shoppers discover just the right CD, regardless of their familiarity with classical music. Among those features are thousands of classical-music reviews, editors' recommendations for more than 1,000 essential classical and opera CDs, and thousands of classical and opera bestseller lists. "We're happy to offer customers a comprehensive classical-music selection, powerful and flexible search tools to help them quickly find the CD they want, and expert reviews and recommendations from noted critics," said Amazon.com senior vice president David Risher. "No physical store can offer such a huge selection--or the personalized assistance in helping you find just the right CD." Risher noted that the classical-music catalog is far more complex--and thus potentially more confusing--than that of other music styles. "There is only one recording of Kind of Blue or Revolver," Risher said, "but there are more than 100 recordings of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and more than 200 recordings of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Customers want to be able to choose from all the available recordings yet quickly find the one they want. They can do just that at Amazon.com." Among the 20 Amazon.com classical music editors are Robert Levine, a contributor to the New York Times, Stereophile, and other notable classical-music publications, and Ted Libbey, a commentator on NPR's Performance Today and author of The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection. During the past three months, thousands of classical-music lovers have e-mailed the company with suggestions and requests, many of which have been incorporated into the store. For classical music aficionados or those just beginning to build a collection, Amazon.com provides the following features to enable customers with any level of musical knowledge to discover and buy classical and opera CDs they will enjoy: Effective Search Tools: To ensure that customers quickly find the CD they're looking for, Amazon.com's powerful Classical Search offers more ways than any other music store to search for classical music. Customers can search for classical and opera CDs by album or work title, composer, performer, conductor, ensemble, label name, and catalog number. Reviews, Articles, and Interviews by Classical-Music Experts: In addition to reviews by Levine, Libbey, and other Amazon.com editors, customers will also find thousands of reviews from Gramophone, the premier publication devoted to classical music, and exclusive Amazon.com interviews with leading artists and composers, including Philip Glass, Andrew Manze, and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. Essentials Lists: Amazon.com editors have selected more than 1,000 essential CDs to help music fans start or expand their classical or opera collections. Customers can find essential classical and opera CDs in 31 different categories, including Italian opera, Baroque music, symphonies, sacred and choral music, chamber music, and concertos. If You Like Classical and Opera: Customers who know what they like--and want more of it--can browse "If You Like Classical and Opera" in Amazon.com's Recommendation Center. Amazon.com editors recommend CDs based on customers' favorite composers, artists, works, and historical periods. Bestseller Lists: Amazon.com's Classical and Opera sections contain thousands of bestseller lists that span the musical spectrum: the bestselling Romantic symphonies, the top oboe recordings, the most popular chorales, the hottest Baroque arias, and more. Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editor's Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews from music experts, song samples, interviews, essentials lists, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and music recommendations. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>More Selection, More Personalized Recommendations Than Other Music Stores</p><p>SEATTLE, Sept. 9, 1998 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced the addition of more than 42,000 classical and opera CDs to its music store, bringing the store's total number of CDs to more than 200,000--25 times the selection of the average physical music store.</p><p>Amazon.com also introduced a variety of features to help shoppers discover just the right CD, regardless of their familiarity with classical music. Among those features are thousands of classical-music reviews, editors' recommendations for more than 1,000 essential classical and opera CDs, and thousands of classical and opera bestseller lists.</p><p>"We're happy to offer customers a comprehensive classical-music selection, powerful and flexible search tools to help them quickly find the CD they want, and expert reviews and recommendations from noted critics," said Amazon.com senior vice president David Risher. "No physical store can offer such a huge selection--or the personalized assistance in helping you find just the right CD."</p><p>Risher noted that the classical-music catalog is far more complex--and thus potentially more confusing--than that of other music styles. "There is only one recording of <em>Kind of Blue</em> or <em>Revolver</em>," Risher said, "but there are more than 100 recordings of Vivaldi's <em>Four Seasons</em> and more than 200 recordings of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Customers want to be able to choose from <em>all</em> the available recordings yet quickly find the <em>one</em> they want. They can do just that at Amazon.com."</p><p>Among the 20 Amazon.com classical music editors are Robert Levine, a contributor to the <em>New York Times</em>, <em>Stereophile</em>, and other notable classical-music publications, and Ted Libbey, a commentator on NPR's <em>Performance Today</em> and author of <em>The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection</em>.</p><p>During the past three months, thousands of classical-music lovers have e-mailed the company with suggestions and requests, many of which have been incorporated into the store.</p><p>For classical music aficionados or those just beginning to build a collection, Amazon.com provides the following features to enable customers with any level of musical knowledge to discover and buy classical and opera CDs they will enjoy:</p><ul><li>Effective Search Tools: To ensure that customers quickly find the CD they're looking for, Amazon.com's powerful Classical Search offers more ways than any other music store to search for classical music. Customers can search for classical and opera CDs by album or work title, composer, performer, conductor, ensemble, label name, and catalog number.</li><li>Reviews, Articles, and Interviews by Classical-Music Experts: In addition to reviews by Levine, Libbey, and other Amazon.com editors, customers will also find thousands of reviews from Gramophone, the premier publication devoted to classical music, and exclusive Amazon.com interviews with leading artists and composers, including Philip Glass, Andrew Manze, and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg.</li><li>Essentials Lists: Amazon.com editors have selected more than 1,000 essential CDs to help music fans start or expand their classical or opera collections. Customers can find essential classical and opera CDs in 31 different categories, including Italian opera, Baroque music, symphonies, sacred and choral music, chamber music, and concertos.</li><li>If You Like Classical and Opera: Customers who know what they like--and want more of it--can browse "If You Like Classical and Opera" in Amazon.com's Recommendation Center. Amazon.com editors recommend CDs based on customers' favorite composers, artists, works, and historical periods.</li><li>Bestseller Lists: Amazon.com's Classical and Opera sections contain thousands of bestseller lists that span the musical spectrum: the bestselling Romantic symphonies, the top oboe recordings, the most popular chorales, the hottest Baroque arias, and more.</li></ul><p>Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June, offers shoppers 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs and Editor's Choice titles. From alternative to zydeco, hip-hop to bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in any music genre. In addition, the Amazon.com music store features reviews from music experts, song samples, interviews, essentials lists, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and music recommendations.</p><p>About Amazon.com</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Yahoo! and Amazon.com Strike Global Merchant Agreement

/news/news-details/1998/Yahoo-and-Amazon.com-Strike-Global-Merchant-Agreement/default.aspx

Yahoo-and-Amazon.com-Strike-Global-Merchant-Agreement

09/02/1998 00:00:00

Yahoo! and Amazon.com Strike Global Merchant Agreement

09/02/1998

1998

Amazon.com Becomes Premier Book Merchant for Yahoo! World Sites SANTA CLARA, Calif. and SEATTLE, Sept. 2 -- Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO - news) and Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN - news) today announced one of the most extensive global merchant programs on the Internet, featuring Amazon.com as the premier book merchant throughout many of Yahoo!'s World sites, including Yahoo! in Asia, UK & Ireland, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, Japan and Korea. The program is a global expansion of the existing relationship between Yahoo!® and Amazon.com. Amazon.com merchant buttons are now featured on Yahoo! in Asia, Yahoo! France, Yahoo! Denmark, Yahoo! Norway, Yahoo! Sweden and Yahoo! Australia & New Zealand. The program will be rolled out across other Yahoo! World sites within the next few months. "With our far-reaching network of globally-branded Yahoo! properties, we are in the unique position to provide companies with the ability to simultaneously reach a variety of markets and an unsurpassed worldwide audience," said Heather Killen, vice president international at Yahoo!. "As a leader in electronic commerce, Amazon.com allows Yahoo! users to browse through the largest online catalog of books and quickly and conveniently purchase titles relevant to their interests from anywhere in the world." Through the expanded agreement, Amazon.com is now the premier global bookseller within many of the World Yahoo! properties. Individuals now have easy access to related English-language book titles within book categories and related keywords of many Yahoo! World sites. Additionally, Amazon.com becomes the local merchant for Yahoo! Germany (www.yahoo.de) and will now offer Yahoo! Germany users direct links to a broad selection of relevant German-language books from www.amazon.de. Amazon.com is already the premier book merchant for Yahoo! UK & Ireland (www.yahoo.co.uk). Amazon.com provides a local selection of English-language titles through their www.amazon.co.uk site, offering local customer service and delivery. "Amazon.com has become a global Internet brand, and the wide reach of Yahoo!'s World sites will help more people in more places discover Amazon.com's unique combination of selection, great prices and customer service," said David Risher, senior vice president at Amazon.com. "This agreement with Yahoo!, combined with our local presence in Germany and the United Kingdom, strengthens our position around the world as a leading global book merchant." Yahoo!'s globally-branded network of World properties currently includes Web guides in Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, France, Germany, UK & Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. Yahoo!'s World properties also include language-based Web guides, Yahoo! Chinese and Yahoo! en Espanol, as well as an English-language site based in Singapore, Yahoo! in Asia. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. About Yahoo! Yahoo! Inc. is a global Internet media company that offers a network of branded Web programming, serving millions of users daily. As the first online navigational guide to the Web, www.yahoo.com is the single largest guide in terms of traffic, advertising, household and business user reach, and is one of the most recognized brands associated with the Internet. Yahoo! Inc. provides targeted Internet resources and communications services for a broad range of audiences, based on demographic, key-subject and geographic interests. Yahoo! is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NOTE: Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. Amazon.com, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com Becomes Premier Book Merchant for Yahoo! World Sites</p><p>SANTA CLARA, Calif. and SEATTLE, Sept. 2 -- Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO - news) and Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN - news) today announced one of the most extensive global merchant programs on the Internet, featuring Amazon.com as the premier book merchant throughout many of Yahoo!'s World sites, including Yahoo! in Asia, UK &amp; Ireland, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Australia &amp; New Zealand, Japan and Korea. The program is a global expansion of the existing relationship between Yahoo!® and Amazon.com. Amazon.com merchant buttons are now featured on Yahoo! in Asia, Yahoo! France, Yahoo! Denmark, Yahoo! Norway, Yahoo! Sweden and Yahoo! Australia &amp; New Zealand. The program will be rolled out across other Yahoo! World sites within the next few months.</p><p>"With our far-reaching network of globally-branded Yahoo! properties, we are in the unique position to provide companies with the ability to simultaneously reach a variety of markets and an unsurpassed worldwide audience," said Heather Killen, vice president international at Yahoo!. "As a leader in electronic commerce, Amazon.com allows Yahoo! users to browse through the largest online catalog of books and quickly and conveniently purchase titles relevant to their interests from anywhere in the world."</p><p>Through the expanded agreement, Amazon.com is now the premier global bookseller within many of the World Yahoo! properties. Individuals now have easy access to related English-language book titles within book categories and related keywords of many Yahoo! World sites. Additionally, Amazon.com becomes the local merchant for Yahoo! Germany (www.yahoo.de) and will now offer Yahoo! Germany users direct links to a broad selection of relevant German-language books from www.amazon.de. Amazon.com is already the premier book merchant for Yahoo! UK &amp; Ireland (www.yahoo.co.uk). Amazon.com provides a local selection of English-language titles through their www.amazon.co.uk site, offering local customer service and delivery.</p><p>"Amazon.com has become a global Internet brand, and the wide reach of Yahoo!'s World sites will help more people in more places discover Amazon.com's unique combination of selection, great prices and customer service," said David Risher, senior vice president at Amazon.com. "This agreement with Yahoo!, combined with our local presence in Germany and the United Kingdom, strengthens our position around the world as a leading global book merchant."</p><p>Yahoo!'s globally-branded network of World properties currently includes Web guides in Japan, Korea, Canada, Australia &amp; New Zealand, France, Germany, UK &amp; Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. Yahoo!'s World properties also include language-based Web guides, Yahoo! Chinese and Yahoo! en Espanol, as well as an English-language site based in Singapore, Yahoo! in Asia.</p><p>About Amazon.com</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage.</p><p>About Yahoo!</p><p>Yahoo! Inc. is a global Internet media company that offers a network of branded Web programming, serving millions of users daily. As the first online navigational guide to the Web, www.yahoo.com is the single largest guide in terms of traffic, advertising, household and business user reach, and is one of the most recognized brands associated with the Internet. Yahoo! Inc. provides targeted Internet resources and communications services for a broad range of audiences, based on demographic, key-subject and geographic interests. Yahoo! is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>NOTE: Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Acquires Two Leading Internet Companies

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Acquires-Two-Leading-Internet-Companies/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Acquires-Two-Leading-Internet-Companies

08/04/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Acquires Two Leading Internet Companies

08/04/1998

1998

Innovators PlanetAll and Junglee to Enrich Customers' E-Commerce Experience SEATTLE, Aug. 4, 1998 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced the signing of definitive agreements to acquire two innovative Internet companies to enrich its e-commerce experience for customers. In separate transactions Amazon.com has agreed to acquire: PlanetAll, based in Cambridge, Mass., which provides a unique Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service at http://www.PlanetAll.com. PlanetAll has 1.5 million members, and thousands of new members are joining each day to use the secure, free service to organize and automatically update information about friends, business associates, relatives, and alumni. Junglee Corp., based in Sunnyvale, Calif., the leading provider of advanced Web-based virtual database (VDB) technology that can help shoppers find millions of products on the Internet. "PlanetAll is the most innovative use of the Internet I've seen," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "It's simply a breakthrough in doing something as fundamental and important as staying in touch. The reason PlanetAll has over 1.5 million members -- and is growing even faster than the Internet -- is simple: it creates extraordinary value for its users. I believe PlanetAll will prove to be one of the most important online applications." PlanetAll is not only the best way to keep in touch with business associates and friends but also to get back in touch with old friends. Users have complete control over their own contact information and decide what information they want to share with others on a person-by-person basis. PlanetAll's service is compatible with personal information managers (PIMs) and personal digital assistants (PDAs), such as Microsoft Outlook and 3Com Palm Pilot. "PlanetAll's goal is to make staying in touch with friends and business contacts effortless," said Jim Savage, CEO of PlanetAll. "Amazon.com allows us to take the vision of PlanetAll's founders, Warren Adams and Brian Robertson, to an even larger audience. We're thrilled to join Amazon.com's world-class team that cares as deeply as we do about providing meaningful services that enrich people's lives." "As an investor and partner, we recognized early on that this technology has enormous promise with widespread applicability," said Bob Davis, CEO of Lycos, which holds a stake in PlanetAll. "We look forward to continuing to provide PlanetAll's secure and feature-rich service to Lycos users." PlanetAll has integrated its service within the sites of a number of Internet leaders, including Lycos and GeoCities, as well as numerous universities and professional associations. Amazon.com intends to operate PlanetAll as a wholly owned subsidiary located in Cambridge. Savage and the two cofounders will remain with the company. Junglee has developed breakthrough database technology that can dramatically enhance customers' ability to discover and choose from among millions of products online. To date, two of the markets Junglee has targeted have been online retailing and online recruitment. Junglee's customers and partners in these markets include Yahoo!, Compaq, Snap!, six of the top seven newspaper companies, and many other new-media companies. All founders of Junglee will remain with the company. "Junglee has assembled an extraordinary team of people," Bezos said. "Together we'll empower customers to find and discover the products they want to buy." "This is a significant opportunity for all of us at Junglee to extend our technology well beyond our current base," said Ram Shriram, President and COO of Junglee. "With Amazon.com, we can address the larger challenges of e-commerce sooner -- and on a broader scale -- than we could have alone." Amazon.com will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares and assume all outstanding options of Junglee and PlanetAll in exchange for equity having an aggregate value of approximately $280 million. Amazon.com will issue approximately 800,000 shares and assume all outstanding options in connection with the acquisition of PlanetAll and anticipates accounting for this transaction as a pooling of interests. Amazon.com will issue approximately 1.6 million shares and assume all outstanding options in connection with the acquisition of Junglee and anticipates accounting for this transaction under the purchase method of accounting. Each transaction is expected to close within the quarter, subject to customary closing conditions. About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. About PlanetAll About PlanetAllPlanetAll provides a unique Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service at http://www.PlanetAll.com. PlanetAll has 1.5 million members, and thousands of new members are joining each day to use the secure, free service to organize and automatically update information about friends, business associates, relatives, and alumni. The service was launched in November 1996, and its investors include CMG @Ventures, Arts Alliance, Lycos, and Puma Technology. About JungleeFounded in June 1996, Junglee Corp.'s breakthrough virtual database (VDB) technology is based on award-winning doctoral research by the company's founders at Stanford University. Junglee's first deployment was CareerPost.com, the Washington Post Company's online recruitment site, in January 1997. Junglee carries more than 15 million items in the Junglee Shopping Guide and over 90,000 job listings in its Job Canopy. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, new business opportunities, international expansion and business combinations. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Innovators PlanetAll and Junglee to Enrich Customers' E-Commerce Experience</p><p>SEATTLE, Aug. 4, 1998 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced the signing of definitive agreements to acquire two innovative Internet companies to enrich its e-commerce experience for customers.</p><p>In separate transactions Amazon.com has agreed to acquire:</p><ul><li>PlanetAll, based in Cambridge, Mass., which provides a unique Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service at http://www.PlanetAll.com. PlanetAll has 1.5 million members, and thousands of new members are joining each day to use the secure, free service to organize and automatically update information about friends, business associates, relatives, and alumni.</li><li>Junglee Corp., based in Sunnyvale, Calif., the leading provider of advanced Web-based virtual database (VDB) technology that can help shoppers find millions of products on the Internet.</li></ul><p>"PlanetAll is the most innovative use of the Internet I've seen," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "It's simply a breakthrough in doing something as fundamental and important as staying in touch. The reason PlanetAll has over 1.5 million members -- and is growing even faster than the Internet -- is simple: it creates extraordinary value for its users. I believe PlanetAll will prove to be one of the most important online applications."</p><p>PlanetAll is not only the best way to keep in touch with business associates and friends but also to get back in touch with old friends. Users have complete control over their own contact information and decide what information they want to share with others on a person-by-person basis. PlanetAll's service is compatible with personal information managers (PIMs) and personal digital assistants (PDAs), such as Microsoft Outlook and 3Com Palm Pilot.</p><p>"PlanetAll's goal is to make staying in touch with friends and business contacts effortless," said Jim Savage, CEO of PlanetAll. "Amazon.com allows us to take the vision of PlanetAll's founders, Warren Adams and Brian Robertson, to an even larger audience. We're thrilled to join Amazon.com's world-class team that cares as deeply as we do about providing meaningful services that enrich people's lives."</p><p>"As an investor and partner, we recognized early on that this technology has enormous promise with widespread applicability," said Bob Davis, CEO of Lycos, which holds a stake in PlanetAll. "We look forward to continuing to provide PlanetAll's secure and feature-rich service to Lycos users."</p><p>PlanetAll has integrated its service within the sites of a number of Internet leaders, including Lycos and GeoCities, as well as numerous universities and professional associations. Amazon.com intends to operate PlanetAll as a wholly owned subsidiary located in Cambridge. Savage and the two cofounders will remain with the company.</p><p>Junglee has developed breakthrough database technology that can dramatically enhance customers' ability to discover and choose from among millions of products online. To date, two of the markets Junglee has targeted have been online retailing and online recruitment. Junglee's customers and partners in these markets include Yahoo!, Compaq, Snap!, six of the top seven newspaper companies, and many other new-media companies. All founders of Junglee will remain with the company.</p><p>"Junglee has assembled an extraordinary team of people," Bezos said. "Together we'll empower customers to find and discover the products they want to buy."</p><p>"This is a significant opportunity for all of us at Junglee to extend our technology well beyond our current base," said Ram Shriram, President and COO of Junglee. "With Amazon.com, we can address the larger challenges of e-commerce sooner -- and on a broader scale -- than we could have alone."</p><p>Amazon.com will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding shares and assume all outstanding options of Junglee and PlanetAll in exchange for equity having an aggregate value of approximately $280 million. Amazon.com will issue approximately 800,000 shares and assume all outstanding options in connection with the acquisition of PlanetAll and anticipates accounting for this transaction as a pooling of interests. Amazon.com will issue approximately 1.6 million shares and assume all outstanding options in connection with the acquisition of Junglee and anticipates accounting for this transaction under the purchase method of accounting. Each transaction is expected to close within the quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. About PlanetAll</p><p>About PlanetAllPlanetAll provides a unique Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service at http://www.PlanetAll.com. PlanetAll has 1.5 million members, and thousands of new members are joining each day to use the secure, free service to organize and automatically update information about friends, business associates, relatives, and alumni. The service was launched in November 1996, and its investors include CMG @Ventures, Arts Alliance, Lycos, and Puma Technology.</p><p>About JungleeFounded in June 1996, Junglee Corp.'s breakthrough virtual database (VDB) technology is based on award-winning doctoral research by the company's founders at Stanford University. Junglee's first deployment was CareerPost.com, the Washington Post Company's online recruitment site, in January 1997. Junglee carries more than 15 million items in the Junglee Shopping Guide and over 90,000 job listings in its Job Canopy.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, new business opportunities, international expansion and business combinations. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com's Associates Program is a Hit with Music Sites

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.coms-Associates-Program-is-a-Hit-with-Music-Sites/default.aspx

Amazon.coms-Associates-Program-is-a-Hit-with-Music-Sites

08/03/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com's Associates Program is a Hit with Music Sites

08/03/1998

1998

Enrollment in Amazon.com's Associates program surpasses 100,000 members with music sites such as Spin, Vibe, and Spinner.com SEATTLE, WA -- August 3, 1998 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that enrollment in its Associates program has exceeded the 100,000-member milestone, solidifying it as the most widely embraced program of its kind. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling in July 1996, enabling Web-site owners to participate in e-commerce by recommending books, music, and other products to be purchased at Amazon.com. In return, Amazon.com Associates earn referral fees on their referred sales and they enhance the value of their sites with additional book and music content. Since the launch of Amazon.com's music store, premier music sites such as Spin, Vibe, and Spinner.com have become Associates, demonstrating the program's appeal to all facets of the music industry. Reba McEntire's Web site, TheDoors.com, and Mojo Records (the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' label) are among the growing list of artist sites, fan sites, and label sites becoming Associates. Vibe, Spin, and other online music magazines benefit from the richness of Amazon.com's editorial content. Concert promoters, orchestras and event halls, radio stations, and broadcast talk-show sites such as Art Bell.com extend the reach and application of Amazon.com's Associates program. Sites with specialty music reviews and music software such as Spinner.com have also selected Amazon.com as their music-retailing source. "By linking our 100,000-title playlist to Amazon.com's enormous music catalog, we've created a simple and fun way for our visitors to discover and purchase their next favorite CD," said Josh Felser, president of Spinner.com, the pioneering online music service. "The scope of Amazon.com's editorial content as well as the ease and simplicity of their program made Amazon.com our music retailer of choice." "Amazon.com's Associates program is the only major syndicated selling network in existence that enables participants to sell books, CDs, DVDs, and sheet music--giving them the potential to earn more than they could with any other program," said David Risher, Amazon.com senior vice president. "The real winners, though, are the visitors to Associate Web sites who no longer have to keep track of multiple passwords, user IDs, and orders. With our cross-product program, visitors to Associate sites can purchase several titles across multiple product lines from a single source." Any Web site can benefit by becoming an Amazon.com Associate. The program offers the biggest selection of CDs, books, and other products; competitive prices; and world-class customer service. Amazon.com's selection and deep editorial content, including customer reviews, author and artist interviews, cover art, and music clips, enable customers to make informed purchases. For more information about the Amazon.com Associates program or to join, visit www.amazon.com/associates. About Spinner.comSpinner.com (formerly TheDJ.com) is the premier Internet music service, delivering more than 100,000 digitized songs in more than 100 highly specialized music channels. Covering the genres of Rock, Oldies, Themes, TopHits, MoodFood, Classical, Jazz & Blues, Urban & Dance, Country & Folk, and World & New Age, Spinner.com reaches more than 2 million listeners worldwide. Based in Silicon Valley, Spinner.com couples the power of the Internet with advanced digital audio technology to raise entertainment to a new octave. The Spinner.com music players--the Web-based Spinner and the stand-alone Internet application Spinner Plus--display song information as music is played, while providing dynamic links that enable online purchases and real-time listener feedback. The strength of these features has fostered partnerships with industry leaders including Real Networks, Amazon.com, @Home Network, GameSpot, LAUNCH Media, and the Ultimate Band List (UBL) as well as more than 100 record labels. Visit Spinner.com at www.spinner.com. About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (TM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Enrollment in Amazon.com's Associates program surpasses 100,000 members with music sites such as <em>Spin</em>, <em>Vibe</em>, and Spinner.com</p><p>SEATTLE, WA -- August 3, 1998 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that enrollment in its Associates program has exceeded the 100,000-member milestone, solidifying it as the most widely embraced program of its kind. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling in July 1996, enabling Web-site owners to participate in e-commerce by recommending books, music, and other products to be purchased at Amazon.com. In return, Amazon.com Associates earn referral fees on their referred sales and they enhance the value of their sites with additional book and music content. Since the launch of Amazon.com's music store, premier music sites such as <em>Spin</em>, <em>Vibe</em>, and Spinner.com have become Associates, demonstrating the program's appeal to all facets of the music industry.</p><p>Reba McEntire's Web site, TheDoors.com, and Mojo Records (the Cherry Poppin' Daddies' label) are among the growing list of artist sites, fan sites, and label sites becoming Associates. <em>Vibe</em>, <em>Spin</em>, and other online music magazines benefit from the richness of Amazon.com's editorial content. Concert promoters, orchestras and event halls, radio stations, and broadcast talk-show sites such as Art Bell.com extend the reach and application of Amazon.com's Associates program. Sites with specialty music reviews and music software such as Spinner.com have also selected Amazon.com as their music-retailing source.</p><p>"By linking our 100,000-title playlist to Amazon.com's enormous music catalog, we've created a simple and fun way for our visitors to discover and purchase their next favorite CD," said Josh Felser, president of Spinner.com, the pioneering online music service. "The scope of Amazon.com's editorial content as well as the ease and simplicity of their program made Amazon.com our music retailer of choice."</p><p>"Amazon.com's Associates program is the only major syndicated selling network in existence that enables participants to sell books, CDs, DVDs, and sheet music--giving them the potential to earn more than they could with any other program," said David Risher, Amazon.com senior vice president. "The real winners, though, are the visitors to Associate Web sites who no longer have to keep track of multiple passwords, user IDs, and orders. With our cross-product program, visitors to Associate sites can purchase several titles across multiple product lines from a single source."</p><p>Any Web site can benefit by becoming an Amazon.com Associate. The program offers the biggest selection of CDs, books, and other products; competitive prices; and world-class customer service. Amazon.com's selection and deep editorial content, including customer reviews, author and artist interviews, cover art, and music clips, enable customers to make informed purchases.</p><p>For more information about the Amazon.com Associates program or to join, visit www.amazon.com/associates.</p><p>About Spinner.comSpinner.com (formerly TheDJ.com) is the premier Internet music service, delivering more than 100,000 digitized songs in more than 100 highly specialized music channels. Covering the genres of Rock, Oldies, Themes, TopHits, MoodFood, Classical, Jazz &amp; Blues, Urban &amp; Dance, Country &amp; Folk, and World &amp; New Age, Spinner.com reaches more than 2 million listeners worldwide.</p><p>Based in Silicon Valley, Spinner.com couples the power of the Internet with advanced digital audio technology to raise entertainment to a new octave. The Spinner.com music players--the Web-based Spinner and the stand-alone Internet application Spinner Plus--display song information as music is played, while providing dynamic links that enable online purchases and real-time listener feedback. The strength of these features has fostered partnerships with industry leaders including Real Networks, Amazon.com, @Home Network, GameSpot, LAUNCH Media, and the Ultimate Band List (UBL) as well as more than 100 record labels. Visit Spinner.com at www.spinner.com.</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., offers more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, secure credit card payment, personalized recommendations, and direct shipping. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space to offer customers a vast selection easily accessed through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (TM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 100,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results For Second Quarter 1998

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-For-Second-Quarter-1998/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-For-Second-Quarter-1998

07/22/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results For Second Quarter 1998

07/22/1998

1998

Reaches $100 Million Quarter Three Years After Opening Store Surpasses 3 Million Customers SEATTLE, WA (July 22, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced financial results for the second quarter of 1998. Net sales were $116.0 million, an increase of 316 percent over net sales of $27.9 million for the second quarter of 1997. Amazon.com also reported a second-quarter pro forma operating loss of $11.6 million, or 10 percent of net sales, compared with an operating loss of $7.1 million, or 25 percent of net sales, in the prior year. The company reported a pro forma net loss of $15.8 million, or $0.33 per share, compared with a net loss of $6.7 million, or $0.16 per share, in the second quarter of 1997. On a GAAP basis, reported net loss was $0.44 per share and included $5.4 million of amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles, arising primarily from three April 1998 acquisitions: Bookpages Ltd., Telebook Inc., and Internet Movie Database Ltd. Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts increased by 880,000 during the quarter to over 3,140,000 at June 30, 1998, an increase of 415 percent from 610,000 customer accounts at June 30, 1997. Repeat customer orders represented more than 63 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended June 30, 1998. "Our leadership position comes from our obsessive focus on customers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and chief executive officer. "Customers want selection, ease of use, and the lowest prices. These are the elements we work hard to provide. We continued to improve our customer experience during the quarter with the opening of our music store, our easier-to-navigate store layout, and our expansion into the local U.K. and German book markets. These initiatives will continue to require aggressive investment and entail significant execution challenges." Recent Highlights Music and International Expansion In June, Amazon.com expanded its product line to include music. The launch of the music store accompanied a major update of the company's award-winning Web site. The music store offers more than 125,000 titles, 10 times the CD selection of the typical music store, and everyday savings of up to 40 percent. Music fans can now search for their favorite music by CD title, artist, song title, or label and listen to more than 225,000 song samples. In addition, the new Amazon.com music store features expert and customer reviews, interviews, essentials lists, the hottest CDs from around the country and the world, music in the news, and music recommendations. Coincident with the opening of its music store, Amazon.com significantly redesigned its store and enhanced the customer shopping experience. The new store design allows customers to move easily between the book and music areas, making it fast and simple for customers to find what they are looking for and discover new titles. Customers can also take advantage of an integrated shopping cart, 1-Click(SM) ordering, and consolidated shipping across both books and music. During the month of April, the company completed the previously announced acquisitions of Bookpages Ltd., Telebook Inc., and Internet Movie Database Ltd. The acquisitions have enabled Amazon.com to accelerate its expansion into the European marketplace and to obtain a foundation for a best-of-breed video store. The acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Strengthened Management As part of its ongoing commitment to provide customers with outstanding selection, convenience, and service, Amazon.com recently announced the appointment of Jimmy Wright to the position of vice president and chief logistics officer. Wright joins Amazon.com with more than 26 years of experience in logistics management and was recognized as one of the key logistics leaders within Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Wright joined Wal-Mart in 1985 and served as vice president of distribution from 1990 to his retirement in 1998. During that time he was responsible for more than 30 regional and specialty distribution centers, which accounted for 38 million square feet of retail distribution space, staffed by more than 32,000 employees. Wright will be responsible for all global supply-chain activities at Amazon.com, including management of the company's distribution centers, product purchasing, distribution, and shipping. New Associate Partners Recently, Amazon.com added to its growing list of Associates, including a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement naming Amazon.com as Quicken.com's exclusive bookseller in the United States and its preferred provider of books in the United Kingdom and Germany. Other new Associates include Compaq Computer Corp., which will include Amazon.com in new shipments of Compaq Presario personal computers, Spinner.com, and ABCNews.com. Increased Cash Position, Strategic Flexibility In May, Amazon.com significantly strengthened its cash position and increased its strategic flexibility through a $326-million (gross proceeds) offering of 10% senior discount notes. A portion of the offering proceeds was used to retire approximately $75 million of existing debt. The senior discount notes mature in May 2008 and begin to bear cash interest in May 2003. Prior to that date Amazon.com is not required to pay cash interest; however, the company will accrue noncash interest expense during that time to reflect the accretion of the debt to its face amount of $530 million. On June 1, 1998, Amazon.com effected a 2-for-1 split of its common stock. The share and per share amounts included in this release are presented on a post-split basis. GAAP financial results are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Pro forma financial results exclude amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles. Amazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 90,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners. AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Statements of Operations*(in thousands, except per share amounts) Quarter Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 1998 1997 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net sales $115,977 $27,855 $203,352 $43,860 Cost of sales 89,786 22,633 157,840 35,117 Gross profit 26,191 5,222 45,512 8,743 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 26,452 7,773 45,955 11,679 Product development 8,060 2,808 14,789 4,383 General and administrative 3,262 1,708 5,225 2,850 Amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles 5,413 -- 5,413 -- Total operating expenses 43,187 12,289 71,382 18,912 Loss from operations (16,996) (7,067) (25,870) (10,169) Interest income 3,334 366 4,974 430 Interest expense (7,564) (4) (9,589) (4) Net interest income (expense) (4,230) 362 (4,615) 426 Net loss $(21,226) $(6,705) $(30,485) $(9,743) Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.44) $(0.16) $(0.64) $(0.24) Shares used in computation of basic and diluted loss per share 47,977 42,634 47,299 40,719 Pro Forma Results Excluding Amortization of Goodwill and Other Purchased Intangibles Pro forma loss from operations, excluding amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles $(11,583) $(7,067) $(20,457) $(10,169) Pro forma net loss, excluding amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles $(15,813) $(6,705) $(25,072) $(9,743) Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share, excluding amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles $(0.33) $(0.16) $(0.53) $(0.24) Shares used in computation of pro forma basic and diluted loss per share 47,977 42,634 47,299 40,719 Note: Pro forma results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998, and June 30, 1997, are presented for informational purposes only. These results present the operating results of the Company excluding charges of $5.4 million for the amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles arising from the Company's April 1998 acquisitions of Bookpages Ltd., Telebook Inc., and Internet Movie Database Ltd. and are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. AMAZON.COM, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share data) June 30, December 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and investments $339,919 $125,066 Inventories 17,035 8,971 Prepaid expenses and other 12,487 3,298 Total current assets 369,441 137,335 Fixed assets, net 14,014 9,265 Deposits and other 284 166 Goodwill and other purchased intangibles, net 52,398 - Deferred charges 7,622 2,240 Total assets $443,759 $149,006 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $47,556 $32,697 Accrued advertising 9,971 3,454 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 13,713 6,167 Current portion of long-term debt 684 1,500 Total current liabilities 71,924 43,818 Long-term portion of debt 332,225 76,521 Long-term portion of capital lease obligation 181 181 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 10,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- none - - Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 300,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- 49,669,601 and 47,874,338 shares, respectively 497 479 Additional paid-in capital 104,368 63,552 Deferred compensation (1,301) (1,930) Other gains (losses) (35) - Accumulated deficit (64,100) (33,615) Total stockholders' equity 39,429 28,486 Total liabilities & stockholders' equity $443,759 $149,006

<p>Reaches $100 Million Quarter Three Years After Opening Store Surpasses 3 Million Customers</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (July 22, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced financial results for the second quarter of 1998. Net sales were $116.0 million, an increase of 316 percent over net sales of $27.9 million for the second quarter of 1997.</p><p>Amazon.com also reported a second-quarter pro forma operating loss of $11.6 million, or 10 percent of net sales, compared with an operating loss of $7.1 million, or 25 percent of net sales, in the prior year. The company reported a pro forma net loss of $15.8 million, or $0.33 per share, compared with a net loss of $6.7 million, or $0.16 per share, in the second quarter of 1997. On a GAAP basis, reported net loss was $0.44 per share and included $5.4 million of amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles, arising primarily from three April 1998 acquisitions: Bookpages Ltd., Telebook Inc., and Internet Movie Database Ltd.</p><p>Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts increased by 880,000 during the quarter to over 3,140,000 at June 30, 1998, an increase of 415 percent from 610,000 customer accounts at June 30, 1997. Repeat customer orders represented more than 63 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended June 30, 1998.</p><p>"Our leadership position comes from our obsessive focus on customers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and chief executive officer. "Customers want selection, ease of use, and the lowest prices. These are the elements we work hard to provide. We continued to improve our customer experience during the quarter with the opening of our music store, our easier-to-navigate store layout, and our expansion into the local U.K. and German book markets. These initiatives will continue to require aggressive investment and entail significant execution challenges."</p><p>Recent Highlights</p><p>Music and International Expansion</p><p>In June, Amazon.com expanded its product line to include music. The launch of the music store accompanied a major update of the company's award-winning Web site. The music store offers more than 125,000 titles, 10 times the CD selection of the typical music store, and everyday savings of up to 40 percent. Music fans can now search for their favorite music by CD title, artist, song title, or label and listen to more than 225,000 song samples. In addition, the new Amazon.com music store features expert and customer reviews, interviews, essentials lists, the hottest CDs from around the country and the world, music in the news, and music recommendations.</p><p>Coincident with the opening of its music store, Amazon.com significantly redesigned its store and enhanced the customer shopping experience. The new store design allows customers to move easily between the book and music areas, making it fast and simple for customers to find what they are looking for and discover new titles. Customers can also take advantage of an integrated shopping cart, 1-Click(SM) ordering, and consolidated shipping across both books and music.</p><p>During the month of April, the company completed the previously announced acquisitions of Bookpages Ltd., Telebook Inc., and Internet Movie Database Ltd. The acquisitions have enabled Amazon.com to accelerate its expansion into the European marketplace and to obtain a foundation for a best-of-breed video store. The acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.</p><p>Strengthened Management</p><p>As part of its ongoing commitment to provide customers with outstanding selection, convenience, and service, Amazon.com recently announced the appointment of Jimmy Wright to the position of vice president and chief logistics officer. Wright joins Amazon.com with more than 26 years of experience in logistics management and was recognized as one of the key logistics leaders within Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Wright joined Wal-Mart in 1985 and served as vice president of distribution from 1990 to his retirement in 1998. During that time he was responsible for more than 30 regional and specialty distribution centers, which accounted for 38 million square feet of retail distribution space, staffed by more than 32,000 employees. Wright will be responsible for all global supply-chain activities at Amazon.com, including management of the company's distribution centers, product purchasing, distribution, and shipping.</p><p>New Associate Partners</p><p>Recently, Amazon.com added to its growing list of Associates, including a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement naming Amazon.com as Quicken.com's exclusive bookseller in the United States and its preferred provider of books in the United Kingdom and Germany. Other new Associates include Compaq Computer Corp., which will include Amazon.com in new shipments of Compaq Presario personal computers, Spinner.com, and ABCNews.com.</p><p>Increased Cash Position, Strategic Flexibility</p><p>In May, Amazon.com significantly strengthened its cash position and increased its strategic flexibility through a $326-million (gross proceeds) offering of 10% senior discount notes. A portion of the offering proceeds was used to retire approximately $75 million of existing debt. The senior discount notes mature in May 2008 and begin to bear cash interest in May 2003. Prior to that date Amazon.com is not required to pay cash interest; however, the company will accrue noncash interest expense during that time to reflect the accretion of the debt to its face amount of $530 million.</p><p>On June 1, 1998, Amazon.com effected a 2-for-1 split of its common stock. The share and per share amounts included in this release are presented on a post-split basis.</p><p>GAAP financial results are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Pro forma financial results exclude amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click(SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 90,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p><center>AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Statements of Operations*(in thousands, except per share amounts)</center><pre> Quarter Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 1998 1997 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Unaudited)Net sales $115,977 $27,855 $203,352 $43,860Cost of sales 89,786 22,633 157,840 35,117Gross profit 26,191 5,222 45,512 8,743Operating expenses:Marketing and sales 26,452 7,773 45,955 11,679Product development 8,060 2,808 14,789 4,383 General and administrative 3,262 1,708 5,225 2,850Amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles 5,413 -- 5,413 -- Total operating expenses 43,187 12,289 71,382 18,912Loss from operations (16,996) (7,067) (25,870) (10,169)Interest income 3,334 366 4,974 430Interest expense (7,564) (4) (9,589) (4)Net interest income (expense) (4,230) 362 (4,615) 426Net loss $(21,226) $(6,705) $(30,485) $(9,743)Basic and dilutedloss per share $(0.44) $(0.16) $(0.64) $(0.24)Shares used in computation of basic and diluted loss per share 47,977 42,634 47,299 40,719Pro Forma Results Excluding Amortization of Goodwill and Other Purchased IntangiblesPro forma loss from operations, excluding amortization of goodwill and other purchasedintangibles $(11,583) $(7,067) $(20,457) $(10,169)Pro forma net loss, excluding amortization of goodwill and otherpurchased intangibles $(15,813) $(6,705) $(25,072) $(9,743)Pro forma basic and dilutedloss per share, excluding amortization of goodwilland other purchasedintangibles $(0.33) $(0.16) $(0.53) $(0.24)Shares used in computation of pro forma basic anddiluted loss per share 47,977 42,634 47,299 40,719Note: Pro forma results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1998, and June 30, 1997, are presented for informational purposes only. These results present the operating results of the Company excluding charges of $5.4 million for the amortization of goodwill and otherpurchased intangibles arising from the Company's April 1998 acquisitions of Bookpages Ltd., Telebook Inc., and Internet Movie Database Ltd. and are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accountingprinciples. AMAZON.COM, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands, except share data) June 30, December 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Audited)ASSETSCurrent Assets:Cash and investments $339,919 $125,066Inventories 17,035 8,971Prepaid expenses and other 12,487 3,298Total current assets 369,441 137,335Fixed assets, net 14,014 9,265Deposits and other 284 166Goodwill and otherpurchased intangibles, net 52,398 -Deferred charges 7,622 2,240Total assets $443,759 $149,006LIABILITIES &amp; STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent Liabilities:Accounts payable $47,556 $32,697Accrued advertising 9,971 3,454Other liabilities and accrued expenses 13,713 6,167Current portion of long-term debt 684 1,500Total current liabilities 71,924 43,818Long-term portion of debt 332,225 76,521Long-term portionof capital lease obligation 181 181Stockholders' Equity:Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:Authorized shares -- 10,000,000Issued and outstanding shares -- none - -Common stock, $0.01 par value:Authorized shares -- 300,000,000Issued and outstanding shares -- 49,669,601 and 47,874,338 shares, respectively 497 479Additional paid-in capital 104,368 63,552Deferred compensation (1,301) (1,930)Other gains (losses) (35) -Accumulated deficit (64,100) (33,615)Total stockholders' equity 39,429 28,486Total liabilities&amp; stockholders' equity $443,759 $149,006</pre>

Amazon.com Establishes Relationship With Intuit's Personal Finance Website and Select Desktop Software

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Establishes-Relationship-With-Intuits-Personal-Finance-Website-and-Select-Desktop-Software/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Establishes-Relationship-With-Intuits-Personal-Finance-Website-and-Select-Desktop-Software

07/21/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Establishes Relationship With Intuit's Personal Finance Website and Select Desktop Software

07/21/1998

1998

Amazon.com to Serve as Quicken.com's Exclusive Bookseller in United States and Preferred Provider of Books in Europe SEATTLE, WA (July 21, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc., (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement naming Amazon.com as Quicken.com's exclusive bookseller in the United States, and the preferred provider of books in the United Kingdom and Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com will receive extensive placements on Quicken.com sites and provide book-related editorial content, search capabilities and promotions. Amazon.com will also be promoted on the desktop within select Quicken software, Intuit's leading personal finance software. "Amazon.com's agreement with Intuit will provide Quicken.com users with the winning combination of Quicken.com's revolutionary personal and small business finance and tax preparation solutions and Amazon.com's content-rich catalog of finance-related books, on topics such as tax planning, financial management and personal investing," said David Risher, Amazon.com Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. "Our relationship with Amazon.com creates a great opportunity for us to continue Quicken.com's quest to provide everything consumers need to help them manage their personal finances," said Brooks Fisher, Intuit's Vice President and General Manager of Community and Marketspaces. "Quicken.com users will not only have access to Amazon.com's vast collection of books and services but also to Amazon.com's Personal Finance Selected Bestsellers list." Amazon.com also confirmed an agreement with PC manufacturer Compaq Computer Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement Amazon.com is now included in new shipments of Compaq Presario personal computers. These announcements follow on the heels of Amazon.com's alliance with Internet music service, Spinner.com to prominently feature a "Buy This CD at Amazon.com" link throughout its popular audio player products site. About Quicken.comQuicken.com, http://www.quicken.com, a leading online personal finance site, brings together tools, resources and expertise to help empower consumers to make confident investment and financial choices. Once consumers have determined their financial needs, Quicken.com can help them reach a solution for all areas of personal finance management, including investments, insurance, tax and mortgage. Oh, and it's FREE! Quicken.com is competitive with Microsoft Investor (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Yahoo! Finance (NASDAQ: YHOO). Quicken.com content is also distributed through America Online (NYSE: AOL) and Excite (NASDAQ: XCIT). About Intuit IncIntuit Inc., a financial software and Web-based services company, develops and markets Quicken, the leading personal software; TurboTax, the best-selling tax preparation software; and QuickBooks, the most popular small business accounting software. Intuit's Quicken.com Web site offers a complete set of personal finance news, information and tools, including the leading mutual fund and insurance sites. Intuit's products and services enable individuals, small businesses, and financial professionals to better manage their financial lives and businesses. About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click SM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 90,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<center>Amazon.com to Serve as Quicken.com's Exclusive Bookseller in United States and Preferred Provider of Books in Europe</center><p>SEATTLE, WA (July 21, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc., (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement naming Amazon.com as Quicken.com's exclusive bookseller in the United States, and the preferred provider of books in the United Kingdom and Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com will receive extensive placements on Quicken.com sites and provide book-related editorial content, search capabilities and promotions. Amazon.com will also be promoted on the desktop within select Quicken software, Intuit's leading personal finance software.</p><p>"Amazon.com's agreement with Intuit will provide Quicken.com users with the winning combination of Quicken.com's revolutionary personal and small business finance and tax preparation solutions and Amazon.com's content-rich catalog of finance-related books, on topics such as tax planning, financial management and personal investing," said David Risher, Amazon.com Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Development.</p><p>"Our relationship with Amazon.com creates a great opportunity for us to continue Quicken.com's quest to provide everything consumers need to help them manage their personal finances," said Brooks Fisher, Intuit's Vice President and General Manager of Community and Marketspaces. "Quicken.com users will not only have access to Amazon.com's vast collection of books and services but also to Amazon.com's Personal Finance Selected Bestsellers list."</p><p>Amazon.com also confirmed an agreement with PC manufacturer Compaq Computer Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement Amazon.com is now included in new shipments of Compaq Presario personal computers.</p><p>These announcements follow on the heels of Amazon.com's alliance with Internet music service, Spinner.com to prominently feature a "Buy This CD at Amazon.com" link throughout its popular audio player products site.</p><p>About Quicken.comQuicken.com, http://www.quicken.com, a leading online personal finance site, brings together tools, resources and expertise to help empower consumers to make confident investment and financial choices. Once consumers have determined their financial needs, Quicken.com can help them reach a solution for all areas of personal finance management, including investments, insurance, tax and mortgage. Oh, and it's FREE! Quicken.com is competitive with Microsoft Investor (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Yahoo! Finance (NASDAQ: YHOO). Quicken.com content is also distributed through America Online (NYSE: AOL) and Excite (NASDAQ: XCIT).</p><p>About Intuit IncIntuit Inc., a financial software and Web-based services company, develops and markets Quicken, the leading personal software; TurboTax, the best-selling tax preparation software; and QuickBooks, the most popular small business accounting software. Intuit's Quicken.com Web site offers a complete set of personal finance news, information and tools, including the leading mutual fund and insurance sites. Intuit's products and services enable individuals, small businesses, and financial professionals to better manage their financial lives and businesses.</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click SM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 90,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Appoints Former Wal-Mart Logistics Executive As Vice President and Chief Logistics Officer

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Appoints-Former-Wal-Mart-Logistics-Executive-As-Vice-President-and-Chief-Logistics-Officer/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Appoints-Former-Wal-Mart-Logistics-Executive-As-Vice-President-and-Chief-Logistics-Officer

07/16/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Appoints Former Wal-Mart Logistics Executive As Vice President and Chief Logistics Officer

07/16/1998

1998

SEATTLE, WA (July 16, 1998)-- As part of its ongoing focus to provide customers with outstanding selection, convenience, and service, leading Internet retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced the appointment of Jimmy Wright to the position of vice president and chief logistics officer. Wright joins Amazon.com with more than 26 years of experience in logistics management. He was recognized as one of the key logistics leaders within Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world's largest retailer and a company globally known for its logistics excellence. Wright joined Wal-Mart in 1985 and served as vice president of distribution from 1990 to his retirement in 1998. During that time he was responsible for more than 30 regional and specialty distribution centers, which accounted for 38 million square feet of retail distribution space, staffed by more than 32,000 employees. Wright will be responsible for all global supply-chain activities at Amazon.com, including management of the company's distribution centers, product purchasing, distribution, and shipping. Announcing the appointment, Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, said, "Clearly, Jimmy's experience demonstrates that he has a broad and deep understanding of retail operations, merchandising, systems, and logistics. His focus will include helping the company achieve record levels of customer service at low cost, high productivity, and outstanding quality. The leadership and strategic vision Jimmy brings will strengthen Amazon.com's ability to provide our customers with the ultimate level of customer service." About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,1997 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (July 16, 1998)-- As part of its ongoing focus to provide customers with outstanding selection, convenience, and service, leading Internet retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced the appointment of Jimmy Wright to the position of vice president and chief logistics officer.</p><p>Wright joins Amazon.com with more than 26 years of experience in logistics management. He was recognized as one of the key logistics leaders within Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world's largest retailer and a company globally known for its logistics excellence. Wright joined Wal-Mart in 1985 and served as vice president of distribution from 1990 to his retirement in 1998. During that time he was responsible for more than 30 regional and specialty distribution centers, which accounted for 38 million square feet of retail distribution space, staffed by more than 32,000 employees.</p><p>Wright will be responsible for all global supply-chain activities at Amazon.com, including management of the company's distribution centers, product purchasing, distribution, and shipping.</p><p>Announcing the appointment, Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, said, "Clearly, Jimmy's experience demonstrates that he has a broad and deep understanding of retail operations, merchandising, systems, and logistics. His focus will include helping the company achieve record levels of customer service at low cost, high productivity, and outstanding quality. The leadership and strategic vision Jimmy brings will strengthen Amazon.com's ability to provide our customers with the ultimate level of customer service."</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click (SM) technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,1997 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Opens Music Store, Provides A Whole New Way To Discover Music

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Opens-Music-Store-Provides-A-Whole-New-Way-To-Discover-Music/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Opens-Music-Store-Provides-A-Whole-New-Way-To-Discover-Music

06/11/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Opens Music Store, Provides A Whole New Way To Discover Music

06/11/1998

1998

Fun Features Highlight the Benefits of Online Shopping over Physical Stores SEATTLE, Wa (June 11, 1998): Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) expanded Earth's Biggest BookstoreSM today to include music, providing a whole new way to discover the world of music that no mall store can offer. The leading online bookseller opened its music store at 1 a.m. today along with a major update of its award-winning Web site. The music store offers more than 125,000 music titles--10 times the number the average music store offers--at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% savings on the 100 bestselling Amazon.com CDs. "It's a music discovery machine," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO. "Using the power of technology and the Internet, we're enriching the music experience for everyone, from casual to devoted listeners alike." Bezos provided his "Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Amazon.com Music Store": 10. Get that nagging tune out of your head. Before nodding off last night, you heard a new band on The Tonight Show, but when you woke up, you couldn't remember the name of the song--or the band. Amazon.com can tell you. Just visit the Featured in the Media area to find out who has been featured in 20 leading media outlets, including television programs, National Public Radio, magazines, and newspapers. 9. You want to expand your musical horizons. You can learn about our editors' Essential CDs to help you start or fill out a music collection in nearly 60 musical styles, ranging from Alt Country to Acid Jazz to British Pop. 8. Remove the guesswork from buying CDs. You've heard the single on the radio, but you don't know if you want to buy the album. Now you can find out--before spending your hard-earned cash. At Amazon.com you can listen to more than 225,000 song clips from more than 30,000 CDs. So you can decide if you want a CD based on more than just one single and the cover art. 7. Find out what others are saying. Not sure what's worth listening to and what's not? Get help from the music experts at Amazon.com. You can read thousands of reviews by famous music editors (and customer reviews, too) to help you find CDs you'll love--and pass on the ones you won't. 6. Find more bestseller lists. Want to find out what's hot on college radio? What the top Jazz CDs are? With 292 different bestseller lists, Amazon.com lets you know what's hot and what's not. You'll find everything from the Billboard Top 30 to a list of the bestselling Celtic titles. Plus, you'll save 30% on Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs. 5. Put names with music. Remember the song but not the artist? You heard a great song on the radio, but you don't know who sings it. Amazon.com allows you to search by song title to find out who sang all of those one-hit wonders of the past--and the latest single you just heard on the radio. 4. Match your music to your mood. You're planning a drive across the country, but you're not sure which music to take. Amazon.com's MoodMatcher recommends the best tunes to keep you rolling from Boston to L.A.--or for any other activity or occasion, from aerobics to cocktail parties. 3. Catch the wave. Can't wait to get the coming collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco? Now you can order not-yet-released CDs in advance, and Amazon.com will ship them to you on the release date. 2. Choose jazz by featured instrument. Love the sound of the sax? Favor the flugelhorn? Then find the bestselling Jazz CDs featuring your favorite instrument. You'll find more than 25 lists of top sellers, featuring instruments ranging from the oud to the vibraphone, in Browse Styles. 1. Stay tuned (in). Get up-to-the-minute music news and release dates, exclusive interviews with your favorite artists, compelling profiles, and timely reviews of your favorite music--all by e-mail with Amazon.com Delivers. The Amazon.com music store was designed with the help of more than 20,000 customers who responded to the company's invitation to "build the music store of your dreams." And, incidentally, the Amazon.com music store offers 1,195 songs about dreams. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Fun Features Highlight the Benefits of Online Shopping over Physical Stores</p><p>SEATTLE, Wa (June 11, 1998): Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) expanded Earth's Biggest BookstoreSM today to include music, providing a whole new way to discover the world of music that no mall store can offer.</p><p>The leading online bookseller opened its music store at 1 a.m. today along with a major update of its award-winning Web site. The music store offers more than 125,000 music titles--10 times the number the average music store offers--at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% savings on the 100 bestselling Amazon.com CDs.</p><p>"It's a music discovery machine," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO. "Using the power of technology and the Internet, we're enriching the music experience for everyone, from casual to devoted listeners alike."</p><p>Bezos provided his "Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Amazon.com Music Store":</p><p>10. Get that nagging tune out of your head. Before nodding off last night, you heard a new band on The Tonight Show, but when you woke up, you couldn't remember the name of the song--or the band. Amazon.com can tell you. Just visit the <em>Featured in the Media</em> area to find out who has been featured in 20 leading media outlets, including television programs, National Public Radio, magazines, and newspapers.</p><p>9. You want to expand your musical horizons. You can learn about our editors' <em>Essential CDs</em> to help you start or fill out a music collection in nearly 60 musical styles, ranging from Alt Country to Acid Jazz to British Pop.</p><p>8. Remove the guesswork from buying CDs. You've heard the single on the radio, but you don't know if you want to buy the album. Now you can find out--before spending your hard-earned cash. At Amazon.com you can <em>listen to more than 225,000 song clips</em> from more than 30,000 CDs. So you can decide if you want a CD based on more than just one single and the cover art.</p><p>7. Find out what others are saying. Not sure what's worth listening to and what's not? Get help from the music experts at Amazon.com. You can read <em>thousands of reviews</em> by famous music editors (and customer reviews, too) to help you find CDs you'll love--and pass on the ones you won't.</p><p>6. Find more bestseller lists. Want to find out what's hot on college radio? What the top Jazz CDs are? With <em>292 different bestseller lists</em>, Amazon.com lets you know what's hot and what's not. You'll find everything from the Billboard Top 30 to a list of the bestselling Celtic titles. Plus, you'll save 30% on Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs.</p><p>5. Put names with music. Remember the song but not the artist? You heard a great song on the radio, but you don't know who sings it. Amazon.com allows you to <em>search by song title</em> to find out who sang all of those one-hit wonders of the past--and the latest single you just heard on the radio.</p><p>4. Match your music to your mood. You're planning a drive across the country, but you're not sure which music to take. Amazon.com's <em>MoodMatcher</em> recommends the best tunes to keep you rolling from Boston to L.A.--or for any other activity or occasion, from aerobics to cocktail parties.</p><p>3. Catch the wave. Can't wait to get the coming collaboration between Billy Bragg and Wilco? Now you can <em>order not-yet-released CDs in advance</em>, and Amazon.com will ship them to you on the release date.</p><p>2. Choose jazz by featured instrument. Love the sound of the sax? Favor the flugelhorn? Then find the bestselling Jazz CDs featuring your favorite instrument. You'll find more than 25 lists of top sellers, featuring instruments ranging from the oud to the vibraphone, in <em>Browse Styles</em>.</p><p>1. Stay tuned (in). Get up-to-the-minute music news and release dates, exclusive interviews with your favorite artists, compelling profiles, and timely reviews of your favorite music--all by e-mail with <em>Amazon.com Delivers</em>.</p><p>The Amazon.com music store was designed with the help of more than 20,000 customers who responded to the company's invitation to "build the music store of your dreams."</p><p>And, incidentally, the Amazon.com music store offers 1,195 songs about dreams.</p><p>About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com To Launch The Ultimate Music Store

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-To-Launch-The-Ultimate-Music-Store/default.aspx

Amazon.com-To-Launch-The-Ultimate-Music-Store

06/10/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com To Launch The Ultimate Music Store

06/10/1998

1998

From Alternative to Zydeco, Hip-hop to Bebop, Amazon.com Has It All SEATTLE, Wa (June 10, 1998): In order to provide its customers with the ultimate music shopping experience, leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), is set to launch its highly anticipated music store Thursday. The Amazon.com music store offers 10 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs. From Alternative to Zydeco, Hip-hop to Bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in nearly 300 musical genres. Music fans can search for their favorite music by CD title, artist, song title, or label and listen to more than 225,000 song samples. In addition, the new Amazon.com music store features expert and customer reviews, interviews, essentials lists, the hottest CDs from around the country and the world, music in the news, and music recommendations. "We received ideas, opinions, and suggestions from more than 20,000 individuals when we reached out to customers and asked them to help us build their dream music store," said Amazon.com's founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos. "Many of the features in our new music store are the direct result of these suggestions. Our customers told us they wanted a site that is as rich in musical selection and content as the Amazon.com bookstore--with the same great prices, features, and customer service." The Amazon.com music store is divided into four easy-to-navigate areas--Browse Styles, Chart Toppers, Featured in the Media, and the Recommendation Center. Browse Styles -- Amazon.com offers music in nearly 300 genres in 14 main categories, including Alternative, Blues, Country, Dance/DJ, Folk, International, Jazz, New Age, Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock, R&B/Soul, Soundtracks, and Miscellaneous. Customers can also view thousands of reviews, editors' picks, articles, interviews, bestsellers, and lists of essential titles that can help start or expand their musical collection. Chart Toppers -- Music lovers can stay up to date on the hottest CDs from around the country and around the world at Amazon.com. They will find Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs--all at 30% off--and can check out the Billboard Top 30 and CMJ college radio chart. They can even see what's hot in the U.K., Germany, Japan, and Brazil. Featured in the Media -- Amazon.com makes it easy to find the music everyone is talking about. Customers can find CDs recently featured in 20 leading media outlets, including Rolling Stone, Spin, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, The Tonight Show, and the Late Show with David Letterman. Recommendation Center -- Amazon.com offers customers a simple, fun way to discover music based on their mood, preferences, and similar artists. Music fans can even find out what CDs their favorite artists listen to and sign up to receive free e-mail music recommendations. Senior Editor Keith Moerer leads Amazon.com's team of well-known and experienced music editors. Moerer has 12 years' experience editing national and regional music magazines, including Rolling Stone, Request, and Bay Area Music Magazine (BAM). Amazon.com's editorial team members have also been published in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, Spin, Billboard, Downbeat, Salon, Pulse!, Request, Microsoft's Music Central, No Depression, MTV Online, Musician, Stereophile, Hi Fidelity, Musician, Windham Hill, The [Seattle] Rocket, Alternative Press, Blues Revue, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Village Voice, among others. In addition to its experienced staff, Amazon.com features the work of over 200 nationally respected contributors Drawing on its experience as the leading retailer on the Web, Amazon.com has also significantly redesigned its store. The company has focused on providing customers a secure, convenient, seamless shopping experience for books and music. The new store design allows customers to move easily between the book and music areas, making it fast and simple for customers to find exactly what they are looking for. Customers can also take advantage of an integrated shopping cart, 1-ClickSM ordering, and consolidated shipping. About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>From Alternative to Zydeco, Hip-hop to Bebop, Amazon.com Has It All</p><p>SEATTLE, Wa (June 10, 1998): In order to provide its customers with the ultimate music shopping experience, leading online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), is set to launch its highly anticipated music store Thursday. The Amazon.com music store offers 10 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40%, including 30% off Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs.</p><p>From Alternative to Zydeco, Hip-hop to Bebop, Amazon.com's customers will find everything from the latest releases to hard-to-find gems in nearly 300 musical genres. Music fans can search for their favorite music by CD title, artist, song title, or label and listen to more than 225,000 song samples. In addition, the new Amazon.com music store features expert and customer reviews, interviews, essentials lists, the hottest CDs from around the country and the world, music in the news, and music recommendations.</p><p>"We received ideas, opinions, and suggestions from more than 20,000 individuals when we reached out to customers and asked them to help us build their dream music store," said Amazon.com's founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos. "Many of the features in our new music store are the direct result of these suggestions. Our customers told us they wanted a site that is as rich in musical selection and content as the Amazon.com bookstore--with the same great prices, features, and customer service."</p><p>The Amazon.com music store is divided into four easy-to-navigate areas--Browse Styles, Chart Toppers, Featured in the Media, and the Recommendation Center.</p><ul><li>Browse Styles -- Amazon.com offers music in nearly 300 genres in 14 main categories, including Alternative, Blues, Country, Dance/DJ, Folk, International, Jazz, New Age, Pop, Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock, R&amp;B/Soul, Soundtracks, and Miscellaneous. Customers can also view thousands of reviews, editors' picks, articles, interviews, bestsellers, and lists of essential titles that can help start or expand their musical collection.</li><li>Chart Toppers -- Music lovers can stay up to date on the hottest CDs from around the country and around the world at Amazon.com. They will find Amazon.com's 100 bestselling CDs--all at 30% off--and can check out the <em>Billboard</em> Top 30 and <em>CMJ</em> college radio chart. They can even see what's hot in the U.K., Germany, Japan, and Brazil.</li><li>Featured in the Media -- Amazon.com makes it easy to find the music everyone is talking about. Customers can find CDs recently featured in 20 leading media outlets, including <em>Rolling Stone</em>, <em>Spin</em>, NPR, <em>Entertainment Weekly</em>, <em>The Tonight Show</em>, and the <em>Late Show with David Letterman</em>.</li><li>Recommendation Center -- Amazon.com offers customers a simple, fun way to discover music based on their mood, preferences, and similar artists. Music fans can even find out what CDs their favorite artists listen to and sign up to receive free e-mail music recommendations.</li></ul><p>Senior Editor Keith Moerer leads Amazon.com's team of well-known and experienced music editors. Moerer has 12 years' experience editing national and regional music magazines, including <em>Rolling Stone</em>, <em>Request</em>, and <em>Bay Area Music Magazine (BAM)</em>. Amazon.com's editorial team members have also been published in <em>Entertainment Weekly</em>, <em>Rolling Stone</em>, <em>Spin</em>, <em>Billboard</em>, <em>Downbeat</em>, <em>Salon</em>, <em>Pulse!</em>, <em>Request</em>, Microsoft's Music Central, <em>No Depression</em>, MTV Online, <em>Musician</em>, <em>Stereophile</em>, <em>Hi Fidelity</em>, <em>Musician</em>, <em>Windham Hill</em>, <em>The</em> [Seattle] <em>Rocket</em>, <em>Alternative Press</em>, <em>Blues Revue</em>, <em>The Washington Post</em>, <em>The New York Times</em>, and <em>The Village Voice</em>, among others. In addition to its experienced staff, Amazon.com features the work of over 200 nationally respected contributors</p><p>Drawing on its experience as the leading retailer on the Web, Amazon.com has also significantly redesigned its store. The company has focused on providing customers a secure, convenient, seamless shopping experience for books and music. The new store design allows customers to move easily between the book and music areas, making it fast and simple for customers to find exactly what they are looking for. Customers can also take advantage of an integrated shopping cart, 1-ClickSM ordering, and consolidated shipping.</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., is Earth's biggest book and music store. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission..</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Honored By Smithsonian Institute

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Honored-By-Smithsonian-Institute/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Honored-By-Smithsonian-Institute

06/09/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Honored By Smithsonian Institute

06/09/1998

1998

Leading Internet Retailer Wins Top Honors in 1998 Computerworld Smithsonian Award SEATTLE, Wa (June 9, 1998): Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), has received top honors in the prestigious 1998 Computerworld Smithsonian Award competition, taking first place in Business and Related Services. The award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated vision and leadership in the innovative use of information technology, was announced in Washington, D.C., Monday night. "We're flattered, of course," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO, "but more important, this is recognition that online commerce has arrived. Millions of people, not just the digerati, are taking advantage of the benefits of secure online shopping." Amazon.com changed the way the world discovers books in July 1995 when it opened a unique online bookstore with instant access to 2.5 million titles, authoritative reviews, author interviews, excerpts, customer reviews, and book recommendations. Today, Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles and gives people the power to quickly find, learn about, and buy almost any book in the English language. Secure ordering, door-to-door delivery, convenience, selection, and consistently lower prices have brought more than 2.5 million customers to Amazon.com from all over the world. Amazon.com's innovative use of information technology has been the driving force behind the growth of the company. Amazon.com has developed a number of groundbreaking features that help customers find and purchase books in convenient new ways, including the site's quick and efficient search engine that allows customers to search by title, author, subject, keyword, ISBN, publisher, or date of publication. The 1-ClickSM secure express ordering system was another feature first introduced by Amazon.com. Amazon.com was nominated by Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., and Netscape Communications Corporation. Founded in 1989, the Computerworld Smithsonian Awards program searches for and recognizes those who have demonstrated vision and leadership in the use of information technology in innovative ways in the following categories: Business and Related Services; Education and Academia; Environment, Energy, and Agriculture; Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate; Government and Nonprofit Organizations; Manufacturing; Media, Arts, and Entertainment; Medicine; Science; and Transportation. About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Leading Internet Retailer Wins Top Honors in 1998 Computerworld Smithsonian Award</p><p>SEATTLE, Wa (June 9, 1998): Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), has received top honors in the prestigious 1998 Computerworld Smithsonian Award competition, taking first place in Business and Related Services.</p><p>The award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated vision and leadership in the innovative use of information technology, was announced in Washington, D.C., Monday night.</p><p>"We're flattered, of course," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com's founder and CEO, "but more important, this is recognition that online commerce has arrived. Millions of people, not just the digerati, are taking advantage of the benefits of secure online shopping."</p><p>Amazon.com changed the way the world discovers books in July 1995 when it opened a unique online bookstore with instant access to 2.5 million titles, authoritative reviews, author interviews, excerpts, customer reviews, and book recommendations.</p><p>Today, Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles and gives people the power to quickly find, learn about, and buy almost any book in the English language. Secure ordering, door-to-door delivery, convenience, selection, and consistently lower prices have brought more than 2.5 million customers to Amazon.com from all over the world.</p><p>Amazon.com's innovative use of information technology has been the driving force behind the growth of the company. Amazon.com has developed a number of groundbreaking features that help customers find and purchase books in convenient new ways, including the site's quick and efficient search engine that allows customers to search by title, author, subject, keyword, ISBN, publisher, or date of publication. The 1-ClickSM secure express ordering system was another feature first introduced by Amazon.com.</p><p>Amazon.com was nominated by Booz Allen &amp; Hamilton, Inc., and Netscape Communications Corporation.</p><p>Founded in 1989, the Computerworld Smithsonian Awards program searches for and recognizes those who have demonstrated vision and leadership in the use of information technology in innovative ways in the following categories: Business and Related Services; Education and Academia; Environment, Energy, and Agriculture; Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate; Government and Nonprofit Organizations; Manufacturing; Media, Arts, and Entertainment; Medicine; Science; and Transportation.</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers.</p><p>Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,1997, and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Associates Program Surpasses 60,000 Members

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Associates-Program-Surpasses-60000-Members/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Associates-Program-Surpasses-60000-Members

06/08/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Associates Program Surpasses 60,000 Members

06/08/1998

1998

Enrollment doubles in less than four months SEATTLE, Wa (June 8, 1998): Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), the leading online bookseller, announced today that enrollment in its Associates program has doubled in the past four months to more than 60,000 members. The Amazon.com Associates program allows Web-site owners to easily participate in hassle-free electronic commerce by recommending books on their site and referring visitors to Amazon.com. In return, participants earn referral fees of up to 15 percent of the sales they generate. Amazon.com handles the secure online ordering, customer service, and shipping and sends weekly e-mail sales reports. Enrollment in the program is free, and participants can be up and running the same day. "This is a win-win situation," said David Risher, Amazon.com's senior vice president. "Amazon.com's Associates network has doubled in less than four months because it enables participants to enhance the value of their Web sites by working with the leading online bookseller." Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, pioneered the concept of Associates programs in July 1996 and continues to lead the industry in the number, quality, and variety of relationships it has established. Since the program's inception, its popularity has continued to accelerate. The number of Associates doubled from 15,000 in September to 30,000 in February and has now doubled again to 60,000 in less than four months. Associates range from large and small businesses to nonprofits, authors, publishers, personal home pages, and more. The popularity of the program is reflected in the range of additions to the Associates community in the past few months: Adobe, InfoBeat, Kemper Funds, PR Newswire, Travelocity, Virtual Vineyards, and Xoom. "We saw the Amazon.com Associates program as an effective way to support our online community by providing additional educational content," said Suzanne Van Cleve, Adobe.com's managing editor. "Our relationship with Amazon.com enables our customers to easily purchase books about our software and technologies--making them smarter, more productive users." Participation in the Associates program is easier than ever. Associates can link to specific books, link to the Amazon.com home page, or embed an Amazon.com search box in their Web site. All sales, except out-of-print titles, generated as a result of these links earn referral fees. More information about the Associates program and how to join can be found at www.amazon.com/associates. About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Enrollment doubles in less than four months</p><p>SEATTLE, Wa (June 8, 1998): Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), the leading online bookseller, announced today that enrollment in its Associates program has doubled in the past four months to more than 60,000 members.</p><p>The Amazon.com Associates program allows Web-site owners to easily participate in hassle-free electronic commerce by recommending books on their site and referring visitors to Amazon.com. In return, participants earn referral fees of up to 15 percent of the sales they generate. Amazon.com handles the secure online ordering, customer service, and shipping and sends weekly e-mail sales reports. Enrollment in the program is free, and participants can be up and running the same day.</p><p>"This is a win-win situation," said David Risher, Amazon.com's senior vice president. "Amazon.com's Associates network has doubled in less than four months because it enables participants to enhance the value of their Web sites by working with the leading online bookseller."</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, pioneered the concept of Associates programs in July 1996 and continues to lead the industry in the number, quality, and variety of relationships it has established.</p><p>Since the program's inception, its popularity has continued to accelerate. The number of Associates doubled from 15,000 in September to 30,000 in February and has now doubled again to 60,000 in less than four months.</p><p>Associates range from large and small businesses to nonprofits, authors, publishers, personal home pages, and more. The popularity of the program is reflected in the range of additions to the Associates community in the past few months: Adobe, InfoBeat, Kemper Funds, PR Newswire, Travelocity, Virtual Vineyards, and Xoom.</p><p>"We saw the Amazon.com Associates program as an effective way to support our online community by providing additional educational content," said Suzanne Van Cleve, Adobe.com's managing editor. "Our relationship with Amazon.com enables our customers to easily purchase books about our software and technologies--making them smarter, more productive users."</p><p>Participation in the Associates program is easier than ever. Associates can link to specific books, link to the Amazon.com home page, or embed an Amazon.com search box in their Web site. All sales, except out-of-print titles, generated as a result of these links earn referral fees.</p><p>More information about the Associates program and how to join can be found at www.amazon.com/associates.</p><p>About Amazon.comAmazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 60,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com and Garry Trudeau Unveil Finale to The People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-and-Garry-Trudeau-Unveil-Finale-to-The-Peoples-Doonesbury--Amazon.com/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Garry-Trudeau-Unveil-Finale-to-The-Peoples-Doonesbury--Amazon.com

05/18/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Garry Trudeau Unveil Finale to The People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com

05/18/1998

1998

Interactive Comic Strip Captures the Imagination--and What's on the Minds--of Americans on the Internet SEATTLE, Wa (May 18, 1998)--Bringing to a close a unique collaborative effort between a renowned artist and his public, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau today unveiled the final panel of the People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com, the first-ever interactive Doonesbury comic strip created in real time on the Internet. Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) launched the comic strip on May 4 by posting 10 of the 11 panels, drawn exclusively by Trudeau for Amazon.com, on its Web site (www.amazon.com). Over the last two weeks, Internet users have helped develop the strip, panel by panel, by competing to give voice to many of Doonesbury's best-loved characters. Trudeau himself has chosen the daily winners, giving him the first real opportunity in nearly 30 years of creating the strip to tap directly into the pulse of his readers. "The People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com proves that you don't have to be a professional cartoonist to be funny," said David Risher, Amazon.com Senior Vice President of Product Development. "So many of the entries were incredibly clever, rich in satire, and absolutely hilarious. Garry Trudeau had better watch out--he's got a lot of competition from Amazon.com's customers!" According to Risher, one of the most fascinating aspects of the contest was how the thousands of daily contest entries reflected what was on the minds of the American public. In the Doonesbury tradition, the dialogue submissions throughout the contest closely paralleled hot topics and current issues in the news, ranging from Seinfeld, Nike, Microsoft, and Viagra to nuclear testing, human rights, cybersex, Kenneth Starr, and Monica Lewinsky. In today's grand finale, Trudeau delivered the last word from the White House. The panel depicts Bill Clinton frustrated by his Internet searching restrictions. The dialogue reads, "Um...anyone know how to disable this filter?" "Sorry, sir--First Lady's orders." The finished strip can be viewed in its entirety at www.amazon.com/doonesbury. Daily winners included both veteran Doonesbury fans and Doonesbury newbies. Those less familiar with the comic strip were tutored in Doonesbury lore by a comprehensive online primer that provided character profiles and past story lines. Most of the winners had entered the contest on more than one day, and some even submitted multiple ideas each day. Daily winners were located in New York, California, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey. The completed strip, along with the names of the daily winners, will be featured on a full page in USA Today on May 19 to celebrate the efforts of Trudeau and his nine talented coauthors. Daily winners will also receive a personally signed lithograph of the comic strip they helped create and an ultimate Doonesbury book collection from Amazon.com. In addition, the strip will remain posted on the Amazon.com Web site. Christopher Miller from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was the People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com's Grand Prize winner. Randomly drawn from all the contest entries, Miller has won a trip for two to Seattle for a free 10-minute "buy all you can" online shopping spree from the desk of Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos. To thank and acknowledge Trudeau for his participation in the contest, Amazon.com will make a donation in his name to the nation's oldest and largest children's literacy organization, Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF). Additionally, all profits from the sale of Doonesbury books at Amazon.com between May 4 and May 18, 1998, will be donated to RIF, as will Trudeau's creator royalties from the sales of those books. About Garry Trudeau Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau first debuted Doonesbury in 1968. Currently, Doonesbury appears in 1,400 daily and Sunday newspapers in the U.S. and abroad. Trudeau's work has also been collected in more than 60 hardcover, trade paperback, and mass paperback editions, which have cumulatively sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. His newest book, The Bundled Doonesbury: A Pre-Millennial Anthology (which includes a CD-ROM featuring more than 9,000 strips), will be published by Andrews McMeel this fall. About Reading Is Fundamental Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) motivates children to read for pleasure and learning. RIF enables educators, parents, and community volunteers to bring some of America's neediest children stimulating reading activities and challenges, with free new books to choose and keep. More than 240,000 RIF volunteers supply 3.5 million children with 11 million books annually at more than 17,000 locations in all 50 states. Since its founding in 1966, RIF has put more than 184 million books into the hands and homes of America's families. About Amazon.com Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners. EDITOR'S NOTE: For story illustration, graphics of the entire, completed People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com, as well as the contest logo, may be downloaded immediately from http://www.amazon.com/doonesbury-presskit.

<p>Interactive Comic Strip Captures the Imagination--and What's on the Minds--of Americans on the Internet</p><p>SEATTLE, Wa (May 18, 1998)--Bringing to a close a unique collaborative effort between a renowned artist and his public, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau today unveiled the final panel of the People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com, the first-ever interactive <em>Doonesbury</em> comic strip created in real time on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) launched the comic strip on May 4 by posting 10 of the 11 panels, drawn exclusively by Trudeau for Amazon.com, on its Web site (www.amazon.com). Over the last two weeks, Internet users have helped develop the strip, panel by panel, by competing to give voice to many of <em>Doonesbury's</em> best-loved characters. Trudeau himself has chosen the daily winners, giving him the first real opportunity in nearly 30 years of creating the strip to tap directly into the pulse of his readers.</p><p>"The People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com proves that you don't have to be a professional cartoonist to be funny," said David Risher, Amazon.com Senior Vice President of Product Development. "So many of the entries were incredibly clever, rich in satire, and absolutely hilarious. Garry Trudeau had better watch out--he's got a lot of competition from Amazon.com's customers!"</p><p>According to Risher, one of the most fascinating aspects of the contest was how the thousands of daily contest entries reflected what was on the minds of the American public. In the <em>Doonesbury</em> tradition, the dialogue submissions throughout the contest closely paralleled hot topics and current issues in the news, ranging from <em>Seinfeld</em>, Nike, Microsoft, and Viagra to nuclear testing, human rights, cybersex, Kenneth Starr, and Monica Lewinsky.</p><p>In today's grand finale, Trudeau delivered the last word from the White House. The panel depicts Bill Clinton frustrated by his Internet searching restrictions. The dialogue reads, "Um...anyone know how to disable this filter?" "Sorry, sir--First Lady's orders." The finished strip can be viewed in its entirety at www.amazon.com/doonesbury.</p><p>Daily winners included both veteran <em>Doonesbury</em> fans and <em>Doonesbury</em> newbies. Those less familiar with the comic strip were tutored in Doonesbury lore by a comprehensive online primer that provided character profiles and past story lines. Most of the winners had entered the contest on more than one day, and some even submitted multiple ideas each day. Daily winners were located in New York, California, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey.</p><p>The completed strip, along with the names of the daily winners, will be featured on a full page in <em>USA Today</em> on May 19 to celebrate the efforts of Trudeau and his nine talented coauthors. Daily winners will also receive a personally signed lithograph of the comic strip they helped create and an ultimate <em>Doonesbury</em> book collection from Amazon.com. In addition, the strip will remain posted on the Amazon.com Web site.</p><p>Christopher Miller from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was the People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com's Grand Prize winner. Randomly drawn from all the contest entries, Miller has won a trip for two to Seattle for a free 10-minute "buy all you can" online shopping spree from the desk of Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos.</p><p>To thank and acknowledge Trudeau for his participation in the contest, Amazon.com will make a donation in his name to the nation's oldest and largest children's literacy organization, Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF). Additionally, all profits from the sale of <em>Doonesbury</em> books at Amazon.com between May 4 and May 18, 1998, will be donated to RIF, as will Trudeau's creator royalties from the sales of those books.</p><p>About Garry Trudeau</p><p>Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau first debuted <em>Doonesbury</em> in 1968. Currently, <em>Doonesbury</em> appears in 1,400 daily and Sunday newspapers in the U.S. and abroad. Trudeau's work has also been collected in more than 60 hardcover, trade paperback, and mass paperback editions, which have cumulatively sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. His newest book, <em>The Bundled Doonesbury: A Pre-Millennial Anthology</em> (which includes a CD-ROM featuring more than 9,000 strips), will be published by Andrews McMeel this fall.</p><p>About Reading Is Fundamental</p><p>Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) motivates children to read for pleasure and learning. RIF enables educators, parents, and community volunteers to bring some of America's neediest children stimulating reading activities and challenges, with free new books to choose and keep. More than 240,000 RIF volunteers supply 3.5 million children with 11 million books annually at more than 17,000 locations in all 50 states. Since its founding in 1966, RIF has put more than 184 million books into the hands and homes of America's families.</p><p>About Amazon.com</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>EDITOR'S NOTE: For story illustration, graphics of the entire, completed People's Doonesbury @ Amazon.com, as well as the contest logo, may be downloaded immediately from http://www.amazon.com/doonesbury-presskit.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Increase in Size of Offering of Senior Discount Notes

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-Increase-in-Size-of-Offering-of-Senior-Discount-Notes/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Increase-in-Size-of-Offering-of-Senior-Discount-Notes

05/05/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Increase in Size of Offering of Senior Discount Notes

05/05/1998

1998

Amazon.com Announces Increase in Size of Offering of Senior Discount Notes SEATTLE, May 5 -- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced that it has increased the size of its private offering of Senior Discount Notes from $275 million to approximately $326 million gross proceeds. From and after May 1, 2003, the Senior Discount Notes will bear interest, which will be payable in cash, at a rate of 10% per annum on each May 1 and November 1, commencing November 1, 2003. The Senior Discount Notes will mature on May 1, 2008. The proceeds from the offering will be used by Amazon.com to retire approximately $75 million of existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The Senior Discount Notes being offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335.

<p>Amazon.com Announces Increase in Size of Offering of Senior Discount Notes</p><p>SEATTLE, May 5 -- Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced that it has increased the size of its private offering of Senior Discount Notes from $275 million to approximately $326 million gross proceeds. From and after May 1, 2003, the Senior Discount Notes will bear interest, which will be payable in cash, at a rate of 10% per annum on each May 1 and November 1, commencing November 1, 2003. The Senior Discount Notes will mature on May 1, 2008.</p><p>The proceeds from the offering will be used by Amazon.com to retire approximately $75 million of existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.</p><p>The Senior Discount Notes being offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: 206-622-2335.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Two-for-One Split of Common Shares

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-Two-for-One-Split-of-Common-Shares/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Two-for-One-Split-of-Common-Shares

04/27/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Two-for-One Split of Common Shares

04/27/1998

1998

SEATTLE, WA (April 27, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that its Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 split of its common shares. Shareholders will receive one additional share for every share held on the record date of May 20, 1998. The additional shares will be mailed or delivered on or about June 1, 1998, by the company's transfer agent, ChaseMellon Shareholder Services. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (April 27, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that its Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 split of its common shares. Shareholders will receive one additional share for every share held on the record date of May 20, 1998. The additional shares will be mailed or delivered on or about June 1, 1998, by the company's transfer agent, ChaseMellon Shareholder Services.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com to Donate Profits from Christopher Reeve's Still Me to the Christopher Reeve Foundation

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-to-Donate-Profits-from-Christopher-Reeves-Still-Me-to-the-Christopher-Reeve-Foundation/default.aspx

Amazon.com-to-Donate-Profits-from-Christopher-Reeves-Still-Me-to-the-Christopher-Reeve-Foundation

04/27/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com to Donate Profits from Christopher Reeve's Still Me to the Christopher Reeve Foundation

04/27/1998

1998

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Raises Awareness and Funding for Spinal Cord Injury Research SEATTLE, WA (April 27, 1998)--To celebrate the release of Christopher Reeve's courageous life story, Still Me, leading online bookseller Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) announced today that it will donate the profits from the book's first two weeks of sales to the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Through the donation, Earth's Biggest Bookstore is hoping to raise awareness and funding to help find a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis. In Still Me, Reeve describes with dignity and sensitivity, the journey he has made--physically, emotionally, and spiritually-- since his devastating horse riding accident. He explores his complex relationship with his parents, his efforts to remain a devoted husband and father, and his brave battle to rebuild his life. Still Me will be available for sale on the Amazon.com Web site (www.amazon.com) starting April 28. Visitors to Amazon.com will also be able to read the first chapter of the book. Additionally, Amazon.com will feature an in-depth interview with Christopher Reeve on the Web site on May 2. "We are all very happy here at the foundation that Amazon.com is going to donate profits from sales of the book," said Christopher Reeve. "Amazon.com is a great example of the way a for-profit organization can do the right thing in the course of business." "As a leading online retailer, we recognize the power of the Internet to vastly improve the lives of people with disabilities," said David Risher, Amazon.com's Senior Vice President of Product Development. "Christopher Reeve is an American hero, and we are proud to support his efforts." About Christopher Reeve Foundation The Christopher Reeve Foundation exists only through the absolute confidence that a cure is possible for those whose lives have been affected as a result of spinal cord injury. This confidence is personified by Mr. Reeve and his heroic efforts to overcome his own injury. The Christopher Reeve Foundation's mission is: To raise funds for research leading to effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis. To provide grants to local agencies which focus on the quality of life for the disabled. To serve as a source of information and advocacy for disabled persons. Until recently, there wasn't much hope for a paralysis cure. But today, thanks in large measure to the American Paralysis Association, there is a reason to hope. For 13 years, APA has been dedicated exclusively to funding research worldwide to find a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Christopher Reeve Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the American Paralysis Association. The two organizations are united by one goal: to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Christopher Reeve Foundation: P.O. Box 277, F.D.R. Station, New York, NY 10150-0277, phone: (888) 771-HOPE, fax: (973) 912-9433. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore Raises Awareness and Funding for Spinal Cord Injury Research</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (April 27, 1998)--To celebrate the release of Christopher Reeve's courageous life story, <em>Still Me</em>, leading online bookseller Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) announced today that it will donate the profits from the book's first two weeks of sales to the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Through the donation, Earth's Biggest Bookstore is hoping to raise awareness and funding to help find a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis.</p><p>In <em>Still Me</em>, Reeve describes with dignity and sensitivity, the journey he has made--physically, emotionally, and spiritually-- since his devastating horse riding accident. He explores his complex relationship with his parents, his efforts to remain a devoted husband and father, and his brave battle to rebuild his life.</p><p><em>Still Me</em> will be available for sale on the Amazon.com Web site (www.amazon.com) starting April 28. Visitors to Amazon.com will also be able to read the first chapter of the book. Additionally, Amazon.com will feature an in-depth interview with Christopher Reeve on the Web site on May 2.</p><p>"We are all very happy here at the foundation that Amazon.com is going to donate profits from sales of the book," said Christopher Reeve. "Amazon.com is a great example of the way a for-profit organization can do the right thing in the course of business."</p><p>"As a leading online retailer, we recognize the power of the Internet to vastly improve the lives of people with disabilities," said David Risher, Amazon.com's Senior Vice President of Product Development. "Christopher Reeve is an American hero, and we are proud to support his efforts."</p><p>About Christopher Reeve Foundation</p><p>The Christopher Reeve Foundation exists only through the absolute confidence that a cure is possible for those whose lives have been affected as a result of spinal cord injury. This confidence is personified by Mr. Reeve and his heroic efforts to overcome his own injury. The Christopher Reeve Foundation's mission is: To raise funds for research leading to effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis. To provide grants to local agencies which focus on the quality of life for the disabled. To serve as a source of information and advocacy for disabled persons. Until recently, there wasn't much hope for a paralysis cure. But today, thanks in large measure to the American Paralysis Association, there is a reason to hope. For 13 years, APA has been dedicated exclusively to funding research worldwide to find a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Christopher Reeve Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the American Paralysis Association. The two organizations are united by one goal: to find a cure for spinal cord injury.</p><p>Christopher Reeve Foundation: P.O. Box 277, F.D.R. Station, New York, NY 10150-0277, phone: (888) 771-HOPE, fax: (973) 912-9433.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for First Quarter 1998

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-First-Quarter-1998/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-First-Quarter-1998

04/27/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for First Quarter 1998

04/27/1998

1998

Cumulative Customer Accounts Increased 50% Quarter-to-Quarter to 2,260,000 Amazon.com Now 3rd Largest Bookseller in the US SEATTLE, Wa (April 27, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the first quarter of 1998. Net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 1998 were $87.4 million, a 32 percent increase over net sales of $66.0 million reported for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1997. Net sales increased 446 percent over net sales of $16.0 million reported for the first quarter of 1997. Net loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 1998 was $9.26 million, or $0.40 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended December 31, 1997 of $9.33 million, or $0.41 per share. The company reported a net loss of $3.04 million or $0.16 per share in the quarter ended March 31, 1997. Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to over 2,260,000 at March 31, 1998, an increase of 50 percent from 1,510,000 customer accounts at December 31, 1997 and 564 percent from 340,000 customer accounts at March 31, 1997. Repeat customer orders represented more than 60 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended March 31, 1998. The Web measurement services continued to highlight Amazon.com's growing reach among Internet users and strengthening market leadership: in March, Amazon.com was ranked in the top 20 across all Internet sites in all major market surveys (Media Metrix and Relevant Knowledge). In addition, not only was Amazon.com the leading online bookseller in these surveys, it was the leading online shopping site. "We are very pleased with our acceleration in new customer acquisition: it took us 27 months to serve our first million customers, and less than 6 months to serve our second million," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com president and chief executive officer. "Our strong revenue growth has now made us the third largest bookseller in the US, online or offline. We believe that our leadership position in the online market allows us to offer our customers the benefits of Amazon.com selection, convenience, price and personalized services for an expanded range of products, such as music. And we are now inviting our customers to come help build the best music store on the Web." Separately, Amazon.com today announced that it has acquired three leading Internet companies: Bookpages Limited, Telebook, Inc. and Internet Movie Database Limited. Online retailers Bookpages and Telebook are fundamental components of Amazon.com's expansion into the European marketplace, and Internet Movie Database is a key underpinning for Amazon.com's eventual entry into online video sales. "With these acquisitions, we have accelerated our expansion into European e-commerce and acquired a foundation for a best-of-breed video store. These acquisitions will enable Amazon.com to offer a new set of consumers the same combination of selection, service and value that we now provide our US book customers. We remain committed to moving quickly to solidify and extend our current market leadership position in books while pursuing these new opportunities. This will require aggressive future investment in building our business and brand, expanding our product offerings, launching international operations and integrating our recent acquisitions." Bookpages (www.bookpages.co.uk) is one of the largest online bookstores in the United Kingdom, providing access to all 1.2 million UK books in print. Telebook (www.telebuch.de), operating through its ABC Bücherdienst subsidiary, is Germany's number one online bookstore, with a catalog of nearly 400,000 German language titles. Originally launched in 1990, Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) is a comprehensive repository for movie and television information on the Internet, and is an excellent example of genuine community on the Internet. Each of the acquisitions will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The company will incur total charges of approximately $55 million in connection with all three transactions. Consideration was comprised of cash and common stock, and the company anticipates issuing an aggregate of approximately 540,000 shares of common stock as a result of these transactions. Last week, Amazon.com invited music enthusiasts everywhere to contribute to developing the music store of their dreams and launched a pilot version of its online music area (accessible from the Amazon.com home page). Customers, artists, music industry professionals, and other music lovers can put their personal stamp on the music store Amazon.com is now building by contributing their ideas and music reviews. In February, Amazon.com launched Amazon.com Advantage, an innovative new program designed to increase the visibility and sales of titles from independent publishers and authors. It will help level the playing field for smaller publishers and authors by providing the tools and framework to ensure their books appear more often, more prominently, and with 24-hour availability throughout Amazon.com's catalog of 3 million book, music, and other titles. In March, Amazon.com launched Amazon.com Kids, a comprehensive resource for children's and young adult books. Amazon.com Kids features a catalog of more than 100,000 books for children, teens, and parents. Separately, Amazon.com today announced that its Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 split of its common stock. Shareholders will receive an additional share of common stock for every share held on the record date of May 20, 1998. The additional shares will be payable on June 1, 1998. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners. AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands except per share amounts) Quarter Ended March 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) Net sales $87,375 $16,005 Cost of sales 68,054 12,484 Gross profit 19,321 3,521 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 19,503 3,906 Product development 6,729 1,575 General and administrative 1,963 1,142 Total operating expenses 28,195 6,623 Loss from operations (8,874) (3,102) Interest income 1,640 64 Interest expense (2,025) - Net loss $(9,259) $(3,038) Pro forma basic and diuted $(0.40) $(0.16) loss per share Shares used in computation of pro forma basic and diluted loss per share 23,311 19,402 On April 27, 1998, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split,effective June 1, 1998. The share and per share data have not beenrestated to reflect this split. AMAZON.COM, INC.Balance SheetsIn thousands except share data(preliminary pending completion of audit) March 31, December 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Audited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $98,600 $109,810 Short-term investments 18,220 15,256 Inventories 11,674 8,971 Prepaid expenses and other 4,399 3,298 Total current assets 132,893 137,335 Fixed assets, net 9,773 9,265 Deposits 293 166 Deferred charges 2,048 2,240 Total assets $145,007 $149,006 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $34,374 $32,697 Accrued advertising 5,349 3,454 Accrued product development - - Other liabilities and accrued expenses 8,071 6,167 Current portion of debt 684 1,500 Total current liabilities 48,478 43,818 Long-term debt 76,521 76,521 Long-term lease obligations 181 181 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - none - - Common stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 100,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, 24,162,932, 23,937,169 shares, respectively 242 239 Additional paid-in capital 63,952 63,792 Deferred compensation (1,493) (1,930) Accumulated deficit (42,874) (33,615) Total stockholders' equity 19,827 28,486 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $145,007 $149,006 On April 27, 1998, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split,effective June 1, 1998. The share and per share data have not beenrestated to reflect this split.

<p>Cumulative Customer Accounts Increased 50% Quarter-to-Quarter to 2,260,000 Amazon.com Now 3rd Largest Bookseller in the US</p><p>SEATTLE, Wa (April 27, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the first quarter of 1998.</p><p>Net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 1998 were $87.4 million, a 32 percent increase over net sales of $66.0 million reported for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1997. Net sales increased 446 percent over net sales of $16.0 million reported for the first quarter of 1997. Net loss for the first quarter ended March 31, 1998 was $9.26 million, or $0.40 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended December 31, 1997 of $9.33 million, or $0.41 per share. The company reported a net loss of $3.04 million or $0.16 per share in the quarter ended March 31, 1997.</p><p>Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to over 2,260,000 at March 31, 1998, an increase of 50 percent from 1,510,000 customer accounts at December 31, 1997 and 564 percent from 340,000 customer accounts at March 31, 1997. Repeat customer orders represented more than 60 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended March 31, 1998.</p><p>The Web measurement services continued to highlight Amazon.com's growing reach among Internet users and strengthening market leadership: in March, Amazon.com was ranked in the top 20 across all Internet sites in all major market surveys (Media Metrix and Relevant Knowledge). In addition, not only was Amazon.com the leading online bookseller in these surveys, it was the leading online shopping site.</p><p>"We are very pleased with our acceleration in new customer acquisition: it took us 27 months to serve our first million customers, and less than 6 months to serve our second million," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com president and chief executive officer. "Our strong revenue growth has now made us the third largest bookseller in the US, online or offline. We believe that our leadership position in the online market allows us to offer our customers the benefits of Amazon.com selection, convenience, price and personalized services for an expanded range of products, such as music. And we are now inviting our customers to come help build the best music store on the Web."</p><p>Separately, Amazon.com today announced that it has acquired three leading Internet companies: Bookpages Limited, Telebook, Inc. and Internet Movie Database Limited. Online retailers Bookpages and Telebook are fundamental components of Amazon.com's expansion into the European marketplace, and Internet Movie Database is a key underpinning for Amazon.com's eventual entry into online video sales.</p><p>"With these acquisitions, we have accelerated our expansion into European e-commerce and acquired a foundation for a best-of-breed video store. These acquisitions will enable Amazon.com to offer a new set of consumers the same combination of selection, service and value that we now provide our US book customers. We remain committed to moving quickly to solidify and extend our current market leadership position in books while pursuing these new opportunities. This will require aggressive future investment in building our business and brand, expanding our product offerings, launching international operations and integrating our recent acquisitions."</p><p>Bookpages (www.bookpages.co.uk) is one of the largest online bookstores in the United Kingdom, providing access to all 1.2 million UK books in print. Telebook (www.telebuch.de), operating through its ABC Bücherdienst subsidiary, is Germany's number one online bookstore, with a catalog of nearly 400,000 German language titles. Originally launched in 1990, Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) is a comprehensive repository for movie and television information on the Internet, and is an excellent example of genuine community on the Internet.</p><p>Each of the acquisitions will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The company will incur total charges of approximately $55 million in connection with all three transactions. Consideration was comprised of cash and common stock, and the company anticipates issuing an aggregate of approximately 540,000 shares of common stock as a result of these transactions.</p><p>Last week, Amazon.com invited music enthusiasts everywhere to contribute to developing the music store of their dreams and launched a pilot version of its online music area (accessible from the Amazon.com home page). Customers, artists, music industry professionals, and other music lovers can put their personal stamp on the music store Amazon.com is now building by contributing their ideas and music reviews.</p><p>In February, Amazon.com launched Amazon.com Advantage, an innovative new program designed to increase the visibility and sales of titles from independent publishers and authors. It will help level the playing field for smaller publishers and authors by providing the tools and framework to ensure their books appear more often, more prominently, and with 24-hour availability throughout Amazon.com's catalog of 3 million book, music, and other titles.</p><p>In March, Amazon.com launched Amazon.com Kids, a comprehensive resource for children's and young adult books. Amazon.com Kids features a catalog of more than 100,000 books for children, teens, and parents.</p><p>Separately, Amazon.com today announced that its Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 split of its common stock. Shareholders will receive an additional share of common stock for every share held on the record date of May 20, 1998. The additional shares will be payable on June 1, 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands except per share amounts)</p><pre> Quarter Ended March 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) Net sales $87,375 $16,005 Cost of sales 68,054 12,484 Gross profit 19,321 3,521 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 19,503 3,906 Product development 6,729 1,575 General and administrative 1,963 1,142 Total operating expenses 28,195 6,623 Loss from operations (8,874) (3,102)Interest income 1,640 64 Interest expense (2,025) - Net loss $(9,259) $(3,038)Pro forma basic and diuted $(0.40) $(0.16) loss per shareShares used in computation of pro forma basicand diluted loss per share 23,311 19,402</pre><p>On April 27, 1998, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split,effective June 1, 1998. The share and per share data have not beenrestated to reflect this split.</p><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Balance SheetsIn thousands except share data(preliminary pending completion of audit)</p><pre> March 31, December 31, 1998 1997 (Unaudited) (Audited)ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $98,600 $109,810 Short-term investments 18,220 15,256 Inventories 11,674 8,971 Prepaid expenses and other 4,399 3,298 Total current assets 132,893 137,335Fixed assets, net 9,773 9,265 Deposits 293 166 Deferred charges 2,048 2,240 Total assets $145,007 $149,006 LIABILITIES &amp; STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $34,374 $32,697 Accrued advertising 5,349 3,454 Accrued product development - - Other liabilities and accrued expenses 8,071 6,167 Current portion of debt 684 1,500 Total current liabilities 48,478 43,818 Long-term debt 76,521 76,521 Long-term lease obligations 181 181 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - none - - Common stock, $0.01 par value - Authorized, 100,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, 24,162,932, 23,937,169 shares, respectively 242 239 Additional paid-in capital 63,952 63,792 Deferred compensation (1,493) (1,930) Accumulated deficit (42,874) (33,615) Total stockholders' equity 19,827 28,486 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $145,007 $149,006 </pre><p>On April 27, 1998, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split,effective June 1, 1998. The share and per share data have not beenrestated to reflect this split.</p>

Amazon.com Acquires Three Leading Internet Companies

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Acquires-Three-Leading-Internet-Companies/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Acquires-Three-Leading-Internet-Companies

04/27/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Acquires Three Leading Internet Companies

04/27/1998

1998

Amazon.com Acquisitions Extend Company's Ability to Serve International Customers SEATTLE, WA (April 27, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that it has acquired three leading Internet companies: Bookpages, Ltd; Telebook, Inc.; and Internet Movie Database Ltd. Amazon.com expects online retailers Bookpages and Telebook to become fundamental components of its expansion into the European marketplace, and Internet Movie Database to support its eventual entry into online video sales. "These acquisitions will enable Amazon.com to quickly offer European consumers the same combination of selection, service, and value that we now provide our U.S. customers," said Jeffrey P. Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "I'm excited about these companies because each has a relentless focus on customer service, an unwavering commitment to Internet commerce, and a smart, innovative management team." Bookpages (www.bookpages.co.uk) is one of the largest online bookstores in the United Kingdom, providing access to all 1.2 million U.K. books in print. Bookpages Managing Director Dr. Simon Murdoch said of the acquisition, "This is fantastic news for Bookpages and its customers.g By combining Amazon.com's resources with Bookpages' in-depth knowledge of the U.K. marketplace, we can provide even better service and selection to our customers inside and outside of the United Kingdom." Telebook (www.telebuch.de), operating through its ABC Bücherdienst subsidiary, is Germany's number one online bookstore, with a catalog of nearly 400,000 German-language titles. Telebook President Michael J.G. Gleissner commented, "Telebook's longtime local expertise in online bookselling in Germany combined with Amazon.com's worldwide brand and powerful technology will lead to tremendous benefits for the customer." Originally launched in 1990, Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) is a comprehensive repository for movie and television information on the Internet. "Everyone at IMDb is excited about becoming a part of Amazon.com," said Colin Needham, IMDb Managing Director. "Because of their similar passion for books, the Amazon.com team understands and fully supports IMDb's mission of providing the best possible information to movie lovers." Each of the acquisitions will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The company will incur total charges of approximately $55 million in connection with all three transactions. Consideration was comprised of cash and common stock, and the company anticipates issuing an aggregate of approximately 540,000 shares of common stock as a result of these transactions. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com Acquisitions Extend Company's Ability to Serve International Customers</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (April 27, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that it has acquired three leading Internet companies: Bookpages, Ltd; Telebook, Inc.; and Internet Movie Database Ltd. Amazon.com expects online retailers Bookpages and Telebook to become fundamental components of its expansion into the European marketplace, and Internet Movie Database to support its eventual entry into online video sales.</p><p>"These acquisitions will enable Amazon.com to quickly offer European consumers the same combination of selection, service, and value that we now provide our U.S. customers," said Jeffrey P. Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "I'm excited about these companies because each has a relentless focus on customer service, an unwavering commitment to Internet commerce, and a smart, innovative management team."</p><p>Bookpages (www.bookpages.co.uk) is one of the largest online bookstores in the United Kingdom, providing access to all 1.2 million U.K. books in print. Bookpages Managing Director Dr. Simon Murdoch said of the acquisition, "This is fantastic news for Bookpages and its customers.g By combining Amazon.com's resources with Bookpages' in-depth knowledge of the U.K. marketplace, we can provide even better service and selection to our customers inside and outside of the United Kingdom."</p><p>Telebook (www.telebuch.de), operating through its ABC Bücherdienst subsidiary, is Germany's number one online bookstore, with a catalog of nearly 400,000 German-language titles. Telebook President Michael J.G. Gleissner commented, "Telebook's longtime local expertise in online bookselling in Germany combined with Amazon.com's worldwide brand and powerful technology will lead to tremendous benefits for the customer."</p><p>Originally launched in 1990, Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) is a comprehensive repository for movie and television information on the Internet. "Everyone at IMDb is excited about becoming a part of Amazon.com," said Colin Needham, IMDb Managing Director. "Because of their similar passion for books, the Amazon.com team understands and fully supports IMDb's mission of providing the best possible information to movie lovers."</p><p>Each of the acquisitions will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The company will incur total charges of approximately $55 million in connection with all three transactions. Consideration was comprised of cash and common stock, and the company anticipates issuing an aggregate of approximately 540,000 shares of common stock as a result of these transactions.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million book, music, and other titles, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces $275 Million Offering of Senior Discount Notes

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-275-Million-Offering-of-Senior-Discount-Notes/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-275-Million-Offering-of-Senior-Discount-Notes

04/24/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces $275 Million Offering of Senior Discount Notes

04/24/1998

1998

SEATTLE, WA (April 24, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc. ("Amazon.com") (NASDAQ:AMZN), today announced that it is offering $275 million gross proceeds of Senior Discount Notes. The Senior Discount Notes will mature in 2008. Interest on the Notes will be paid semi-annually in cash beginning in 2003. The proceeds from the offering will be used by Amazon.com to retire approximately $75 million of existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The Senior Discount Notes being offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (April 24, 1998)--Amazon.com, Inc. ("Amazon.com") (NASDAQ:AMZN), today announced that it is offering $275 million gross proceeds of Senior Discount Notes.</p><p>The Senior Discount Notes will mature in 2008. Interest on the Notes will be paid semi-annually in cash beginning in 2003. The proceeds from the offering will be used by Amazon.com to retire approximately $75 million of existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.</p><p>The Senior Discount Notes being offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p>

Amazon.com Invites Music Lovers To Help Build The Ultimate Music Store

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Invites-Music-Lovers-To-Help-Build-The-Ultimate-Music-Store/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Invites-Music-Lovers-To-Help-Build-The-Ultimate-Music-Store

04/23/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Invites Music Lovers To Help Build The Ultimate Music Store

04/23/1998

1998

Customers Asked to Contribute Opinions, Ideas, and Reviews Prior to New Music Store Opening SEATTLE, WA (April 23, 1998)-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) today invited music enthusiasts everywhere to help build the music store of their dreams. Customers, artists, music industry professionals, and other music lovers will have the opportunity to put their personal stamp on the music store Amazon.com is now building by contributing their ideas and music reviews. "Every day customers give us suggestions about how to improve our bookstore," said David Risher, Senior Vice President of Product Development. "Many of our most popular features are the result of those suggestions. Our music team is completely focused on building a store that addresses the desires of music lovers. The best way to create a music store our customers will love is to ask them what they want." Visitors to Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) who click "Help Build Your Store" will be asked questions such as "Tell us about your dream music store: How does it help you find music you'll like? How does it help you avoid music you won't? What makes it unique?" Customers can also publish their own opinions about music by reviewing and rating CDs. This popular feature allows customers to share their assessments--both positive and negative--to help other customers learn more about the music and books at Amazon.com. In addition to sharing ideas, customers can search and buy CDs from a vast and growing music catalog. In appreciation for visitors' suggestions, Amazon.com will enter each person who offers input into a drawing for a $1,000 gift certificate redeemable online for music, books, or both. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million books, CDs, and more, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Customers Asked to Contribute Opinions, Ideas, and Reviews Prior to New Music Store Opening</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (April 23, 1998)-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) today invited music enthusiasts everywhere to help build the music store of their dreams. Customers, artists, music industry professionals, and other music lovers will have the opportunity to put their personal stamp on the music store Amazon.com is now building by contributing their ideas and music reviews.</p><p>"Every day customers give us suggestions about how to improve our bookstore," said David Risher, Senior Vice President of Product Development. "Many of our most popular features are the result of those suggestions. Our music team is completely focused on building a store that addresses the desires of music lovers. The best way to create a music store our customers will love is to ask them what they want."</p><p>Visitors to Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) who click "Help Build Your Store" will be asked questions such as "Tell us about your dream music store: How does it help you find music you'll like? How does it help you avoid music you won't? What makes it unique?" Customers can also publish their own opinions about music by reviewing and rating CDs. This popular feature allows customers to share their assessments--both positive and negative--to help other customers learn more about the music and books at Amazon.com. In addition to sharing ideas, customers can search and buy CDs from a vast and growing music catalog.</p><p>In appreciation for visitors' suggestions, Amazon.com will enter each person who offers input into a drawing for a $1,000 gift certificate redeemable online for music, books, or both.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of more than 3 million books, CDs, and more, plus easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click^SM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 40,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, the Prodigy Shopping Network, and iVillage.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints, management of growth, and new business opportunities. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Calls On Kids 12 and Younger To Enter Its

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Calls-On-Kids-12-and-Younger-To-Enter-Its/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Calls-On-Kids-12-and-Younger-To-Enter-Its

04/08/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Calls On Kids 12 and Younger To Enter Its

04/08/1998

1998

SEATTLE, WA (April 8, 1998)-- In honor of National Poetry Month, leading online bookseller Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) is calling on all kids 12 and under to show the world their poetry skills. Earth's Biggest Bookstore is looking for children who can think in rhymes, exaggerate, and make the ordinary extraordinary to enter and win Amazon.com Kids' "Be a Poet" contest. Celebrated children's poet Jack Prelutsky started two poems for the Amazon.com Kids' "Be a Poet" contest. Children can enter to win the contest by selecting a poem, activating their imaginations, and adding 8 to 16 new lines to finish the poem. Kids can choose to complete either of the following: My sister is a dancer,She loves to dance all day,It's sort of strange to watch her -Her feet get in her way.She looks like... Or My uncle cooked us lunch today,His dishes were a treat.He made us caterpillar pie,And pickled penguin feet.He started with . . . Prelutsky serves up some great advice on how to write a funny poem on the Amazon.com Kids' site (www.amazon.com/kids) to help get the creative energy flowing. Recently launched, Amazon.com Kids is a children's bookstore that provides quality recommendations, in-depth interviews, articles, and unique search-by-age capabilities that make it easy to find the best books for kids, teens, and parents. The Grand Prize winner will receive a library of Dr. Seuss books--42 books, including Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! and The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham board games--plus a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate, and a personalized, original poem written by Jack Prelutsky. Five runners-up will each receive a $20 Amazon.com gift certificate. The contest extends until midnight April 30, Pacific Standard Time. Amazon.com will notify the winners by e-mail on or before May 8, 1998. The winning poems will be posted on Amazon.com Kids. Jack Prelutsky is one of the most playful and prolific poets writing for children today. He has written more than 40 books of verse, including The New Kid on the Block and A Pizza the Size of the Sun. Most recently, Prelutsky and Lane Smith (of The Stinky Cheese Man) worked together to shape 14 of Dr. Seuss's unpublished sketches into the fantastic new book Hooray for Diffendoofer Day. "We are thrilled that Jack Prelutsky, one of America's all-time favorite children's poets, is on board for Amazon.com Kids' celebration of National Poetry Month," said Amazon.com Vice President and Executive Editor Rick Ayre. "If Prelutsky's pickled penguin feet don't get kids excited about poetry, what will?" Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>SEATTLE, WA (April 8, 1998)-- In honor of National Poetry Month, leading online bookseller Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) is calling on all kids 12 and under to show the world their poetry skills. Earth's Biggest Bookstore is looking for children who can think in rhymes, exaggerate, and make the ordinary extraordinary to enter and win Amazon.com Kids' "Be a Poet" contest.</p><p>Celebrated children's poet Jack Prelutsky started two poems for the Amazon.com Kids' "Be a Poet" contest. Children can enter to win the contest by selecting a poem, activating their imaginations, and adding 8 to 16 new lines to finish the poem. Kids can choose to complete either of the following:</p><p><em>My sister is a dancer,She loves to dance all day,It's sort of strange to watch her -Her feet get in her way.She looks like...</em></p><p>Or</p><p><em>My uncle cooked us lunch today,His dishes were a treat.He made us caterpillar pie,And pickled penguin feet.He started with . . .</em></p><p>Prelutsky serves up some great advice on how to write a funny poem on the Amazon.com Kids' site (www.amazon.com/kids) to help get the creative energy flowing. Recently launched, Amazon.com Kids is a children's bookstore that provides quality recommendations, in-depth interviews, articles, and unique search-by-age capabilities that make it easy to find the best books for kids, teens, and parents.</p><p>The Grand Prize winner will receive a library of Dr. Seuss books--42 books, including <em>Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!</em> and <em>The Cat in the Hat</em> and <em>Green Eggs and Ham</em> board games--plus a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate, and a personalized, original poem written by Jack Prelutsky. Five runners-up will each receive a $20 Amazon.com gift certificate. The contest extends until midnight April 30, Pacific Standard Time. Amazon.com will notify the winners by e-mail on or before May 8, 1998. The winning poems will be posted on Amazon.com Kids.</p><p>Jack Prelutsky is one of the most playful and prolific poets writing for children today. He has written more than 40 books of verse, including <em>The New Kid on the Block</em> and <em>A Pizza the Size of the Sun</em>. Most recently, Prelutsky and Lane Smith (of <em>The Stinky Cheese Man</em>) worked together to shape 14 of Dr. Seuss's unpublished sketches into the fantastic new book <em>Hooray for Diffendoofer Day</em>.</p><p>"We are thrilled that Jack Prelutsky, one of America's all-time favorite children's poets, is on board for Amazon.com Kids' celebration of National Poetry Month," said Amazon.com Vice President and Executive Editor Rick Ayre. "If Prelutsky's pickled penguin feet don't get kids excited about poetry, what will?"</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click^SM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program, including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com and iVillage.com Launch Comprehensive Book Alliance

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-and-iVillage.com-Launch-Comprehensive-Book-Alliance/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-iVillage.com-Launch-Comprehensive-Book-Alliance

04/07/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com and iVillage.com Launch Comprehensive Book Alliance

04/07/1998

1998

Integrating Community, Content, and Commerce SEATTLE, WA (April 7, 1998)-- Leading online bookseller Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that it has formed an exclusive Associates relationship with iVillage: The Women's Network (http://www.ivillage.com or AOL keyword: ivillage), the number one online destination for women. Earth's Biggest Bookstore will become the exclusive bookseller throughout the iVillage.com community. In addition, Amazon.com and iVillage will join forces to offer iVillage.com members book-related features and content across all nine iVillage.com channels (Career, Fitness & Beauty, Food, Health, Money, Parenting, Relationships, Shopping, and Work From Home). The iVillage.com is founded on the well-known Parent Soup, ParentsPlace.com, Better Health, Armchair Millionaire, and other branded communities. Each of these communities will provide recommended reading lists, book reviews, online book chats, and access to an interactive Book Club. Sponsored by Amazon.com, the Book Club will provide a forum for iVillage.com members to discuss featured books on message boards and in live weekly chats hosted by authors. In addition, iVillage.com members will also have easy access to content from Amazon.com's recently launched kids' bookstore. Amazon.com Kids provides quality recommendations, in-depth interviews and articles, and unique search-by-age capabilities that make it easy to find the best books for kids, teens, and parents. "The relationship between Amazon.com and iVillage.com seamlessly blends two Web brands that are category leaders," said Margie Gilmore, iVillage director of sponsorship sales. "Equally important, the deal provides real value for our members, offering them enhanced service and broad choice in a few simple mouse clicks." "iVillage offers excellent content and a growing array of online services for women," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "By sharing our strengths, Amazon.com and iVillage will create a compelling online experience that highlights the Web's ability to deliver integrated community, content, and commerce." Established in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, iVillage humanizes cyberspace by providing a relevant and indispensable online experience for adult women. The company's flagship property, iVillage: The Women's Network (http://www.ivillage.com and AOL keyword: ivillage), is the world's largest online destination for women, with more than 60 million page views per month. Actively participating in the network's well-known Parent Soup, ParentsPlace.com, Better Health, Armchair Millionaire, and other branded communities, members learn from experts and from each other, empower themselves to solve problems, and inspire other members to handle everyday challenges more effectively. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Integrating Community, Content, and Commerce</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (April 7, 1998)-- Leading online bookseller Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that it has formed an exclusive Associates relationship with iVillage: The Women's Network (http://www.ivillage.com or AOL keyword: ivillage), the number one online destination for women. Earth's Biggest Bookstore will become the exclusive bookseller throughout the iVillage.com community. In addition, Amazon.com and iVillage will join forces to offer iVillage.com members book-related features and content across all nine iVillage.com channels (Career, Fitness &amp; Beauty, Food, Health, Money, Parenting, Relationships, Shopping, and Work From Home).</p><p>The iVillage.com is founded on the well-known Parent Soup, ParentsPlace.com, Better Health, Armchair Millionaire, and other branded communities. Each of these communities will provide recommended reading lists, book reviews, online book chats, and access to an interactive Book Club. Sponsored by Amazon.com, the Book Club will provide a forum for iVillage.com members to discuss featured books on message boards and in live weekly chats hosted by authors. In addition, iVillage.com members will also have easy access to content from Amazon.com's recently launched kids' bookstore. Amazon.com Kids provides quality recommendations, in-depth interviews and articles, and unique search-by-age capabilities that make it easy to find the best books for kids, teens, and parents.</p><p>"The relationship between Amazon.com and iVillage.com seamlessly blends two Web brands that are category leaders," said Margie Gilmore, iVillage director of sponsorship sales. "Equally important, the deal provides real value for our members, offering them enhanced service and broad choice in a few simple mouse clicks."</p><p>"iVillage offers excellent content and a growing array of online services for women," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "By sharing our strengths, Amazon.com and iVillage will create a compelling online experience that highlights the Web's ability to deliver integrated community, content, and commerce."</p><p>Established in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, iVillage humanizes cyberspace by providing a relevant and indispensable online experience for adult women. The company's flagship property, iVillage: The Women's Network (http://www.ivillage.com and AOL keyword: ivillage), is the world's largest online destination for women, with more than 60 million page views per month. Actively participating in the network's well-known Parent Soup, ParentsPlace.com, Better Health, Armchair Millionaire, and other branded communities, members learn from experts and from each other, empower themselves to solve problems, and inspire other members to handle everyday challenges more effectively.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click^SM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Opens Up a World of Children's Books with Amazon.com Kids

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Opens-Up-a-World-of-Childrens-Books-with-Amazon.com-Kids/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Opens-Up-a-World-of-Childrens-Books-with-Amazon.com-Kids

03/02/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Opens Up a World of Children's Books with Amazon.com Kids

03/02/1998

1998

Earth's Biggest Bookstore Is Now the Best Source for Children's Books SEATTLE, WA (March 2, 1998)-- Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, today unveiled Amazon.com Kids, the most comprehensive resource for children's and young adult books on the Web. This new, one-stop kids' store within the Amazon.com Web site features a catalog of more than 100,000 books for children, teens, and parents. Stocked with authoritative in-depth articles, reviews, interviews, and targeted search and recommendation services, Amazon.com Kids captures the world of children's books in one easy-to-explore location. "Amazon.com Kids was largely inspired by demand and feedback from our customers, who have already helped to make children's books one of our most popular categories," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "Children's books win their own awards, have their own bestseller lists, and are written for different reading levels. With a dedicated children's editorial staff who are passionate and knowledgeable about the category and improved features and navigation, we're able to offer our Amazon.com Kids customers just what they need to find what they are looking for--and discover books they didn't even know existed." Today's launch of Amazon.com Kids coincides with national Read Across America Day, a nationwide celebration and initiative from the National Education Association to encourage children of all ages to read. In support of Read Across America, Amazon.com has arranged tours and activities at its distribution centers in Seattle, Washington and New Castle, Delaware for local elementary school students. Jeff Bezos will also be among the many celebrity storytellers at a Read Across America event in Seattle. In addition, March 2 also marks the birthday of the late children's author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), whose books will be highlighted, on the debut Amazon.com Kids home page. Gift Ideas for Kids and a new age-appropriate search engine are two of the page's most helpful new features. Gift Ideas for Kids is a handy, interactive, fun-to-use gadget that enables customers to find the perfect book for the kid who's crazy about heavy machinery, the obsessed ballerina, or the hopelessly romantic teen. Making gift giving and book selection easy and fun, searching by age range lets customers explore the thousands of books in the Amazon.com Kids catalog and perfectly pinpoint the ones appropriate to specific age groups. Other highlights of Amazon.com Kids include: What We're Reading - Top picks from Amazon.com Kids' expert editors - all at 40% off What's the Buzz? - Books praised in the press - from The New York Times Book Review and Reading Rainbow Fun Fact of the Day - Tidbits and trivia from the world of children's literature Amazon.com Recommends - In-depth articles and interviews about authors, illustrators, and books for children and teens Our Customers Recommend - Amazon.com customers and their kids rave about their favorite books Hot Off the Press - New releases, updated monthly Bestsellers - For children and teens, updated weekly Award Winners - From the Caldecott to the Newbery Essential Bookshelf - Timeless classics every child or teen should read Amazon.com Delivers - E-mail notification of the latest and greatest kids books "There's nothing more wonderful than seeing children fall in love with books. It's a passion they'll have for the rest of their lives," said Bezos. "We hope Amazon.com Kids plays an important part in helping children and their families discover the joy and adventure of reading." Customers can discover the world of Amazon.com Kids from the Amazon.com home page or through www.amazon.com/kids. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Earth's Biggest Bookstore Is Now the Best Source for Children's Books</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (March 2, 1998)-- Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore, today unveiled Amazon.com Kids, the most comprehensive resource for children's and young adult books on the Web. This new, one-stop kids' store within the Amazon.com Web site features a catalog of more than 100,000 books for children, teens, and parents. Stocked with authoritative in-depth articles, reviews, interviews, and targeted search and recommendation services, Amazon.com Kids captures the world of children's books in one easy-to-explore location.</p><p>"Amazon.com Kids was largely inspired by demand and feedback from our customers, who have already helped to make children's books one of our most popular categories," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "Children's books win their own awards, have their own bestseller lists, and are written for different reading levels. With a dedicated children's editorial staff who are passionate and knowledgeable about the category and improved features and navigation, we're able to offer our Amazon.com Kids customers just what they need to find what they are looking for--and discover books they didn't even know existed."</p><p>Today's launch of Amazon.com Kids coincides with national Read Across America Day, a nationwide celebration and initiative from the National Education Association to encourage children of all ages to read. In support of Read Across America, Amazon.com has arranged tours and activities at its distribution centers in Seattle, Washington and New Castle, Delaware for local elementary school students. Jeff Bezos will also be among the many celebrity storytellers at a Read Across America event in Seattle. In addition, March 2 also marks the birthday of the late children's author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), whose books will be highlighted, on the debut Amazon.com Kids home page.</p><p>Gift Ideas for Kids and a new age-appropriate search engine are two of the page's most helpful new features. Gift Ideas for Kids is a handy, interactive, fun-to-use gadget that enables customers to find the perfect book for the kid who's crazy about heavy machinery, the obsessed ballerina, or the hopelessly romantic teen. Making gift giving and book selection easy and fun, searching by age range lets customers explore the thousands of books in the Amazon.com Kids catalog and perfectly pinpoint the ones appropriate to specific age groups. Other highlights of Amazon.com Kids include:</p><ul><li>What We're Reading - Top picks from Amazon.com Kids' expert editors - all at 40% off</li><li>What's the Buzz? - Books praised in the press - from <em>The New York Times Book Review</em> and <em>Reading Rainbow</em></li><li>Fun Fact of the Day - Tidbits and trivia from the world of children's literature</li><li>Amazon.com Recommends - In-depth articles and interviews about authors, illustrators, and books for children and teens</li><li>Our Customers Recommend - Amazon.com customers and their kids rave about their favorite books</li><li>Hot Off the Press - New releases, updated monthly</li><li>Bestsellers - For children and teens, updated weekly</li><li>Award Winners - From the Caldecott to the Newbery</li><li>Essential Bookshelf - Timeless classics every child or teen should read</li><li>Amazon.com Delivers - E-mail notification of the latest and greatest kids books</li></ul><p>"There's nothing more wonderful than seeing children fall in love with books. It's a passion they'll have for the rest of their lives," said Bezos. "We hope Amazon.com Kids plays an important part in helping children and their families discover the joy and adventure of reading." Customers can discover the world of Amazon.com Kids from the Amazon.com home page or through www.amazon.com/kids.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Launches New Program to Level the Playing Field for Small Publishers

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Launches-New-Program-to-Level-the-Playing-Field-for-Small-Publishers/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Launches-New-Program-to-Level-the-Playing-Field-for-Small-Publishers

02/26/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Launches New Program to Level the Playing Field for Small Publishers

02/26/1998

1998

Amazon.com Advantage Program Empowers Independent Publishers to Sell More Books Online SEATTLE, WA (February 26, 1998)-- Earth's Biggest Bookstore and leading online retailer, Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced it will kick off Small Press Month with the launch of Amazon.com Advantage, an innovative new program designed to increase the visibility and sales of titles from independent publishers. Amazon.com Advantage will help level the playing field for smaller publishers by providing the tools and framework to ensure their books appear more often and more prominently throughout Amazon.com's catalog of 2.5 million titles. Typically, small publishers have been shut out of traditional distribution channels. Amazon.com Advantage changes that. In the publishing industry a book must reach a certain critical mass before it makes it into existing wholesale channels. Amazon.com has redefined what critical mass means by combining worldwide demand with centralized distribution. Amazon.com Advantage is a free program enabling independent publishers to place a limited quantity of books in Amazon.com's distribution centers for immediate availability to customers. Member titles will be upgraded on the Amazon.com site to "usually ships in 24 hours," instead of the usual four to six week delivery promise for special order titles. Participating titles will be assigned subject classifications to help surface the book through Amazon.com's rich subject browsing features. Amazon.com will also scan the book cover, at no cost to the publisher, for inclusion on the title's detail page and help member publishers add persuasive title information such as descriptions, excerpts, tables of contents, and author and publisher comments to the page. Faster book availability, improved subject browsing classification, and richer content will make it easier for customers to discover and buy books from independent publishers. "With more than 2.5 million titles in our catalog from more than 50,000 different publishers, Amazon.com has always provided an opportunity for small publishers to succeed," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Now through Amazon.com Advantage a title from an independent publisher can have the same prominence, immediate availability, and level of exposure as a title from a larger publisher who typically has more resources at their disposal." Learn more about Amazon.com Advantage at www.amazon.com/advantage. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com Advantage Program Empowers Independent Publishers to Sell More Books Online</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (February 26, 1998)-- Earth's Biggest Bookstore and leading online retailer, Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced it will kick off Small Press Month with the launch of Amazon.com Advantage, an innovative new program designed to increase the visibility and sales of titles from independent publishers. Amazon.com Advantage will help level the playing field for smaller publishers by providing the tools and framework to ensure their books appear more often and more prominently throughout Amazon.com's catalog of 2.5 million titles. Typically, small publishers have been shut out of traditional distribution channels. Amazon.com Advantage changes that.</p><p>In the publishing industry a book must reach a certain critical mass before it makes it into existing wholesale channels. Amazon.com has redefined what critical mass means by combining worldwide demand with centralized distribution. Amazon.com Advantage is a free program enabling independent publishers to place a limited quantity of books in Amazon.com's distribution centers for immediate availability to customers. Member titles will be upgraded on the Amazon.com site to "usually ships in 24 hours," instead of the usual four to six week delivery promise for special order titles.</p><p>Participating titles will be assigned subject classifications to help surface the book through Amazon.com's rich subject browsing features. Amazon.com will also scan the book cover, at no cost to the publisher, for inclusion on the title's detail page and help member publishers add persuasive title information such as descriptions, excerpts, tables of contents, and author and publisher comments to the page. Faster book availability, improved subject browsing classification, and richer content will make it easier for customers to discover and buy books from independent publishers.</p><p>"With more than 2.5 million titles in our catalog from more than 50,000 different publishers, Amazon.com has always provided an opportunity for small publishers to succeed," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Now through Amazon.com Advantage a title from an independent publisher can have the same prominence, immediate availability, and level of exposure as a title from a larger publisher who typically has more resources at their disposal."</p><p>Learn more about Amazon.com Advantage at www.amazon.com/advantage.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the largest online retailer of books. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program including AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc. Other product and company names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Associates Program Surpasses 30,000 Members

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Associates-Program-Surpasses-30000-Members/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Associates-Program-Surpasses-30000-Members

02/18/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Associates Program Surpasses 30,000 Members

02/18/1998

1998

Associate Enrollment Doubles in the Past Six Months SEATTLE, WA (February 18)-- The leading online bookseller, Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced that enrollment in its Associates Program has more than doubled in the past six months and now surpasses 30,000 member Web sites. The Motley Fool (www.fool.com), the most comprehensive personal finance and investment Web site, has experienced the benefits of having an Associate relationship with Amazon.com. Since its release in early January, The Motley Fool's new title You Have More Than You Think: The Motley Fool Guide to Investing What You Have and two previous Motley Fool books have consistently been among the top 10 bestsellers on Amazon.com's "Hot List". The three titles are also currently among the top four bestsellers in the business category. This success is due in large part to sales generated through The Motley Fool's Associate bookstore. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling in July 1996 and has multi-year exclusive or premier associate relationships with five of the top six sites on the World Wide Web, AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, GeoCities, and Excite. The Associates Program allows individual Web sites to select books of interest to their visitors, add their own reviews and recommendations, and link directly to the Amazon.com catalog. Amazon.com handles the secure online ordering, customer service, and shipping, and sends weekly, automatically generated sales reports via e-mail. Associates enroll on the Amazon.com Web site and can be up and running in hours. Participation in the program is free. More than 30,000 members in Amazon.com's Associates Program earn up to 15 percent of sales for recommending books from their Web sites. "The Associates Program is a great way for any Web site to participate in e-commerce, and The Motley Fool's success underscores the impact Associates can have in determining their own destiny," said Jeff Bezos Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Amazon.com and The Motley Fool are a superb match," said David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool and co-author of the Fool titles with his brother, Tom. "Our company's mission is to educate, amuse, and enrich. Amazon.com essentially does the same thing with its site. Both companies have established a loyal following of extremely satisfied people through word-of-mouth referrals and innovative use of the Internet." More information on the Associates Program and how to join can be found at www.amazon.com/associates. The Motley Fool, Inc., operates the most comprehensive personal finance and investment site on the Internet (http://www.fool.com) and on America Online (keyword: FOOL). The Fool serves more than 750,000 households each month by providing financial information and strategies through its online forum. The Motley Fool's weekly syndicated column currently appears in more than 115 newspapers around the country. The Motley Fool also serves as a regular commentator on Marketplace Radio. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on Associate Web sites AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

<p>Associate Enrollment Doubles in the Past Six Months</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (February 18)-- The leading online bookseller, Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), today announced that enrollment in its Associates Program has more than doubled in the past six months and now surpasses 30,000 member Web sites.</p><p>The Motley Fool (www.fool.com), the most comprehensive personal finance and investment Web site, has experienced the benefits of having an Associate relationship with Amazon.com. Since its release in early January, The Motley Fool's new title <em>You Have More Than You Think: The Motley Fool Guide to Investing What You Have</em> and two previous Motley Fool books have consistently been among the top 10 bestsellers on Amazon.com's "Hot List". The three titles are also currently among the top four bestsellers in the business category. This success is due in large part to sales generated through The Motley Fool's Associate bookstore.</p><p>Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling in July 1996 and has multi-year exclusive or premier associate relationships with five of the top six sites on the World Wide Web, AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, GeoCities, and Excite. The Associates Program allows individual Web sites to select books of interest to their visitors, add their own reviews and recommendations, and link directly to the Amazon.com catalog. Amazon.com handles the secure online ordering, customer service, and shipping, and sends weekly, automatically generated sales reports via e-mail. Associates enroll on the Amazon.com Web site and can be up and running in hours. Participation in the program is free. More than 30,000 members in Amazon.com's Associates Program earn up to 15 percent of sales for recommending books from their Web sites.</p><p>"The Associates Program is a great way for any Web site to participate in e-commerce, and The Motley Fool's success underscores the impact Associates can have in determining their own destiny," said Jeff Bezos Amazon.com founder and CEO.</p><p>"Amazon.com and The Motley Fool are a superb match," said David Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool and co-author of the Fool titles with his brother, Tom. "Our company's mission is to educate, amuse, and enrich. Amazon.com essentially does the same thing with its site. Both companies have established a loyal following of extremely satisfied people through word-of-mouth referrals and innovative use of the Internet."</p><p>More information on the Associates Program and how to join can be found at www.amazon.com/associates.</p><p>The Motley Fool, Inc., operates the most comprehensive personal finance and investment site on the Internet (http://www.fool.com) and on America Online (keyword: FOOL). The Fool serves more than 750,000 households each month by providing financial information and strategies through its online forum. The Motley Fool's weekly syndicated column currently appears in more than 115 newspapers around the country. The Motley Fool also serves as a regular commentator on Marketplace Radio.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on Associate Web sites AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com pioneered the concept of syndicated selling on the Internet and has more than 30,000 members in its Associates Program.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p>

Amazon.com Launches

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Launches/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Launches

02/04/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Launches

02/04/1998

1998

New Grisham Novel The Street Lawyer is Biggest Amazon.com Pre-Order of All Time SEATTLE, WA (February 4, 1998)-- To celebrate the highly anticipated release of John Grisham's powerful new legal thriller, The Street Lawyer, the leading online bookseller, Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), will give away a full year of tuition to law school or the cash equivalent of $25,000. The new Grisham novel has made history at Earth's Biggest Bookstore. It is now Amazon.com's most popular preordered title of all time. In addition, Amazon.com will offer the book at a 40 percent discount through 9:00 p.m. PST Thursday, February 5. The Street Lawyer Contest coincides with the book's North American release and launches on Amazon.com's Web site (www.amazon.com) on Wednesday, February 4. Visitors to the contest site can enter to win a year's tuition at law school or the cash equivalent of $25,000. The contest will run through 6:00 p.m. PST Monday, March 16. One winner will be contacted via e-mail by Wednesday, April 8. Signing up months in advance, Amazon.com customers preordered the new Grisham blockbuster for shipment immediately upon the book's publication date. The Street Lawyer has been a bestseller for six weeks on Amazon.com's "Tomorrow's Bestsellers" list, which tracks the top 25 not-yet-published books pre-purchased by Amazon.com customers, and has been the number one bestseller on the same list for the past two weeks. "The pre-release purchasing from Amazon.com of Grisham's latest novel perfectly illustrates one of the key advantages of online book buying," said Jeff Bezos Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Our customers value the convenience and ease with which they can have a book shipped to them on the same day of publication without having to leave their computer." Amazon.com is also featuring the first chapter of The Street Lawyer on their Web site and offers all of Grisham's previous novels at everyday low prices, they include: The Partner, Runaway Jury, The Rainmaker, The Client, The Pelican Brief, The Firm, and A Time to Kill. Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc.All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>New Grisham Novel <em>The Street Lawyer</em> is Biggest Amazon.com Pre-Order of All Time</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (February 4, 1998)-- To celebrate the highly anticipated release of John Grisham's powerful new legal thriller, <em>The Street Lawyer</em>, the leading online bookseller, Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), will give away a full year of tuition to law school or the cash equivalent of $25,000. The new Grisham novel has made history at Earth's Biggest Bookstore. It is now Amazon.com's most popular preordered title of all time. In addition, Amazon.com will offer the book at a 40 percent discount through 9:00 p.m. PST Thursday, February 5.</p><p>The <em>Street Lawyer</em> Contest coincides with the book's North American release and launches on Amazon.com's Web site (www.amazon.com) on Wednesday, February 4. Visitors to the contest site can enter to win a year's tuition at law school or the cash equivalent of $25,000. The contest will run through 6:00 p.m. PST Monday, March 16. One winner will be contacted via e-mail by Wednesday, April 8.</p><p>Signing up months in advance, Amazon.com customers preordered the new Grisham blockbuster for shipment immediately upon the book's publication date. <em>The Street Lawye</em>r has been a bestseller for six weeks on Amazon.com's "Tomorrow's Bestsellers" list, which tracks the top 25 not-yet-published books pre-purchased by Amazon.com customers, and has been the number one bestseller on the same list for the past two weeks.</p><p>"The pre-release purchasing from Amazon.com of Grisham's latest novel perfectly illustrates one of the key advantages of online book buying," said Jeff Bezos Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Our customers value the convenience and ease with which they can have a book shipped to them on the same day of publication without having to leave their computer."</p><p>Amazon.com is also featuring the first chapter of <em>The Street Lawyer</em> on their Web site and offers all of Grisham's previous novels at everyday low prices, they include: <em>The Partner</em>, <em>Runaway Jury</em>, <em>The Rainmaker</em>, <em>The Clien</em>t, <em>The Pelican Brief</em>, <em>The Firm</em>, and <em>A Time to Kill</em>.</p><p>Amazon.com Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, the @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-Click^SM technology.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com Inc.All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Hits the Heart with Valentine's Day Temptations

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Hits-the-Heart-with-Valentines-Day-Temptations/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Hits-the-Heart-with-Valentines-Day-Temptations

01/22/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Hits the Heart with Valentine's Day Temptations

01/22/1998

1998

Amazon.com Gift Center Celebrates Love, Poetry, and the Art of Romance SEATTLE, WA (January 22, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, (Nasdaq: AMZN) hits the heart for Valentine's Day with a banquet of literary temptations. Passionate about providing great gift ideas for every occasion, the leading online bookseller is celebrating love, poetry, and the art of romance in the Amazon.com Gift Center. Featuring 12 new love-related categories for every type and stage of relationship, the Amazon.com Gift Center is the perfect one-stop online shopping solution for even the most hopeless romantics this Valentine's Day. "Poetry," "Romantic Getaways," "Sensuous Sizzlers," "Quirky Love Stories," "Humor" are just a few of the categories from which customers can choose. Book lovers can take advantage of Amazon.com's recommendation services-including thousands of gift recommendations from Amazon.com's editors, dynamic personalized gift-matching services, and gift certificates. "Valentine's Day is all about love, and at Amazon.com, we love books," said Rick Ayre, Amazon.com Vice President and Executive Editor. "To help lovers everywhere, we present our most passionate poetry, journals, essays, and novels in our new Valentine's Day Gift Center. Whether you need a gift for your best friend, your Mom, a new love, or your lifelong partner, you'll find something for everyone at Amazon.com." A list of Amazon.com's editors' favorite picks for Valentine's Day include: 100 Love Sonnets by Pablo Neruda (Poetry) The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje (Classic Love Stories) The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken (Quirky Love Stories) Le Divorce by Diane Johnson (Humor) Friends for the Journey by Madeleine L'Engle and Luci Shaw (Gifts for Friends & Family) Not Everyday an Aurora Borealis for Your Birthday by Carl Sandburg (For the Young at Heart) Dance to the End of Love by Leonard Cohen and Henri Matisse (Love in Pictures) Exotic Massage for Lovers by Timothy Freke (Pamper Your Love) Frommer's Caribbean Hideaways by Ian McKeown (Romantic Getaways Mars and Venus in the Bedroom by John Gray (Sensuous Sizzlers) Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch (Lifelong Love) A Gardener's Journal by Penelope Hobhouse (Journal) The Amazon.com Gift Center also features everyday gift ideas, including a list of the most-wanted gift books, small treasures, coffee-table books, gifts for new parents, gifts for the person who has everything, and literary classics for every bookshelf. Books can be gift-wrapped and shipped directly to the recipient. Amazon.com also offers e-mail and traditional paper gift certificates. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1- ClickSM technology. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.

<p>Amazon.com Gift Center Celebrates Love, Poetry, and the Art of Romance</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (January 22, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, (Nasdaq: AMZN) hits the heart for Valentine's Day with a banquet of literary temptations. Passionate about providing great gift ideas for every occasion, the leading online bookseller is celebrating love, poetry, and the art of romance in the Amazon.com Gift Center.</p><p>Featuring 12 new love-related categories for every type and stage of relationship, the Amazon.com Gift Center is the perfect one-stop online shopping solution for even the most hopeless romantics this Valentine's Day. "Poetry," "Romantic Getaways," "Sensuous Sizzlers," "Quirky Love Stories," "Humor" are just a few of the categories from which customers can choose. Book lovers can take advantage of Amazon.com's recommendation services-including thousands of gift recommendations from Amazon.com's editors, dynamic personalized gift-matching services, and gift certificates.</p><p>"Valentine's Day is all about love, and at Amazon.com, we love books," said Rick Ayre, Amazon.com Vice President and Executive Editor. "To help lovers everywhere, we present our most passionate poetry, journals, essays, and novels in our new Valentine's Day Gift Center. Whether you need a gift for your best friend, your Mom, a new love, or your lifelong partner, you'll find something for everyone at Amazon.com." A list of Amazon.com's editors' favorite picks for Valentine's Day include:</p><ul><li><em>100 Love Sonnets</em> by Pablo Neruda (Poetry)</li><li><em>The English Patient</em> by Michael Ondaatje (Classic Love Stories)</li><li><em>The Giant's House</em> by Elizabeth McCracken (Quirky Love Stories)</li><li><em>Le Divorce</em> by Diane Johnson (Humor)</li><li><em>Friends for the Journey</em> by Madeleine L'Engle and Luci Shaw (Gifts for Friends &amp; Family)</li><li><em>Not Everyday an Aurora Borealis for Your Birthday</em> by Carl Sandburg (For the Young at Heart)</li><li><em>Dance to the End of Love</em> by Leonard Cohen and Henri Matisse (Love in Pictures)</li><li><em>Exotic Massage for Lovers</em> by Timothy Freke (Pamper Your Love)</li><li><em>Frommer's Caribbean Hideaways</em> by Ian McKeown (Romantic Getaways</li><li><em>Mars and Venus in the Bedroom</em> by John Gray (Sensuous Sizzlers)</li><li><em>Passionate Marriag</em>e by David Schnarch (Lifelong Love)</li><li><em>A Gardener's Journal</em> by Penelope Hobhouse (Journal)</li></ul><p>The Amazon.com Gift Center also features everyday gift ideas, including a list of the most-wanted gift books, small treasures, coffee-table books, gifts for new parents, gifts for the person who has everything, and literary classics for every bookshelf. Books can be gift-wrapped and shipped directly to the recipient. Amazon.com also offers e-mail and traditional paper gift certificates.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1- Click^SM technology.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and 1997 Year End

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Fourth-Quarter-and-1997-Year-End/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Fourth-Quarter-and-1997-Year-End

01/22/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and 1997 Year End

01/22/1998

1998

Net Sales Increase 74 Percent Over Third Quarter SEATTLE, Wa (January 22, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter of 1997 and for the fiscal year. Net sales for the fourth quarter were $66.0 million, a 74 percent increase over net sales of $37.9 million reported for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997.  Net sales increased 680 percent over net sales of $8.5 million reported for the fourth quarter of 1996.  Net loss for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1997 was $9.3 million, or $0.41 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended September 30, 1997 of $8.5 million, or $0.37 per share.  The company reported a net loss of $2.3 million or $0.12 per share in the quarter ended December 31, 1996. Net sales for fiscal 1997 were $147.8 million, an 838 percent increase over net sales of $15.7 million reported for fiscal 1996.  Net loss for fiscal 1997 was $27.6 million, or $1.27 per share, compared with a net loss in fiscal 1996 of $5.8 million, or $0.31 per share. Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to over 1,510,000 at December 31, 1997, an increase of 61 percent from 940,000 customer accounts at the end of September 1997 and 739 percent from 180,000 customer accounts at December 31, 1996.  Repeat customer orders represented more than 58 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended December 31, 1997. During the quarter, Amazon.com continued to demonstrate its leadership in the online commerce arena.  Audience reach increased dramatically during the quarter, according to Media Metrix: The PC Meter Company.  December saw Amazon.com moving to number 22 in rank among all Internet sites for household users, and number 16 among all Internet sites for business users.  Among household users, Amazon.com's reach rose to 6.3 percent in December, from 4.2 percent in September and 3.2 percent in June.  Among business users, Amazon.com's reach rose to 8.8 percent in December, from 6.1 percent in September.  Amazon.com's growing audience reach was also measured by Relevant Knowledge, which ranked Amazon.com number  18 among all Internet sites in December, with an estimated 2.0 million unique visitors during the month, up from number 25 in October. "The 1997 holiday season demonstrated increased acceptance of online commerce, which drove our exceptional growth in sales and customers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com president and chief executive officer.  "Serving so many of our customers' holiday shopping needs capped a year of significant progress for Amazon.com. We solidified and extended our leadership position in this rapidly evolving market, significantly improved our product and service offering, and increased our cash and investment balances by nearly $120 million. We intend to continue to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing our product and service offerings, expanding the range of products we offer to our customers and broadening our distribution relationships with the goal of maintaining and continuing to extend our leadership position." During the quarter, Amazon.com opened its new 200,000 square foot distribution center in Delaware and completed the previously announced 70 percent expansion of its Seattle distribution center. These moves complete the company's planned expansion of its distribution center capacity to nearly six times previous floor space, enable the company to stock hundreds of thousands of titles and can support substantial future growth. Such expanded inventory will enable Amazon.com to increase the portion of books shipped same-day and broaden its direct-from-publisher buying programs. Establishing distribution centers on both coasts has already reduced shipping times for Amazon.com customers. In November, Amazon.com introduced an innovative Gift Center to make gift giving fast and easy and to augment its powerful recommendation services. The Gift Center includes thousands of recommendations and a Gift Ideas for Kids feature that offers tailored gift ideas for children and young adults by age range. In addition, the company introduced gift certificates, including electronic gift certificates that can be delivered by e-mail. Amazon.com continued to extend its distribution relationships during the quarter, and ended the quarter with premier or exclusive relationships with the top three and five of the top six Internet sites, according to Media Metrix. During the quarter, GeoCities named Amazon.com its exclusive bookseller, providing placement throughout its themed communities and anchor tenant presence in the GeoCities Marketplace. In addition, Amazon.com became the premier bookseller on the @Home Network's shopping service, book directories and search pages, and Netscape made Amazon.com the exclusive bookseller in the recently launched Marketplace section of Netscape Netcenter. The company continued to add members to its Associates program, and ended the year with more than 28,000 registered Associate program members. In December, Amazon.com substantially increased its cash and investment balances by completing a $75 million three-year credit facility. The fully funded facility provides the company with increased flexibility to pursue its long-term strategic objectives. Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, GeoCities, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners. AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands except per share amounts) Quarter Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1997 1996 Net sales $66,011 $8,468 $147,758 $15,746 Cost of sales 53,119 6,577 118,945 12,287 Gross profit 12,892 1,891 28,813 3,459 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 16,306 2,938 38,964 6,090 Product development 4,520 901 12,485 2,313 General and administrative 1,920 447 6,573 1,035 Total operating expenses 22,746 4,286 58,022 9,438 Loss from operations (9,854) (2,395) (29,209) (5,979) Interest income 517 96 1,619 202 Net loss $(9,337) $(2,299) $(27,590) $(5,777) Net loss per share $(0.41) $(0.12) $(1.27) $(0.31) Shares used in computation of net loss per share 23,021 19,085 21,651 18,544 AMAZON.COM, INC.Balance SheetsIn thousands except share data(preliminary pending completion of audit) Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $109,810 $6,248 Short-term investments 15,256 - Inventories 8,971 571 Prepaid expenses and other 3,298 321 Total current assets 137,335 7,140 Equipment, net 9,265 985 Deposits 166 146 Deferred charges 2,240 - Total assets $149,006 $8,271 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $32,697 $2,852 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 3,454 598 Accrued product development - 500 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 7,667 920 Total current liabilites 43,818 4,870 Long-term debt 76,521 - Long-term leas obligations 181 - Stockholder's Equity: Preferred stock Preferred stock, $0.01 per value - Authorized, 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, none and 569,396 shares, respectively - 6 Common stock, $0.01 per value - Authorized, 100,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, 23,937,169 and 15,900,229 shares, respectively 239 159 Additional paid-in capital 63,792 9,873 Deferred compensation (1,930) (612) Accumulated deficit (33,615) (6,025) Total stockholders' equity 28,486 3,401 Total liabilities & stockholders' equity $149,006 $8,271 * Because of new requirements issued in 1998 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for companies that recently completed an initial public offering and new interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the initial application of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, Earnings per Share, the number of shares used to calculate net loss per share was revised as of March 30, 1998 when the company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Share counts and net loss per share shown are revised figures.

<p>Net Sales Increase 74 Percent Over Third Quarter</p><p>SEATTLE, Wa (January 22, 1998)-- Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter of 1997 and for the fiscal year.</p><p>Net sales for the fourth quarter were $66.0 million, a 74 percent increase over net sales of $37.9 million reported for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997.  Net sales increased 680 percent over net sales of $8.5 million reported for the fourth quarter of 1996.  Net loss for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1997 was $9.3 million, or $0.41 per share, compared with a net loss in the quarter ended September 30, 1997 of $8.5 million, or $0.37 per share.  The company reported a net loss of $2.3 million or $0.12 per share in the quarter ended December 31, 1996.</p><p>Net sales for fiscal 1997 were $147.8 million, an 838 percent increase over net sales of $15.7 million reported for fiscal 1996.  Net loss for fiscal 1997 was $27.6 million, or $1.27 per share, compared with a net loss in fiscal 1996 of $5.8 million, or $0.31 per share.</p><p>Amazon.com also announced that cumulative customer accounts grew to over 1,510,000 at December 31, 1997, an increase of 61 percent from 940,000 customer accounts at the end of September 1997 and 739 percent from 180,000 customer accounts at December 31, 1996.  Repeat customer orders represented more than 58 percent of orders placed during the quarter ended December 31, 1997.</p><p>During the quarter, Amazon.com continued to demonstrate its leadership in the online commerce arena.  Audience reach increased dramatically during the quarter, according to Media Metrix: The PC Meter Company.  December saw Amazon.com moving to number 22 in rank among all Internet sites for household users, and number 16 among all Internet sites for business users.  Among household users, Amazon.com's reach rose to 6.3 percent in December, from 4.2 percent in September and 3.2 percent in June.  Among business users, Amazon.com's reach rose to 8.8 percent in December, from 6.1 percent in September.  Amazon.com's growing audience reach was also measured by Relevant Knowledge, which ranked Amazon.com number  18 among all Internet sites in December, with an estimated 2.0 million unique visitors during the month, up from number 25 in October.</p><p>"The 1997 holiday season demonstrated increased acceptance of online commerce, which drove our exceptional growth in sales and customers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com president and chief executive officer.  "Serving so many of our customers' holiday shopping needs capped a year of significant progress for Amazon.com. We solidified and extended our leadership position in this rapidly evolving market, significantly improved our product and service offering, and increased our cash and investment balances by nearly $120 million. We intend to continue to invest aggressively in building our business and brand, enhancing our product and service offerings, expanding the range of products we offer to our customers and broadening our distribution relationships with the goal of maintaining and continuing to extend our leadership position."</p><p>During the quarter, Amazon.com opened its new 200,000 square foot distribution center in Delaware and completed the previously announced 70 percent expansion of its Seattle distribution center. These moves complete the company's planned expansion of its distribution center capacity to nearly six times previous floor space, enable the company to stock hundreds of thousands of titles and can support substantial future growth. Such expanded inventory will enable Amazon.com to increase the portion of books shipped same-day and broaden its direct-from-publisher buying programs. Establishing distribution centers on both coasts has already reduced shipping times for Amazon.com customers.</p><p>In November, Amazon.com introduced an innovative Gift Center to make gift giving fast and easy and to augment its powerful recommendation services. The Gift Center includes thousands of recommendations and a Gift Ideas for Kids feature that offers tailored gift ideas for children and young adults by age range. In addition, the company introduced gift certificates, including electronic gift certificates that can be delivered by e-mail.</p><p>Amazon.com continued to extend its distribution relationships during the quarter, and ended the quarter with premier or exclusive relationships with the top three and five of the top six Internet sites, according to Media Metrix. During the quarter, GeoCities named Amazon.com its exclusive bookseller, providing placement throughout its themed communities and anchor tenant presence in the GeoCities Marketplace. In addition, Amazon.com became the premier bookseller on the @Home Network's shopping service, book directories and search pages, and Netscape made Amazon.com the exclusive bookseller in the recently launched Marketplace section of Netscape Netcenter. The company continued to add members to its Associates program, and ended the year with more than 28,000 registered Associate program members.</p><p>In December, Amazon.com substantially increased its cash and investment balances by completing a $75 million three-year credit facility. The fully funded facility provides the company with increased flexibility to pursue its long-term strategic objectives.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite.com, GeoCities, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and can offer customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com, Earth's Biggest Bookstore, and 1-Click are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Statements of Operations*(in thousands except per share amounts)</p><pre> Quarter Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1997 1996 Net sales $66,011 $8,468 $147,758 $15,746Cost of sales 53,119 6,577 118,945 12,287 Gross profit 12,892 1,891 28,813 3,459 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 16,306 2,938 38,964 6,090 Product development 4,520 901 12,485 2,313 General and administrative 1,920 447 6,573 1,035 Total operating expenses 22,746 4,286 58,022 9,438 Loss from operations (9,854) (2,395) (29,209) (5,979)Interest income 517 96 1,619 202 Net loss $(9,337) $(2,299) $(27,590) $(5,777)Net loss per share $(0.41) $(0.12) $(1.27) $(0.31) Shares used in computation of net loss per share 23,021 19,085 21,651 18,544 </pre><p>AMAZON.COM, INC.Balance SheetsIn thousands except share data(preliminary pending completion of audit)</p><pre> Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 ASSETSCurrent Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $109,810 $6,248 Short-term investments 15,256 - Inventories 8,971 571 Prepaid expenses and other 3,298 321 Total current assets 137,335 7,140 Equipment, net 9,265 985Deposits 166 146 Deferred charges 2,240 - Total assets $149,006 $8,271 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $32,697 $2,852 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 3,454 598 Accrued product development - 500 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 7,667 920 Total current liabilites 43,818 4,870Long-term debt 76,521 -Long-term leas obligations 181 -Stockholder's Equity: Preferred stock Preferred stock, $0.01 per value - Authorized, 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, none and 569,396 shares, respectively - 6 Common stock, $0.01 per value - Authorized, 100,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding, 23,937,169 and 15,900,229 shares, respectively 239 159 Additional paid-in capital 63,792 9,873 Deferred compensation (1,930) (612) Accumulated deficit (33,615) (6,025) Total stockholders' equity 28,486 3,401 Total liabilities &amp; stockholders' equity $149,006 $8,271 </pre><p>* Because of new requirements issued in 1998 by the Securities and Exchange Commission for companies that recently completed an initial public offering and new interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the initial application of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, <em>Earnings per Share</em>, the number of shares used to calculate net loss per share was revised as of March 30, 1998 when the company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Share counts and net loss per share shown are revised figures.</p>

Amazon.com Announces 1997 Bestseller List

/news/news-details/1998/Amazon.com-Announces-1997-Bestseller-List/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-1997-Bestseller-List

01/14/1998 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces 1997 Bestseller List

01/14/1998

1998

Amazon.com Editors Pick the Best Books of 1997 SEATTLE, WA (January 14, 1998)-- Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore and the leading online bookseller, today announced its 40 best-selling books for 1997. Capturing the diversity of Amazon.com's (www.amazon.com) more than one million unique customers, the 1997 bestseller list includes a broad range of titles, from national bestsellers to lesser-known special interest books. For the first time, Amazon.com's team of in-house editors has announced their picks for the best books of 1997. The top 10 bestsellers and Editors' Picks are listed below: Bestsellers for 1997 Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt Creating Killer Web Sites: The Art of Third-Generation Site Design by David S. Siegel Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative by Edward R. Tufte The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward R. Tufte Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy A complete list of Amazon.com's top 40 bestsellers of 1997 can be viewed at www.amazon.com/bestsellers-of-1997 Editors' Picks for 1997 Underworld by Don DeLillo Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer Straight Man by Richard Russo Perfect Agreement by Michael Downing The Bookshop: A Novel by Penelope Fitzgerald Naked by David Sedaris The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin The Club Dumas by Arturo Perez-Reverte The Springs of Affection: Stories of Dublin by Maeve Brennan A complete list of the 18 books selected as Amazon.com's Editors' Picks of 1997 can be viewed at www.amazon.com/editors-pick-list Looking at the 1997 bestseller list, Amazon.com senior vice president David Risher noted significant changes in book buying at Amazon.com during the past year. "Our top-selling title in 1996 was David S. Siegel's Creating Killer Web Sites. In 1997, our number-one bestseller was Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air, an anguishing personal account of an ill-fated Mount Everest expedition. I can think of no better illustration of the changes in Internet shopping over the past year. With our catalog of 2.5 million titles and thousands of expert reviews, author interviews, and customer comments, Amazon.com is thrilled to have introduced more than a million customers to books they love." Wrapping up the "Best of '97" Amazon.com editors also featured the following: Most Honored Books--Amazon.com's editors' favorite award-winning titles Most Controversial Books--the year's most talked-about titles Authors' Picks--some of Amazon.com's favorite authors share their favorite books for the year Top News Stories--books that delve deeper into the issues behind the news Sad Farewells--books to remember 30 remarkable people who passed away in 1997 Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1- ClickSM technology. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.

<p>Amazon.com Editors Pick the Best Books of 1997</p><p>SEATTLE, WA (January 14, 1998)-- Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), Earth's Biggest Bookstore and the leading online bookseller, today announced its 40 best-selling books for 1997. Capturing the diversity of Amazon.com's (www.amazon.com) more than one million unique customers, the 1997 bestseller list includes a broad range of titles, from national bestsellers to lesser-known special interest books. For the first time, Amazon.com's team of in-house editors has announced their picks for the best books of 1997. The top 10 bestsellers and Editors' Picks are listed below:</p><p>Bestsellers for 1997</p><ol><li><em>Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster</em> by Jon Krakauer</li><li><em>Cold Mountain</em> by Charles Frazier</li><li><em>The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea</em> by Sebastian Junger</li><li><em>Angela's Ashes: A Memoir</em> by Frank McCourt</li><li><em>Creating Killer Web Sites: The Art of Third-Generation Site Design</em> by David S. Siegel</li><li><em>Songs in Ordinary Time</em> by Mary McGarry Morris</li><li><em>Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative</em> by Edward R. Tufte</li><li><em>The Visual Display of Quantitative Informatio</em>n by Edward R. Tufte</li><li><em>Stones from the River</em> by Ursula Hegi</li><li><em>The God of Small Things</em> by Arundhati Roy</li></ol><p>A complete list of Amazon.com's top 40 bestsellers of 1997 can be viewed at www.amazon.com/bestsellers-of-1997</p><p>Editors' Picks for 1997</p><ol><li><em>Underworld</em> by Don DeLillo</li><li><em>Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaste</em>r by Jon Krakauer</li><li><em>Straight Man</em> by Richard Russo</li><li><em>Perfect Agreemen</em>t by Michael Downing</li><li><em>The Bookshop: A Nove</em>l by Penelope Fitzgerald</li><li><em>Naked</em> by David Sedaris</li><li><em>The God of Small Things</em> by Arundhati Roy</li><li><em>Jane Austen: A Life</em> by Claire Tomalin</li><li><em>The Club Dumas</em> by Arturo Perez-Reverte</li><li><em>The Springs of Affection: Stories of Dublin</em> by Maeve Brennan</li></ol><p>A complete list of the 18 books selected as Amazon.com's Editors' Picks of 1997 can be viewed at www.amazon.com/editors-pick-list</p><p>Looking at the 1997 bestseller list, Amazon.com senior vice president David Risher noted significant changes in book buying at Amazon.com during the past year. "Our top-selling title in 1996 was David S. Siegel's <em>Creating Killer Web Sites</em>. In 1997, our number-one bestseller was Jon Krakauer's <em>Into Thin Air</em>, an anguishing personal account of an ill-fated Mount Everest expedition. I can think of no better illustration of the changes in Internet shopping over the past year. With our catalog of 2.5 million titles and thousands of expert reviews, author interviews, and customer comments, Amazon.com is thrilled to have introduced more than a million customers to books they love."</p><p>Wrapping up the "Best of '97" Amazon.com editors also featured the following:</p><ul><li>Most Honored Books--Amazon.com's editors' favorite award-winning titles</li><li>Most Controversial Books--the year's most talked-about titles</li><li>Authors' Picks--some of Amazon.com's favorite authors share their favorite books for the year</li><li>Top News Stories--books that delve deeper into the issues behind the news</li><li>Sad Farewells--books to remember 30 remarkable people who passed away in 1997</li></ul><p>Amazon.com, Inc., Earth's Biggest Bookstore, is the leading online retailer of books and is the premier bookseller on AOL.com, Yahoo!, Netscape, Excite, the AltaVista Search Service, @Home Network, and the Prodigy Shopping Network. Amazon.com offers a catalog of 2.5 million titles, easy-to-use search and browse features, e-mail services, personalized shopping services, secure Web-based credit card payment, and direct shipping to customers. Amazon.com has virtually unlimited online shelf space and offers customers a vast selection through an efficient search-and-retrieval interface, as well as streamlined ordering through 1- ClickSM technology.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from predicted results. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, the unpredictability of its future revenues, and risks associated with capacity constraints and management of growth. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in the company's final prospectus, dated May 15, 1997, as well as the company's Form 10Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1997, both filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.</p><p>Amazon.com and Earth's Biggest Bookstore are service marks of Amazon.com, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>Amazon.com is headquartered at 1516 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. Internet address: http://www.amazon.com. Telephone: (206) 622-2335.</p>

Amazon.com and Sprint First to Offer Internet Shopping on Wireless Phones

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-and-Sprint-First-to-Offer-Internet-Shopping-on-Wireless-Phones/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Sprint-First-to-Offer-Internet-Shopping-on-Wireless-Phones

12/08/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Sprint First to Offer Internet Shopping on Wireless Phones

12/08/1999

1999

Sprint PCS Wireless Web and Amazon.com Customers Can Now Do Their Holiday Shopping Online From Wireless Phones SEATTLE and KANSAS CITY, MO-December 8, 1999-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Sprint PCS (NYSE: PCS), the nation's largest 100-percent digital, 100-percent PCS nationwide wireless network, today announced the availability of online shopping at Amazon.com from Internet-ready Sprint PCS Phones. For the first time ever in the United States, two-way transactional electronic commerce services are now available for Sprint PCS and Amazon.com customers to utilize for shopping easily and conveniently on the Internet via their Sprint PCS Phones. "We want shopping to be the easiest thing our customers do this holiday season," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Our Amazon.com Anywhere initiative continues to expand how our customers find, discover, and buy anything online-at any time, from anywhere." "For the first time ever, shopping from your wireless phone…we're excited to join Amazon.com to be the first wireless provider to offer online shopping via the Sprint PCS Wireless Web to our customers nationwide," said Andrew Sukawaty, Sprint PCS president. "Our customers are already using the Sprint PCS Wireless Web to access their stock portfolios, check the news, or see if a flight is on time, virtually anytime, anywhere, nationwide. With today's announcement, we bring our customers the nation's leading online shopping destination to the palm of their hand." According to a Yankee Group assessment, there were an estimated 220 million worldwide digital wireless-phone subscribers last year, and 150 million Internet users. In five years, there will be more than a half-billion Internet accounts and roughly 1 billion digital wireless-phone subscriptions. Internet-enabled "Smart Phones" are expected to have 48 million users worldwide by 2002 and 204 million by 2005. By using any Internet-ready Sprint PCS Phone, customers can shop online by selecting Amazon.com from the phone's MiniBrowser menu. Registered Amazon.com customers are ready to purchase any items sold directly by Amazon.com, including music, DVDs, videos, books, toys, video games, software, home-improvement items, and consumer electronics, while on the Sprint PCS Wireless Web. Customers can also open accounts with Amazon.com directly from their Sprint PCS Internet-ready Phones and start shopping from anywhere at anytime. To make wireless shopping more convenient, Amazon.com Anywhere has expanded the number of wireless features for Sprint PCS customers. Starting today, Sprint PCS customers can take advantage of Amazon.com's popular Gift-Click and Personal Recommendations features, and can access Best Seller lists. With the Gift-Click feature, Sprint PCS Wireless Web customers will be able to buy and send gifts by simply entering the recipient's e-mail address on their wireless phone. Amazon.com will handle all the details including contacting the recipient to arrange delivery. Other wireless shopping features include the ability to search for specific products, compare prices or check on orders. Amazon.com Anywhere is a broad expansion of services that allows customers to access Earth's Biggest Selection from many wireless devices. Sprint PCS Internet-ready Phones are the first wireless phones to enable customers nationwide to shop wirelessly at Amazon.com. Amazon.com collaborated with Phone.com (NASDAQ: PHCM), a leader in Wireless Application Protocol Forum (WAPF) technology, on developing the application for display on a wireless phone. Sprint PCS launched its Sprint PCS Wireless Web service in late September, offering customers a suite of simple, user-friendly wireless data products and services. By using Internet-ready Sprint PCS Phones, customers can now shop, trade stocks online, browse select Internet-based content in real time, receive automatic personalized news features, weather, stock quotes, and e-mail updates, and connect to the Internet or corporate Intranet by using their Sprint PCS Phone in place of a modem. The Sprint PCS Wireless Web is available anytime, anywhere on the Sprint PCS 100-percent digital, 100-percent PCS nationwide wireless network. The Sprint PCS Wireless Web can be added to any Sprint PCS Service Plan $29.99 and higher for an additional $9.99 per month. Sprint PCS customers who choose not to select a Wireless Web Service Plan can still access the service for a default rate of $.39 per minute. There is no extra service charge to access an Amazon.com account while on the Sprint PCS Wireless Web. Details are available at www.amazon.com/anywhere; www.sprintpcs.com; or at any Sprint Store, RadioShack store, or other retailers in the Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com; and ashford.com, the leading Internet retailer of luxury and premium products, at www.ashford.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999. About Sprint PCS Sprint PCS operates the largest 100 percent digital, 100 percent PCS nationwide wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities and communities across the country. Sprint PCS has licensed PCS coverage of nearly 270 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit the Sprint PCS web site at http://www.sprintpcs.com. Sprint is a wholly-owned tracking group of Sprint Corporation, trading on NYSE under the symbol "PCS." Sprint PCS is a global communications company at the forefront of integrating long distance, local and wireless communications services and of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint built and operates the United States' only nationwide all-digital, fiber optic network and is a leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $17 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 20 million business and residential customers.

<p>Sprint PCS Wireless Web and Amazon.com Customers Can Now Do Their Holiday Shopping Online From Wireless Phones</p><p>SEATTLE and KANSAS CITY, MO-December 8, 1999-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Sprint PCS (NYSE: PCS), the nation's largest 100-percent digital, 100-percent PCS nationwide wireless network, today announced the availability of online shopping at Amazon.com from Internet-ready Sprint PCS Phones. For the first time ever in the United States, two-way transactional electronic commerce services are now available for Sprint PCS and Amazon.com customers to utilize for shopping easily and conveniently on the Internet via their Sprint PCS Phones.</p><p>"We want shopping to be the easiest thing our customers do this holiday season," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Our Amazon.com Anywhere initiative continues to expand how our customers find, discover, and buy anything online-at any time, from anywhere."</p><p>"For the first time ever, shopping from your wireless phone…we're excited to join Amazon.com to be the first wireless provider to offer online shopping via the Sprint PCS Wireless Web to our customers nationwide," said Andrew Sukawaty, Sprint PCS president. "Our customers are already using the Sprint PCS Wireless Web to access their stock portfolios, check the news, or see if a flight is on time, virtually anytime, anywhere, nationwide. With today's announcement, we bring our customers the nation's leading online shopping destination to the palm of their hand."</p><p>According to a Yankee Group assessment, there were an estimated 220 million worldwide digital wireless-phone subscribers last year, and 150 million Internet users. In five years, there will be more than a half-billion Internet accounts and roughly 1 billion digital wireless-phone subscriptions. Internet-enabled "Smart Phones" are expected to have 48 million users worldwide by 2002 and 204 million by 2005.</p><p>By using any Internet-ready Sprint PCS Phone, customers can shop online by selecting Amazon.com from the phone's MiniBrowser menu. Registered Amazon.com customers are ready to purchase any items sold directly by Amazon.com, including music, DVDs, videos, books, toys, video games, software, home-improvement items, and consumer electronics, while on the Sprint PCS Wireless Web. Customers can also open accounts with Amazon.com directly from their Sprint PCS Internet-ready Phones and start shopping from anywhere at anytime.</p><p>To make wireless shopping more convenient, Amazon.com Anywhere has expanded the number of wireless features for Sprint PCS customers. Starting today, Sprint PCS customers can take advantage of Amazon.com's popular Gift-Click and Personal Recommendations features, and can access Best Seller lists. With the Gift-Click feature, Sprint PCS Wireless Web customers will be able to buy and send gifts by simply entering the recipient's e-mail address on their wireless phone. Amazon.com will handle all the details including contacting the recipient to arrange delivery. Other wireless shopping features include the ability to search for specific products, compare prices or check on orders.</p><p>Amazon.com Anywhere is a broad expansion of services that allows customers to access Earth's Biggest Selection from many wireless devices. Sprint PCS Internet-ready Phones are the first wireless phones to enable customers nationwide to shop wirelessly at Amazon.com. Amazon.com collaborated with Phone.com (NASDAQ: PHCM), a leader in Wireless Application Protocol Forum (WAPF) technology, on developing the application for display on a wireless phone.</p><p>Sprint PCS launched its Sprint PCS Wireless Web service in late September, offering customers a suite of simple, user-friendly wireless data products and services. By using Internet-ready Sprint PCS Phones, customers can now shop, trade stocks online, browse select Internet-based content in real time, receive automatic personalized news features, weather, stock quotes, and e-mail updates, and connect to the Internet or corporate Intranet by using their Sprint PCS Phone in place of a modem. The Sprint PCS Wireless Web is available anytime, anywhere on the Sprint PCS 100-percent digital, 100-percent PCS nationwide wireless network.</p><p>The Sprint PCS Wireless Web can be added to any Sprint PCS Service Plan $29.99 and higher for an additional $9.99 per month. Sprint PCS customers who choose not to select a Wireless Web Service Plan can still access the service for a default rate of $.39 per minute. There is no extra service charge to access an Amazon.com account while on the Sprint PCS Wireless Web. Details are available at www.amazon.com/anywhere; www.sprintpcs.com; or at any Sprint Store, RadioShack store, or other retailers in the Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com; and ashford.com, the leading Internet retailer of luxury and premium products, at www.ashford.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.</p><p>About Sprint PCS</p><p>Sprint PCS operates the largest 100 percent digital, 100 percent PCS nationwide wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities and communities across the country. Sprint PCS has licensed PCS coverage of nearly 270 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit the Sprint PCS web site at http://www.sprintpcs.com. Sprint is a wholly-owned tracking group of Sprint Corporation, trading on NYSE under the symbol "PCS."</p><p>Sprint PCS is a global communications company at the forefront of integrating long distance, local and wireless communications services and of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint built and operates the United States' only nationwide all-digital, fiber optic network and is a leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $17 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 20 million business and residential customers.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Amazon.com Toy Quest Winners

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Announces-Amazon.com-Toy-Quest-Winners/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Amazon.com-Toy-Quest-Winners

12/06/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Amazon.com Toy Quest Winners

12/06/1999

1999

All-Star Judges panel selects two grand prize winners from 40 inventors at festive New York celebration; winning toys will be manufactured and sold at Amazon.com Toys NEW YORK- (BUSINESS WIRE) - December 6, 1999 - Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) today announced that 7-year-old Nicky Englisis and 11-year-old Nadia Smith are the grand prize-winning toy inventors in the Amazon.com Toy Quest, which culminated this weekend with a celebration party in New York City. Both grand prize winning inventions will be manufactured and sold at Amazon.com Toys in the year 2000. Nicky is the winner from the 8 years and under category. He invented the My Favorite Friend doll - a doll whose face is a picture frame in which kids can put photographs of their friends. It comes with a disposable camera and one changeable outfit, among other accessories, and was created so that kids can always have their friends with them. Nadia is the winner from the 9 to 12 year old age group. Her toy, Mr. Itchy Pants, is a large, quirky character dressed in overalls with ants scurrying all over his body. When you press a button he dances and sings an upbeat song about the ants in his pants that are making him dance. In addition to having their toy inventions manufactured and sold at Amazon.com Toys, Nicky and Nadia will each receive a $10,000 college savings bond from Amazon.com. These inventors will also receive royalties from their toys' sales in the form of a college savings fund. Forty kid inventors came from across the country, from Florida to Alaska, to present their dream toy ideas to an all-star judges panel at the Amazon.com Toy Quest celebration. The judges selected one grand prize winner and one runner up each of two age categories. "Amazon.com Toy Quest celebrates kids, toys, and innovation - we were overwhelmed with the creativity and invention we saw from the finalists and in the thousands of entries we received," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "These kids are innovators for the 21st century." A distinguished judges panel evaluated all 40 inventions and selected the grand prize winners and runners up. The panel featured Bezos; Katarina Witt, world champion figure skater and two-time Olympic gold medallist; independent inventor Richard Levy, who has worked with major toy manufacturers such as Hasbro and Mattel and developed over 200 products including the Furby® - one of the most popular toys in recent years; Lonnie Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Research & Development and inventor of the Super Soaker®, which was the hottest selling toy in America in 1991 and 1992; and Thomas Edison Sloane, Jr., Thomas Edison's great grandson and expert in the development of talking toys. The Amazon.com Toy Quest runners up were 8-year-old Daniel Fremont, inventor of Robopet, and 11-year-old Megan Griffin, who created Karaoke Hair Care. Robopet is a small, green, cone-shaped robot that follows its owner around the house. He has camera eyes, squeeze sensors and a speaker mouth, and responds to voice and other sensory stimuli. Karaoke Hair Care is a combination hairbrush and microphone that plays music, so that kids can sing and brush their hair simultaneously. Each of these inventors will receive a $2,000 college savings bond from Amazon.com. All 40 finalists and their inventions can soon be found at www.amazon.com/toyquest. All 40 finalists and their inventions will also be featured as electronic greeting cards at Amazon.com's e-cards site (www.amazon.com/cards). Nicky Englisis is from Morganville, New Jersey; Nadia Smith is from Voorhees, New Jersey; Daniel Fremont is from Palo Alto, California; and Megan Griffin is from Englewood, Colorado. A Celebration of Kids and their Creativity The 40 finalists and their families came from all over the country to participate in the Amazon.com Toy Quest extravaganza - a magical event celebrating kids and their innovation and creativity on Saturday, December 4. Each inventor brought a hand-made model of his or her toy invention to share with the judges and made a presentation to the judges describing the toy. Winners and runners up were announced during a festive awards ceremony at the event, during which all 40 finalists received an award and special recognition for their creativity and hard work. The Amazon.com Toy Quest celebration was also filled with a variety of games, entertainment and activities. The finalists, their families and the judges participated in everything from carnival games to flinging themselves against a giant Velcro wall to rolling down the lane in human bowling. Additional Background Amazon.com Toy Quest was conceived to encourage kids' creativity and imaginations, and reinforce the importance of education. Amazon.com launched Toy Quest in early October, issuing a nationwide invitation to kids 12 and under to design and create their dream toy. Children were asked to send a 200-word description of their toy invention, along with a drawing, to Amazon.com. Twenty finalists were selected from each of two age categories - 8 years and under and 9 to 12 years. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.

<p>All-Star Judges panel selects two grand prize winners from 40 inventors at festive New York celebration; winning toys will be manufactured and sold at Amazon.com Toys</p><p>NEW YORK- (BUSINESS WIRE) - December 6, 1999 - Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) today announced that 7-year-old Nicky Englisis and 11-year-old Nadia Smith are the grand prize-winning toy inventors in the Amazon.com Toy Quest, which culminated this weekend with a celebration party in New York City. Both grand prize winning inventions will be manufactured and sold at Amazon.com Toys in the year 2000.</p><p>Nicky is the winner from the 8 years and under category. He invented the My Favorite Friend doll - a doll whose face is a picture frame in which kids can put photographs of their friends. It comes with a disposable camera and one changeable outfit, among other accessories, and was created so that kids can always have their friends with them.</p><p>Nadia is the winner from the 9 to 12 year old age group. Her toy, Mr. Itchy Pants, is a large, quirky character dressed in overalls with ants scurrying all over his body. When you press a button he dances and sings an upbeat song about the ants in his pants that are making him dance.</p><p>In addition to having their toy inventions manufactured and sold at Amazon.com Toys, Nicky and Nadia will each receive a $10,000 college savings bond from Amazon.com. These inventors will also receive royalties from their toys' sales in the form of a college savings fund.</p><p>Forty kid inventors came from across the country, from Florida to Alaska, to present their dream toy ideas to an all-star judges panel at the Amazon.com Toy Quest celebration. The judges selected one grand prize winner and one runner up each of two age categories.</p><p>"Amazon.com Toy Quest celebrates kids, toys, and innovation - we were overwhelmed with the creativity and invention we saw from the finalists and in the thousands of entries we received," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "These kids are innovators for the 21st century."</p><p>A distinguished judges panel evaluated all 40 inventions and selected the grand prize winners and runners up. The panel featured Bezos; Katarina Witt, world champion figure skater and two-time Olympic gold medallist; independent inventor Richard Levy, who has worked with major toy manufacturers such as Hasbro and Mattel and developed over 200 products including the Furby® - one of the most popular toys in recent years; Lonnie Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Research &amp; Development and inventor of the Super Soaker®, which was the hottest selling toy in America in 1991 and 1992; and Thomas Edison Sloane, Jr., Thomas Edison's great grandson and expert in the development of talking toys.</p><p>The Amazon.com Toy Quest runners up were 8-year-old Daniel Fremont, inventor of Robopet, and 11-year-old Megan Griffin, who created Karaoke Hair Care. Robopet is a small, green, cone-shaped robot that follows its owner around the house. He has camera eyes, squeeze sensors and a speaker mouth, and responds to voice and other sensory stimuli. Karaoke Hair Care is a combination hairbrush and microphone that plays music, so that kids can sing and brush their hair simultaneously. Each of these inventors will receive a $2,000 college savings bond from Amazon.com.</p><p>All 40 finalists and their inventions can soon be found at www.amazon.com/toyquest. All 40 finalists and their inventions will also be featured as electronic greeting cards at Amazon.com's e-cards site (www.amazon.com/cards).</p><p>Nicky Englisis is from Morganville, New Jersey; Nadia Smith is from Voorhees, New Jersey; Daniel Fremont is from Palo Alto, California; and Megan Griffin is from Englewood, Colorado.</p><p>A Celebration of Kids and their Creativity</p><p>The 40 finalists and their families came from all over the country to participate in the Amazon.com Toy Quest extravaganza - a magical event celebrating kids and their innovation and creativity on Saturday, December 4. Each inventor brought a hand-made model of his or her toy invention to share with the judges and made a presentation to the judges describing the toy.</p><p>Winners and runners up were announced during a festive awards ceremony at the event, during which all 40 finalists received an award and special recognition for their creativity and hard work.</p><p>The Amazon.com Toy Quest celebration was also filled with a variety of games, entertainment and activities. The finalists, their families and the judges participated in everything from carnival games to flinging themselves against a giant Velcro wall to rolling down the lane in human bowling.</p><p>Additional Background</p><p>Amazon.com Toy Quest was conceived to encourage kids' creativity and imaginations, and reinforce the importance of education. Amazon.com launched Toy Quest in early October, issuing a nationwide invitation to kids 12 and under to design and create their dream toy. Children were asked to send a 200-word description of their toy invention, along with a drawing, to Amazon.com. Twenty finalists were selected from each of two age categories - 8 years and under and 9 to 12 years.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.</p>

Federal District Judge Acts to Protect Amazon.com's Patented 1-Click(R) Technology; Bars Online Competitor from Infringing on It

/news/news-details/1999/Federal-District-Judge-Acts-to-Protect-Amazon.coms-Patented-1-ClickR-Technology-Bars-Online-Competitor-from-Infringing-on-It/default.aspx

Federal-District-Judge-Acts-to-Protect-Amazon.coms-Patented-1-ClickR-Technology-Bars-Online-Competitor-from-Infringing-on-It

12/02/1999 00:00:00

Federal District Judge Acts to Protect Amazon.com's Patented 1-Click(R) Technology; Bars Online Competitor from Infringing on It

12/02/1999

1999

SEATTLE--Dec. 2, 1999--A federal district judge has granted leading online retailer Amazon.com a preliminary injunction protecting its patented 1-Click(R) technology and barring an online competitor from copying it. U.S. District Court Judge Marsha J. Pechman's preliminary injunction, issued late Wednesday, bars barnesandnoble.com from using its copycat version of 1-Click(R) technology while the lawsuit is pending. Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) filed suit Oct. 20, saying the defendant had illegally copied Amazon.com's innovative, patented 1-Click(R) technology, which makes online shopping as easy as a click of the mouse button. First made available to Amazon.com customers in September 1997, the 1-Click(R) feature securely stores billing and shipping information so that returning customers need only click their mouse once, without re-entering or re-confirming that information, to purchase selected items conveniently. In recognition of the innovative and unique nature of the 1-Click(R) technology, the U.S. Patent Office awarded Patent No. 5,960,411 to Amazon.com on September 28, 1999. "We're pleased that Judge Pechman recognized the innovation underlying our 1-Click feature," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "The patent system is designed to encourage innovation on behalf of customers, and in 1997, this was a significant step forward for online shoppers that required thousands of hours of effort." About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risk of distribution center expansion, risks related to fourth quarter, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999 and September 30, 1999.

<p>SEATTLE--Dec. 2, 1999--A federal district judge has granted leading online retailer Amazon.com a preliminary injunction protecting its patented 1-Click(R) technology and barring an online competitor from copying it.</p><p>U.S. District Court Judge Marsha J. Pechman's preliminary injunction, issued late Wednesday, bars barnesandnoble.com from using its copycat version of 1-Click(R) technology while the lawsuit is pending. Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) filed suit Oct. 20, saying the defendant had illegally copied Amazon.com's innovative, patented 1-Click(R) technology, which makes online shopping as easy as a click of the mouse button.</p><p>First made available to Amazon.com customers in September 1997, the 1-Click(R) feature securely stores billing and shipping information so that returning customers need only click their mouse once, without re-entering or re-confirming that information, to purchase selected items conveniently. In recognition of the innovative and unique nature of the 1-Click(R) technology, the U.S. Patent Office awarded Patent No. 5,960,411 to Amazon.com on September 28, 1999.</p><p>"We're pleased that Judge Pechman recognized the innovation underlying our 1-Click feature," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "The patent system is designed to encourage innovation on behalf of customers, and in 1997, this was a significant step forward for online shoppers that required thousands of hours of effort."</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risk of distribution center expansion, risks related to fourth quarter, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999 and September 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Multi-Million Dollar Marketing and Strategic Alliance with and Minority Investment in Ashford.com

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Announces-Multi-Million-Dollar-Marketing-and-Strategic-Alliance-with-and-Minority-Investment-in-Ashford.com/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Multi-Million-Dollar-Marketing-and-Strategic-Alliance-with-and-Minority-Investment-in-Ashford.com

12/01/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Multi-Million Dollar Marketing and Strategic Alliance with and Minority Investment in Ashford.com

12/01/1999

1999

SEATTLE and HOUSTON, December 1, 1999 - Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), the leading online retailer and Ashford.com (Nasdaq: ASFD), the leading Internet retailer of luxury and premium products, today announced a multi-million dollar marketing initiative and a strategic alliance in a number of luxury product categories, including diamonds, watches, sunglasses, and writing instruments. The companies also today announced that Amazon.com will make a minority investment in Ashford.com. In exchange for the investment and the marketing relationship, Amazon.com will hold approximately 16.6% of Ashford.com's outstanding common stock upon the closing of the transaction. As part of the marketing alliance, Ashford.com will offer Amazon.com's customers a wide selection of products through December 31, 2000, which will include the 1999 and 2000 holiday seasons. Ashford.com will offer special promotions and unique benefits to Amazon.com's 13 million customers, who may be interested in buying luxury and premium products online. The Ashford.com luxury retail site carries a vast selection of diamonds and more than 12,000 watches, designer jewelry, leather accessories, sunglasses, fragrance, bath and body products, ties, scarves, and writing instruments. The selection represents more than 300 leading and well-known brands, such as TAG Heuer, Omega, and Montblanc, as well as new, hot brands such as Lambertson Truex, Lisa Jenks, and Killer Loop. "We continue to develop relationships that bring great value to our business and our customers," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "By forming alliances that expand access to quality products, we make it easier for customers to find whatever they want online. We chose to work with Ashford.com, because it offers customers an excellent online experience, outstanding value and a great selection of watches, jewelry, leather goods and other luxury items." "We are honored to be working with the leader in e-commerce, who shares our commitment to quality and excellent customer service," said Kenny Kurtzman, CEO of Ashford.com. "Now Amazon.com customers will have easy access to our selection of well-known luxury brands in time for this holiday season." In connection with the agreement, Amazon.com will make an equity investment of $10 million in Ashford.com. The agreement is subject to the satisfaction of standard closing conditions. About Ashford.com Ashford.com (NASDAQ: ASFD) is the leading Internet retailer of luxury and premium products and is the Internet's No. 1 retailer of watches and jewelry. The company's e-commerce site, located at http://www.ashford.com/, offers a vast selection of diamonds and more than 12,000 styles of new and vintage watches, designer jewelry, fragrance, bath and body products, leather accessories, ties, scarves, sunglasses, and writing instruments from more than 300 leading brands. Dedicated to creating a comfortable and safe shopping environment, Ashford.com offers customers the Ashford.com Protection PlusTM policy, which provides industry leading warranties, privacy and security. Ashford.com is headquartered in Houston, Texas. About Amazon.com Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.

<p>SEATTLE and HOUSTON, December 1, 1999 - Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN), the leading online retailer and Ashford.com (Nasdaq: ASFD), the leading Internet retailer of luxury and premium products, today announced a multi-million dollar marketing initiative and a strategic alliance in a number of luxury product categories, including diamonds, watches, sunglasses, and writing instruments. The companies also today announced that Amazon.com will make a minority investment in Ashford.com. In exchange for the investment and the marketing relationship, Amazon.com will hold approximately 16.6% of Ashford.com's outstanding common stock upon the closing of the transaction.</p><p>As part of the marketing alliance, Ashford.com will offer Amazon.com's customers a wide selection of products through December 31, 2000, which will include the 1999 and 2000 holiday seasons. Ashford.com will offer special promotions and unique benefits to Amazon.com's 13 million customers, who may be interested in buying luxury and premium products online.</p><p>The Ashford.com luxury retail site carries a vast selection of diamonds and more than 12,000 watches, designer jewelry, leather accessories, sunglasses, fragrance, bath and body products, ties, scarves, and writing instruments. The selection represents more than 300 leading and well-known brands, such as TAG Heuer, Omega, and Montblanc, as well as new, hot brands such as Lambertson Truex, Lisa Jenks, and Killer Loop.</p><p>"We continue to develop relationships that bring great value to our business and our customers," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "By forming alliances that expand access to quality products, we make it easier for customers to find whatever they want online. We chose to work with Ashford.com, because it offers customers an excellent online experience, outstanding value and a great selection of watches, jewelry, leather goods and other luxury items."</p><p>"We are honored to be working with the leader in e-commerce, who shares our commitment to quality and excellent customer service," said Kenny Kurtzman, CEO of Ashford.com. "Now Amazon.com customers will have easy access to our selection of well-known luxury brands in time for this holiday season."</p><p>In connection with the agreement, Amazon.com will make an equity investment of $10 million in Ashford.com. The agreement is subject to the satisfaction of standard closing conditions.</p><p>About Ashford.com</p><p>Ashford.com (NASDAQ: ASFD) is the leading Internet retailer of luxury and premium products and is the Internet's No. 1 retailer of watches and jewelry. The company's e-commerce site, located at http://www.ashford.com/, offers a vast selection of diamonds and more than 12,000 styles of new and vintage watches, designer jewelry, fragrance, bath and body products, leather accessories, ties, scarves, sunglasses, and writing instruments from more than 300 leading brands. Dedicated to creating a comfortable and safe shopping environment, Ashford.com offers customers the Ashford.com Protection PlusTM policy, which provides industry leading warranties, privacy and security. Ashford.com is headquartered in Houston, Texas.</p><p>About Amazon.com</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Acquires Back to Basics Toys, Adds Classic Toys of Our Lives to Amazon.com Toys Store

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Acquires-Back-to-Basics-Toys-Adds-Classic-Toys-of-Our-Lives-to-Amazon.com-Toys-Store/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Acquires-Back-to-Basics-Toys-Adds-Classic-Toys-of-Our-Lives-to-Amazon.com-Toys-Store

11/30/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Acquires Back to Basics Toys, Adds Classic Toys of Our Lives to Amazon.com Toys Store

11/30/1999

1999

SEATTLE--November 30, 1999-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com; NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the acquisition of Herndon, Virginia-based Back to Basics Toys, a leading online and catalog retailer specializing in hard-to-find classic toys. A new Back to Basics store within a store opens today at www.amazon.com/toys. Back to Basics Toys has spent 10 years cultivating a distinctive selection of classic, high-quality toys, as well as a loyal customer base. The two companies, along with their suppliers, plan to work together to offer both Back to Basics and Amazon.com customers the best possible experience in shopping for classic toys, bringing back more classics and introducing new, unique, quality items. The acquisition adds more classic, high-quality toys to the vast selection of specialties already available at Amazon.com's Toys & Video Games Store, which has been rated No. 1 among online toy stores in a number of surveys. For example, customers will find log-cabin-building sets in original-style canisters; wood creativity theaters; talking Raggedy Ann dolls; wooden multilevel play garages; wooden easels; musical instrument sets; and pedal-drive, ride-on dump trucks and police cars styled after those from the 1930s. "Since 1988, we've been committed to providing the toys that many of us grew up with, as well as a large selection of new toys that will stand the test of time," said Eric Garfinkel, founder of Back to Basics Toys. "Now customers can have access to these great toys with all the advantages of shopping at Amazon.com." "We're really pleased to offer customers the Back to Basics selection at Amazon.com Toys," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "We continue to broaden our Toys selection, and toys like these are the ones we remember from our childhood. A lot of children are going to be thrilled this holiday season to enjoy the same toys that their parents did." Bezos also noted that Amazon.com's Toys & Video Games Store has been rated the best online toy store by MSNBC and Forrester Research's Power Rankings, and named a PC Magazine Editor's Choice. Back to Basics will continue to operate the company's catalog and to work with toy manufacturers to create a distinctive product selection. Customers can purchase Back to Basics toys either through the Back to Basics catalog at (800) 356-5360 or online at Amazon.com Toys (www.amazon.com/toys). About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.

<p>SEATTLE--November 30, 1999-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com; NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the acquisition of Herndon, Virginia-based Back to Basics Toys, a leading online and catalog retailer specializing in hard-to-find classic toys. A new Back to Basics store within a store opens today at www.amazon.com/toys.</p><p>Back to Basics Toys has spent 10 years cultivating a distinctive selection of classic, high-quality toys, as well as a loyal customer base. The two companies, along with their suppliers, plan to work together to offer both Back to Basics and Amazon.com customers the best possible experience in shopping for classic toys, bringing back more classics and introducing new, unique, quality items.</p><p>The acquisition adds more classic, high-quality toys to the vast selection of specialties already available at Amazon.com's Toys &amp; Video Games Store, which has been rated No. 1 among online toy stores in a number of surveys. For example, customers will find log-cabin-building sets in original-style canisters; wood creativity theaters; talking Raggedy Ann dolls; wooden multilevel play garages; wooden easels; musical instrument sets; and pedal-drive, ride-on dump trucks and police cars styled after those from the 1930s.</p><p>"Since 1988, we've been committed to providing the toys that many of us grew up with, as well as a large selection of new toys that will stand the test of time," said Eric Garfinkel, founder of Back to Basics Toys. "Now customers can have access to these great toys with all the advantages of shopping at Amazon.com."</p><p>"We're really pleased to offer customers the Back to Basics selection at Amazon.com Toys," said Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. "We continue to broaden our Toys selection, and toys like these are the ones we remember from our childhood. A lot of children are going to be thrilled this holiday season to enjoy the same toys that their parents did."</p><p>Bezos also noted that Amazon.com's Toys &amp; Video Games Store has been rated the best online toy store by MSNBC and Forrester Research's Power Rankings, and named a PC Magazine Editor's Choice.</p><p>Back to Basics will continue to operate the company's catalog and to work with toy manufacturers to create a distinctive product selection. Customers can purchase Back to Basics toys either through the Back to Basics catalog at (800) 356-5360 or online at Amazon.com Toys (www.amazon.com/toys).</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.</p>

Sotheby's and Amazon.com Launch Sothebys.Amazon.com on November 19, 1999

/news/news-details/1999/Sothebys-and-Amazon.com-Launch-Sothebys.Amazon.com-on-November-19-1999/default.aspx

Sothebys-and-Amazon.com-Launch-Sothebys.Amazon.com-on-November-19-1999

11/19/1999 00:00:00

Sotheby's and Amazon.com Launch Sothebys.Amazon.com on November 19, 1999

11/19/1999

1999

Thousands of lots of art, valuable objects, and collectibles guaranteed by experts for authenticity and condition Treasure from the "Ship of Gold"; 18th-century Georgian flatware; Presentation copy of the first Harry Potter book; Austin Powers' Beetle; Memorabilia from Secretariat; Baseball memorabilia from historic Halper Collection are among inaugural Internet auction highlights NEW YORK, LONDON, SEATTLE-/BusinessWire/November 19, 1999-Sotheby's Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BID), and Amazon.com, today launched sothebys.amazon.com, the much-anticipated online auction site of the internationally recognized leading art auction house and the world's leading e-commerce company. sothebys.amazon.com makes a broad range of art, valuable objects, and collectibles from more than l00 collecting categories accessible to interested bidders, whether in the comfort of their homes or offices. And, for the first time on the Internet, auction bidders will be able to buy valuable items with complete confidence. Every lot is guaranteed for authenticity and condition by acknowledged experts-whether Sotheby's or one of the 4,500 dealers from around the world whom Sotheby's has pre-selected. Bidders can buy with the trust, ease, and convenience for which Amazon.com is world-renowned. sothebys.amazon.com (www.sothebys.amazon.com) offers property 24 hours a day at all price levels, from $l00 to $100,000 and higher, in categories including jewelry, watches, silver, furniture, entertainment and sports memorabilia, fashion, coins, paintings, and photographs. Auction enthusiasts can search for particular items or browse by category to find, discover, and buy special items of interest to them. There is also a section on the home page dedicated to Special Sales, where customers can preview many of the exciting current and upcoming auction events being held by sothebys.amazon.com throughout the year. Unique site features include: Low- and high-price estimates on each item Rich, detailed photographs, condition reports, and item histories Amazon.com Payments technology, which makes purchasing and payment quick and easy A guarantee of authenticity and condition on all items Only qualified experts as sellers More than 25 buying guides written by Sotheby's experts Extensive help guides that explain everything one needs to know to participate in sothebys.amazon.com easily and successfully Diana D. Brooks, President and CEO of Sotheby's, said, "With today's launch of sothebys.amazon.com, Sotheby's 255-year history of art and collectibles expertise, together with Amazon.com's unequalled Internet experience, introduces a world of wonderful-and authenticated-art, objects, and collectibles to a global audience. This new medium offers new as well as experienced auction bidders access to the two standards that have ensured Sotheby's success since 1744: unrivalled expertise and a vast selection of exciting property. Through sothebys.amazon.com, Internet auction buyers-initially from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany-can experience the world of Internet auctions, while our live-auction customers will be introduced to a fascinating new dimension of the Sotheby's auction experience." "We are so excited to be working with Sotheby's to bring fine and valuable objects to Amazon.com customers everywhere," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO, Amazon.com. "In the world of valuable objects, a big problem with online auctions has been authenticity. With Sotheby's reputation and expertise in sourcing and authenticating art and valuable objects, and both companies' relentless focus on the customer, auction bidders can now buy these items with complete confidence, because they know what they're getting is the real thing." Unparalleled Selection Treasure from the "Ship of Gold" A gold bar worth $l25/l75,000, gold dust, and nuggets salvaged from the 1857 wreck of the Gold Rush treasure ship, the SS Central America, is among the early offerings on sothebys.amazon.com (following the conclusion of Sotheby's live sale of the treasure on December 8 to 9). After resting on the ocean floor 8,000 feet deep for l30 years, in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina, the golden nuggets, gold bar, and pieces of original gold dust are estimated from as little as $100 up to $125,000. Georgian Silver Service Other treasures include a 64-piece Georgian Silver King's Pattern Flatware Service, circa 1780, one of the great classic silver patterns of the 18th century. The partial set is estimated to bring $2/3,000. Presentation Copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (U.S.: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) Both Sotheby's and Amazon began as booksellers-251 years apart-and books are an important collecting category on the site. Foremost among the inaugural selection of books is a presentation copy of the first Harry Potter book. This publishing phenomenon, a group of books about a young sorcerer's adventures, has fascinated adults and children alike. Inscribed by the author, J.K. Rowling, to the woman who first read the manuscript, this mint copy from 1997 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is expected to sell for between $16/24,000. Also to be auctioned on sothebys.amazon.com is a signed and inscribed first-edition copy of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, estimated at $2,500/3,500. Austin Power's Time Machine from The Spy Who Shagged Me Among the highlights of the inaugural auction on sothebys.amazon.com is Austin Powers's time machine, popularly known as the Shagmobile, a 1998 customized convertible Beetle with a psychedelic paint finish, from the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. The car to be auctioned on sothebys.amazon.com, which is estimated at $30/50,000, was the only Beetle used during the filming of the movie. The importance of the use of the Beetle was not lost by the film's director, Jay Roach: "The new Volkswagen really is a time machine-inside you're supposed to feel like it's the '60s, while it is clearly a '90s car. It was the perfect channel to transport Austin from '90s culture to '60s culture." Special Sales In addition to the thousands of items that are offered for sale on a daily basis, special sales will be conducted throughout the year. Whether it's the Barry Halper Collection of Baseball Memorabilia, gold from the sunken treasure of SS Central America, or Secretariat memorabilia, sothebys.amazon.com provides access to the allure of special sales organized by Sotheby's. Following the success of Sotheby's auction of The Barry Halper Collection of Baseball Memorabilia, which became the single highest-grossing sale of sports memorabilia in history when it brought in $21.8 million, sothebys.amazon.com now offers more than 5,500 interesting and unusual lots of baseball memorabilia on the Internet. Halper memorabilia includes a 1912 World Series Program autographed by "Smokey" Joe Wood and President Woodrow Wilson (est. $700/$l,000) and a program from the last game Babe Ruth ever pitched, in 1933 (est. $500/700). Other special offerings include a ticket stub from the Lou Gehrig Memorial Game, played at Yankee Stadium in l941 (est. $200/300) and a large, autographed photo of Duke Snider, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays (est. $500/l,000). Hundreds of baseballs, including many signed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, scores of uniforms, and signed photographs are also up for auction. Memorabilia from the career of Secretariat, America's most-loved Triple Crown winner, consigned by Penny Chenery, daughter of Secretariat's owner, will include Secretariat's blankets and tack used at the time of his celebrated victories and a bronze sculpture of Secretariat estimated at $40/60,000. Commencing at launch and continuing, hundreds of U.S. Gold Coins from the Collection of John and Rebecca Moores, one of the finest such collections ever formed, will be sold on behalf of the Scripps Research Institute. Expertise and Education Sotheby's has 255 years of experience in authenticating property and auctioning the finest art, antiques, and other unique items to collectors around the world. Sotheby's has selected only dealers who are specialists in their fields, to ensure that all sothebys.amazon.com customers can buy with complete confidence. To help customers place informed bids and to help demystify the auction process for those who have never bought at auction before, more than 25 buying guides written by Sotheby's are provided. Each guide presents bidders (or browsers) with the basic information necessary to evaluate potential purchases in a specific category-from what to look for in a condition report to what adds value to that category, as well as other helpful advice. Every Object Is Guaranteed sothebys.amazon.com's community of professional sellers-whether Sotheby's or its over 4,500 dealer associates-guarantees the authenticity of all items sold. All buyers receive a distinctive Property Certificate from sothebys.amazon.com. The Property Certificate provides buyers with a lasting document that presents and preserves the unique history of the item. Buying with Ease Accessible at www.sothebys.amazon.com, from the Amazon.com Auctions' home page and sothebys.com's home page, the site has the same features, navigation, and functionality that Amazon.com has made familiar to millions of Internet shoppers. All transactions at sothebys.amazon.com are made using Amazon.com Payments, a custom payment service that takes the hassle out of arranging shipping and payment terms directly with the seller. Successful bidders receive a summary of their entire bills, including applicable taxes, shipping and insurance fees as well as shipping method. Once the bidder confirms his or her shipping address and credit card (already registered at Amazon.com), Amazon.com Payments charges that credit card and instructs the seller to ship the purchase. sothebys.amazon.com also sends a shipment confirmation number from the seller to the buyer so they can monitor the status of the delivery. The buyer's credit card number is never sent to the seller. Buyer's Premium The buyer's premium, which is a fee added to the final bid price of each object sold, has been successfully used by auctioneers all over the world. As in the traditional live auction business, successful bidders on sothebys.amazon.com pay a buyer's premium of 10 percent. About Sotheby's Sotheby's began as a book auction house in London in 1744. Today the company has 107 offices located in 41 countries, with principal salesrooms in New York and London. The company has recently expanded operations in Paris, Amsterdam and Zurich. Sotheby's conducts auctions in 18 other salesrooms and sells nearly 200,000 lots a year in more than 80 collecting categories in its live auction business. In January of 1999 Sotheby's took a historic step when it became the first international art auction house to announce that it would hold auctions on the internet on sothebys.com, a new Internet auction business for art, antiques, jewelry and collectibles. In June of 1999, Sotheby's announced an alliance with Amazon.com, the world's leading e-commerce company. The joint Internet auction site, sothebys.amazon.com, devoted to the general antique collector and to the world of collectibles, was launched on November 19, 1999. Memorable auctions in Sotheby's 255-year-history include the sale of the library of Napoleon (1811); the sale of van Gogh's Irises for $53 million, Renoir's Au Moulin de la Galette for $78 million; the auction of the Grand Ducal Collections of the Margrave of Baden Baden and the Princely Collections of the Thurn und Taxis Family. More recently, the company has auctioned the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1996 and the Collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1998. Auction highlights in 1999 include the sale of property from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay Whitney which brought more than $l70 million, the contents of Château de Groussay in France, which brought $26 million, and 46 works from the Saidenberg Collection, including Picasso's portrait of Dora Maar which sold for $49.5 million, the second highest price ever paid for a painting by the artist at auction. Between 1998 and 1999 the company's headquarters in New York were expanded, with six new floors added to the York Avenue location. When completed in the Autumn of 2000, Sotheby's New York will be a state-of-the-art auction and cultural destination. In September of 1999 Sotheby's completed the first phase of this project and opened the new six floors, with a new salesroom and a 25,000 square-foot exhibition gallery on the tenth floor designed by well known architect Richard Gluckman. This space is lit by huge panes of glass which flood the gallery with natural light and exhibits works of art of the highest quality in a museum-standard setting. Besides the traditional live auction business, Sotheby's Financial Services provides art-related financing secured by works of art; Sotheby's Ventures arranges private sales of art work; Sotheby's International Realty provides brokerage, marketing and consulting services for luxury properties and through Sotheby's Insurance Brokerage Services clients can obtain a fine and decorative arts policy which can be extended to cover homes purchased through Sotheby's Realty. This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) relating to future events and the financial performance of the Company. Such statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, resulting in the possibility that the actual events or performance will differ materially from such predictions. Major factors which the Company believes could cause the actual results to differ materially from the predicted results in the "forward-looking statements" include the overall strength of the international economy and financial markets, competition with other auctioneers and art dealers, the volume of consigned property and the marketability at auction of such property, and the Company's success in developing and implementing its Internet auction strategy. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.

<p>Thousands of lots of art, valuable objects, and collectibles guaranteed by experts for authenticity and condition</p><p>Treasure from the "Ship of Gold"; 18th-century Georgian flatware; Presentation copy of the first Harry Potter book; Austin Powers' Beetle; Memorabilia from Secretariat; Baseball memorabilia from historic Halper Collection are among inaugural Internet auction highlights</p><p>NEW YORK, LONDON, SEATTLE-/BusinessWire/November 19, 1999-Sotheby's Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BID), and Amazon.com, today launched sothebys.amazon.com, the much-anticipated online auction site of the internationally recognized leading art auction house and the world's leading e-commerce company. sothebys.amazon.com makes a broad range of art, valuable objects, and collectibles from more than l00 collecting categories accessible to interested bidders, whether in the comfort of their homes or offices. And, for the first time on the Internet, auction bidders will be able to buy valuable items with complete confidence. Every lot is guaranteed for authenticity and condition by acknowledged experts-whether Sotheby's or one of the 4,500 dealers from around the world whom Sotheby's has pre-selected. Bidders can buy with the trust, ease, and convenience for which Amazon.com is world-renowned.</p><p>sothebys.amazon.com (www.sothebys.amazon.com) offers property 24 hours a day at all price levels, from $l00 to $100,000 and higher, in categories including jewelry, watches, silver, furniture, entertainment and sports memorabilia, fashion, coins, paintings, and photographs.</p><p>Auction enthusiasts can search for particular items or browse by category to find, discover, and buy special items of interest to them. There is also a section on the home page dedicated to Special Sales, where customers can preview many of the exciting current and upcoming auction events being held by sothebys.amazon.com throughout the year.</p><p>Unique site features include:</p><ul><li>Low- and high-price estimates on each item</li><li>Rich, detailed photographs, condition reports, and item histories</li><li>Amazon.com Payments technology, which makes purchasing and payment quick and easy</li><li>A guarantee of authenticity and condition on all items</li><li>Only qualified experts as sellers</li><li>More than 25 buying guides written by Sotheby's experts</li><li>Extensive help guides that explain everything one needs to know to participate in sothebys.amazon.com easily and successfully</li></ul><p>Diana D. Brooks, President and CEO of Sotheby's, said, "With today's launch of sothebys.amazon.com, Sotheby's 255-year history of art and collectibles expertise, together with Amazon.com's unequalled Internet experience, introduces a world of wonderful-and authenticated-art, objects, and collectibles to a global audience. This new medium offers new as well as experienced auction bidders access to the two standards that have ensured Sotheby's success since 1744: unrivalled expertise and a vast selection of exciting property. Through sothebys.amazon.com, Internet auction buyers-initially from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany-can experience the world of Internet auctions, while our live-auction customers will be introduced to a fascinating new dimension of the Sotheby's auction experience."</p><p>"We are so excited to be working with Sotheby's to bring fine and valuable objects to Amazon.com customers everywhere," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO, Amazon.com. "In the world of valuable objects, a big problem with online auctions has been authenticity. With Sotheby's reputation and expertise in sourcing and authenticating art and valuable objects, and both companies' relentless focus on the customer, auction bidders can now buy these items with complete confidence, because they know what they're getting is the real thing."</p><p>Unparalleled Selection</p><p>Treasure from the "Ship of Gold"</p><p>A gold bar worth $l25/l75,000, gold dust, and nuggets salvaged from the 1857 wreck of the Gold Rush treasure ship, the SS Central America, is among the early offerings on sothebys.amazon.com (following the conclusion of Sotheby's live sale of the treasure on December 8 to 9). After resting on the ocean floor 8,000 feet deep for l30 years, in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina, the golden nuggets, gold bar, and pieces of original gold dust are estimated from as little as $100 up to $125,000.</p><p>Georgian Silver Service</p><p>Other treasures include a 64-piece Georgian Silver King's Pattern Flatware Service, circa 1780, one of the great classic silver patterns of the 18th century. The partial set is estimated to bring $2/3,000.</p><p>Presentation Copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (U.S.: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)</p><p>Both Sotheby's and Amazon began as booksellers-251 years apart-and books are an important collecting category on the site. Foremost among the inaugural selection of books is a presentation copy of the first Harry Potter book. This publishing phenomenon, a group of books about a young sorcerer's adventures, has fascinated adults and children alike. Inscribed by the author, J.K. Rowling, to the woman who first read the manuscript, this mint copy from 1997 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is expected to sell for between $16/24,000.</p><p>Also to be auctioned on sothebys.amazon.com is a signed and inscribed first-edition copy of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, estimated at $2,500/3,500.</p><p>Austin Power's Time Machine from The Spy Who Shagged Me Among the highlights of the inaugural auction on sothebys.amazon.com is Austin Powers's time machine, popularly known as the Shagmobile, a 1998 customized convertible Beetle with a psychedelic paint finish, from the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.</p><p>The car to be auctioned on sothebys.amazon.com, which is estimated at $30/50,000, was the only Beetle used during the filming of the movie. The importance of the use of the Beetle was not lost by the film's director, Jay Roach: "The new Volkswagen really is a time machine-inside you're supposed to feel like it's the '60s, while it is clearly a '90s car. It was the perfect channel to transport Austin from '90s culture to '60s culture."</p><p>Special Sales</p><p>In addition to the thousands of items that are offered for sale on a daily basis, special sales will be conducted throughout the year. Whether it's the Barry Halper Collection of Baseball Memorabilia, gold from the sunken treasure of SS Central America, or Secretariat memorabilia, sothebys.amazon.com provides access to the allure of special sales organized by Sotheby's.</p><p>Following the success of Sotheby's auction of The Barry Halper Collection of Baseball Memorabilia, which became the single highest-grossing sale of sports memorabilia in history when it brought in $21.8 million, sothebys.amazon.com now offers more than 5,500 interesting and unusual lots of baseball memorabilia on the Internet. Halper memorabilia includes a 1912 World Series Program autographed by "Smokey" Joe Wood and President Woodrow Wilson (est. $700/$l,000) and a program from the last game Babe Ruth ever pitched, in 1933 (est. $500/700). Other special offerings include a ticket stub from the Lou Gehrig Memorial Game, played at Yankee Stadium in l941 (est. $200/300) and a large, autographed photo of Duke Snider, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays (est. $500/l,000). Hundreds of baseballs, including many signed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, scores of uniforms, and signed photographs are also up for auction.</p><p>Memorabilia from the career of Secretariat, America's most-loved Triple Crown winner, consigned by Penny Chenery, daughter of Secretariat's owner, will include Secretariat's blankets and tack used at the time of his celebrated victories and a bronze sculpture of Secretariat estimated at $40/60,000.</p><p>Commencing at launch and continuing, hundreds of U.S. Gold Coins from the Collection of John and Rebecca Moores, one of the finest such collections ever formed, will be sold on behalf of the Scripps Research Institute.</p><p>Expertise and Education</p><p>Sotheby's has 255 years of experience in authenticating property and auctioning the finest art, antiques, and other unique items to collectors around the world. Sotheby's has selected only dealers who are specialists in their fields, to ensure that all sothebys.amazon.com customers can buy with complete confidence.</p><p>To help customers place informed bids and to help demystify the auction process for those who have never bought at auction before, more than 25 buying guides written by Sotheby's are provided. Each guide presents bidders (or browsers) with the basic information necessary to evaluate potential purchases in a specific category-from what to look for in a condition report to what adds value to that category, as well as other helpful advice.</p><p>Every Object Is Guaranteed</p><p>sothebys.amazon.com's community of professional sellers-whether Sotheby's or its over 4,500 dealer associates-guarantees the authenticity of all items sold. All buyers receive a distinctive Property Certificate from sothebys.amazon.com. The Property Certificate provides buyers with a lasting document that presents and preserves the unique history of the item.</p><p>Buying with Ease</p><p>Accessible at www.sothebys.amazon.com, from the Amazon.com Auctions' home page and sothebys.com's home page, the site has the same features, navigation, and functionality that Amazon.com has made familiar to millions of Internet shoppers.</p><p>All transactions at sothebys.amazon.com are made using Amazon.com Payments, a custom payment service that takes the hassle out of arranging shipping and payment terms directly with the seller. Successful bidders receive a summary of their entire bills, including applicable taxes, shipping and insurance fees as well as shipping method. Once the bidder confirms his or her shipping address and credit card (already registered at Amazon.com), Amazon.com Payments charges that credit card and instructs the seller to ship the purchase. sothebys.amazon.com also sends a shipment confirmation number from the seller to the buyer so they can monitor the status of the delivery. The buyer's credit card number is never sent to the seller.</p><p>Buyer's Premium</p><p>The buyer's premium, which is a fee added to the final bid price of each object sold, has been successfully used by auctioneers all over the world. As in the traditional live auction business, successful bidders on sothebys.amazon.com pay a buyer's premium of 10 percent.</p><p>About Sotheby's</p><p>Sotheby's began as a book auction house in London in 1744. Today the company has 107 offices located in 41 countries, with principal salesrooms in New York and London. The company has recently expanded operations in Paris, Amsterdam and Zurich. Sotheby's conducts auctions in 18 other salesrooms and sells nearly 200,000 lots a year in more than 80 collecting categories in its live auction business.</p><p>In January of 1999 Sotheby's took a historic step when it became the first international art auction house to announce that it would hold auctions on the internet on sothebys.com, a new Internet auction business for art, antiques, jewelry and collectibles. In June of 1999, Sotheby's announced an alliance with Amazon.com, the world's leading e-commerce company. The joint Internet auction site, sothebys.amazon.com, devoted to the general antique collector and to the world of collectibles, was launched on November 19, 1999.</p><p>Memorable auctions in Sotheby's 255-year-history include the sale of the library of Napoleon (1811); the sale of van Gogh's Irises for $53 million, Renoir's Au Moulin de la Galette for $78 million; the auction of the Grand Ducal Collections of the Margrave of Baden Baden and the Princely Collections of the Thurn und Taxis Family. More recently, the company has auctioned the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1996 and the Collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1998. Auction highlights in 1999 include the sale of property from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay Whitney which brought more than $l70 million, the contents of Château de Groussay in France, which brought $26 million, and 46 works from the Saidenberg Collection, including Picasso's portrait of Dora Maar which sold for $49.5 million, the second highest price ever paid for a painting by the artist at auction.</p><p>Between 1998 and 1999 the company's headquarters in New York were expanded, with six new floors added to the York Avenue location. When completed in the Autumn of 2000, Sotheby's New York will be a state-of-the-art auction and cultural destination. In September of 1999 Sotheby's completed the first phase of this project and opened the new six floors, with a new salesroom and a 25,000 square-foot exhibition gallery on the tenth floor designed by well known architect Richard Gluckman. This space is lit by huge panes of glass which flood the gallery with natural light and exhibits works of art of the highest quality in a museum-standard setting.</p><p>Besides the traditional live auction business, Sotheby's Financial Services provides art-related financing secured by works of art; Sotheby's Ventures arranges private sales of art work; Sotheby's International Realty provides brokerage, marketing and consulting services for luxury properties and through Sotheby's Insurance Brokerage Services clients can obtain a fine and decorative arts policy which can be extended to cover homes purchased through Sotheby's Realty.</p><p>This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) relating to future events and the financial performance of the Company. Such statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, resulting in the possibility that the actual events or performance will differ materially from such predictions. Major factors which the Company believes could cause the actual results to differ materially from the predicted results in the "forward-looking statements" include the overall strength of the international economy and financial markets, competition with other auctioneers and art dealers, the volume of consigned property and the marketability at auction of such property, and the Company's success in developing and implementing its Internet auction strategy.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 DVD and video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection, along with online auctions and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, home-improvement products, software, and video games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, which brings together leading retailers with gift registry, expert advice, and personalized gift suggestions to help everyone give better gifts, at www.della.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of distribution-center expansion, risks related to fourth-quarter performance, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction and zShops services, risks related to fraud and Amazon.com Payments, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999, June 30, 1999, and September 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Livebid Auctions Connects Online Community to Washington Opera Benefit Auction

/news/news-details/1999/Amazoncom-Livebid-Auctions-Connects-Online-Community-to-Washington-Opera-Benefit-Auction/default.aspx

Amazoncom-Livebid-Auctions-Connects-Online-Community-to-Washington-Opera-Benefit-Auction

11/15/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Livebid Auctions Connects Online Community to Washington Opera Benefit Auction

11/15/1999

1999

Travel, sports, and arts packages highlight fundraising effort for world-renowned opera company SEATTLE, November 15, 1999--The Washington Opera will use Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions to connect online bidders to its benefit auction on Saturday, November 20, at La Maison Française. This is the first time that Amazon.com. LiveBid Auctions, the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet, has held a LiveBid event in the nation's capital. Some 600 guests are expected at La Maison Française (the Embassy of France) at 4101 Reservoir Road. The auction will begin at 7 p.m. with bidding on the more than 280 items in the silent auction. The live auction will begin at 9:30 p.m. EST, both at the Embassy and for online bidders wherever they may be. The auction will raise money for the Washington Opera, which has brought opera to the nation's capital for more than four decades. A catalogue of 20 live auction items is now available online for interested bidders to preview by clicking on the Washington Opera event from http://livebid.amazon.com. Using Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions, Internet participants can bid in real time along with auction attendees via a live Web cast. Interested Internet bidders can easily pre-register online. The deadline for Internet registration is Friday, November 19, at 5 p.m. EST. Internet participants can also bid on 28 items from the silent auction by visiting http://s1.amazon.com/seller/washington-opera until 5 p.m. EST Sunday, November 21. The highlight of the auction-especially for opera lovers-will be the historic 1984 Cadillac limousine donated by Washington Opera Artistic Director Plácido Domingo. The limousine carried Domingo to his legendary performances at the Metropolitan Opera for 15 years. The benefit auction will go far beyond the world of opera, offering one-of-a-kind items and packages that appeal to a wide variety of people. Sports fans can win an exciting Super Bowl 2000 package, personally donated by National Football League President Paul Tagliabue. The package includes tickets to the game itself, air transportation, three nights at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, and the privilege of being Tagliabue's guests at the pre-game Saturday night Super Bowl Party and the VIP pre-game brunch. For travel and adventure lovers, the auction includes a train trip on the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, beginning in Venice at the Hotel Cipriani and ending in London. The package includes a private compartment on the train, air transportation, and two nights at the Sheraton Park Tower Hotel in London. Original artwork, such as Andy Warhol's Flowers #70, French impressionist Édouard Vuillard's pencil sketch Femme et Jeune Fille à Table, Bull Head II, by pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, 1977 Presidential Inauguration, by American artist Robert Rauschenberg, and La Lecture, by 20th-century French artist Fernand Léger, will be included in the auction. For the latest in automotive transportation, auction participants can bid on a Volkswagen new Beetle, as well as a sleek Cadillac deVille DTC, complete with Nuance leather seats adjusted to memory, Bose 275-watt sound, and East African Zebrano wood trim. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to be Katie Couric's guest at NBC's Today, including a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the studio, awaits this package's winning bidder and three friends. Fans of politics can bid on History of Vice Presidents, a book written by Senator Mark Hatfield and the Senate Historical Office and autographed by Vice President Al Gore, President George Bush, and President Gerald Ford. In addition, two American flags will be auctioned off-one to fly over the U.S. Capitol on the day of the winning bidder's choice (donated by Senator and Mrs. Ted Stevens) and the other to be flown over the U.S. Capitol on January 1, 2000 (donated by Senator and Mrs. Patrick Leahy). And there are plenty of items for opera aficionados, as well, including a Three Tenors CD signed by Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and José Carreras and hard-to-come-by tickets for the Metropolitan Opera's Ring Cycle, scheduled for April 24 to 29, 2000, for the storied Glyndebourne, and for the Paris Opera, including travel on the Concorde and accommodations at the Ritz Hotel. "Not only does this give Amazon.com customers the opportunity to bid on an amazing assortment of merchandise, it also lets them help one of our country's most prestigious and respected arts organizations," said Matt Williams, director of live auctions, Amazon.com Auctions. "We are honored to work with the Washington Opera on the live benefit auction and look forward to raise money for its future." "I can't remember ever seeing such an exceptional assortment of goods available in an auction," said Domingo. "An auction like this is a great way to celebrate opera in the nation's capital." Robert Craft, President of the Washington Opera Board of Trustees, said, "This collaboration with Amazon.com offers a tremendous opportunity for people worldwide to compete in the fun and, at the same time, help play a role in bringing wonderful opera to all of us here in the Washington area." About the Washington Opera The Washington Opera, now in its fourth season under the helm of Artistic Director Plácido Domingo, brings superb opera to residents and visitors alike to the nation's capital throughout the opera season. Among this season's highlights is French composer Jules Massenet's masterpiece Le Cid, starring Domingo, in its first fully staged performance in America since 1902. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>Travel, sports, and arts packages highlight fundraising effort for world-renowned opera company</p><p>SEATTLE, November 15, 1999--The Washington Opera will use Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions to connect online bidders to its benefit auction on Saturday, November 20, at La Maison Française. This is the first time that Amazon.com. LiveBid Auctions, the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet, has held a LiveBid event in the nation's capital.</p><p>Some 600 guests are expected at La Maison Française (the Embassy of France) at 4101 Reservoir Road. The auction will begin at 7 p.m. with bidding on the more than 280 items in the silent auction. The live auction will begin at 9:30 p.m. EST, both at the Embassy and for online bidders wherever they may be.</p><p>The auction will raise money for the Washington Opera, which has brought opera to the nation's capital for more than four decades.</p><p>A catalogue of 20 live auction items is now available online for interested bidders to preview by clicking on the Washington Opera event from http://livebid.amazon.com. Using Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions, Internet participants can bid in real time along with auction attendees via a live Web cast. Interested Internet bidders can easily pre-register online. The deadline for Internet registration is Friday, November 19, at 5 p.m. EST.</p><p>Internet participants can also bid on 28 items from the silent auction by visiting http://s1.amazon.com/seller/washington-opera until 5 p.m. EST Sunday, November 21.</p><p>The highlight of the auction-especially for opera lovers-will be the historic 1984 Cadillac limousine donated by Washington Opera Artistic Director Plácido Domingo. The limousine carried Domingo to his legendary performances at the Metropolitan Opera for 15 years. The benefit auction will go far beyond the world of opera, offering one-of-a-kind items and packages that appeal to a wide variety of people.</p><p>Sports fans can win an exciting Super Bowl 2000 package, personally donated by National Football League President Paul Tagliabue. The package includes tickets to the game itself, air transportation, three nights at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, and the privilege of being Tagliabue's guests at the pre-game Saturday night Super Bowl Party and the VIP pre-game brunch.</p><p>For travel and adventure lovers, the auction includes a train trip on the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, beginning in Venice at the Hotel Cipriani and ending in London. The package includes a private compartment on the train, air transportation, and two nights at the Sheraton Park Tower Hotel in London.</p><p>Original artwork, such as Andy Warhol's Flowers #70, French impressionist Édouard Vuillard's pencil sketch Femme et Jeune Fille à Table, Bull Head II, by pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, 1977 Presidential Inauguration, by American artist Robert Rauschenberg, and La Lecture, by 20th-century French artist Fernand Léger, will be included in the auction.</p><p>For the latest in automotive transportation, auction participants can bid on a Volkswagen new Beetle, as well as a sleek Cadillac deVille DTC, complete with Nuance leather seats adjusted to memory, Bose 275-watt sound, and East African Zebrano wood trim.</p><p>A once-in-a-lifetime chance to be Katie Couric's guest at NBC's Today, including a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the studio, awaits this package's winning bidder and three friends. Fans of politics can bid on History of Vice Presidents, a book written by Senator Mark Hatfield and the Senate Historical Office and autographed by Vice President Al Gore, President George Bush, and President Gerald Ford. In addition, two American flags will be auctioned off-one to fly over the U.S. Capitol on the day of the winning bidder's choice (donated by Senator and Mrs. Ted Stevens) and the other to be flown over the U.S. Capitol on January 1, 2000 (donated by Senator and Mrs. Patrick Leahy).</p><p>And there are plenty of items for opera aficionados, as well, including a Three Tenors CD signed by Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and José Carreras and hard-to-come-by tickets for the Metropolitan Opera's Ring Cycle, scheduled for April 24 to 29, 2000, for the storied Glyndebourne, and for the Paris Opera, including travel on the Concorde and accommodations at the Ritz Hotel.</p><p>"Not only does this give Amazon.com customers the opportunity to bid on an amazing assortment of merchandise, it also lets them help one of our country's most prestigious and respected arts organizations," said Matt Williams, director of live auctions, Amazon.com Auctions. "We are honored to work with the Washington Opera on the live benefit auction and look forward to raise money for its future."</p><p>"I can't remember ever seeing such an exceptional assortment of goods available in an auction," said Domingo. "An auction like this is a great way to celebrate opera in the nation's capital."</p><p>Robert Craft, President of the Washington Opera Board of Trustees, said, "This collaboration with Amazon.com offers a tremendous opportunity for people worldwide to compete in the fun and, at the same time, help play a role in bringing wonderful opera to all of us here in the Washington area."</p><p>About the Washington Opera</p><p>The Washington Opera, now in its fourth season under the helm of Artistic Director Plácido Domingo, brings superb opera to residents and visitors alike to the nation's capital throughout the opera season. Among this season's highlights is French composer Jules Massenet's masterpiece Le Cid, starring Domingo, in its first fully staged performance in America since 1902.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Expands Grand Forks Customer Service Center

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Expands-Grand-Forks-Customer-Service-Center/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Expands-Grand-Forks-Customer-Service-Center

11/11/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Expands Grand Forks Customer Service Center

11/11/1999

1999

150 new jobs in Grand Forks expected as a result Grand Forks, North Dakota-November 11, 1999-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) announced today that it will expand its customer service center, acquired from Tool Crib of the North, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The expansion will add 150 new employees to the company's Grand Forks facility. "We are thrilled to call Grand Forks home and look forward to adding 150 great people to the Amazon.com family as we strive to provide our customers with the best customer service on earth," said Joe Galli, Amazon.com president and COO. "Our customer service representatives are our main point of contact with customers. So we're looking for bright, energetic, talented folks who are passionate about delivering our customers the best shopping experience and who share our vision to help customers find, discover, and buy anything online." The expanding Grand Forks customer service center will ensure that the growing number of Amazon.com customers continue to receive swift and efficient customer service throughout the 1999 holiday shopping season and beyond. The acquisition of Tool Crib helped create Amazon.com Home Improvement, which features Earth's Biggest Selection of tools and equipment. The Home Improvement Store also offers a large and growing selection of popular and hard-to-find home-improvement products and brands. The company currently operates customer service centers in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. The Grand Forks facility is the third Amazon.com customer service center in the U.S. and is expected to be fully operational in time for the 1999 holiday shopping season. Amazon.com expects to fill these customer service positions with full-time employees and will also hire a limited number of full-time employees for positions ranging from catalog sales representatives to warehousing staff. All full-time Amazon.com positions come with salary, benefits packages, and stock options. Grand Forks Open House Amazon.com will have recruiters at the company's customer service center at 1550 S. 48th Street in Grand Forks for an open house on Saturday, November 13, and Sunday, November 14, to receive applications. The hours of the open house are as follows: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The company is accepting résumés and will be conducting onsite interviews for customer service positions and a limited number of other positions ranging from catalog sales representatives to warehousing staff. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>150 new jobs in Grand Forks expected as a result</p><p>Grand Forks, North Dakota-November 11, 1999-Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com) announced today that it will expand its customer service center, acquired from Tool Crib of the North, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The expansion will add 150 new employees to the company's Grand Forks facility.</p><p>"We are thrilled to call Grand Forks home and look forward to adding 150 great people to the Amazon.com family as we strive to provide our customers with the best customer service on earth," said Joe Galli, Amazon.com president and COO. "Our customer service representatives are our main point of contact with customers. So we're looking for bright, energetic, talented folks who are passionate about delivering our customers the best shopping experience and who share our vision to help customers find, discover, and buy anything online."</p><p>The expanding Grand Forks customer service center will ensure that the growing number of Amazon.com customers continue to receive swift and efficient customer service throughout the 1999 holiday shopping season and beyond.</p><p>The acquisition of Tool Crib helped create Amazon.com Home Improvement, which features Earth's Biggest Selection of tools and equipment. The Home Improvement Store also offers a large and growing selection of popular and hard-to-find home-improvement products and brands.</p><p>The company currently operates customer service centers in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. The Grand Forks facility is the third Amazon.com customer service center in the U.S. and is expected to be fully operational in time for the 1999 holiday shopping season.</p><p>Amazon.com expects to fill these customer service positions with full-time employees and will also hire a limited number of full-time employees for positions ranging from catalog sales representatives to warehousing staff. All full-time Amazon.com positions come with salary, benefits packages, and stock options.</p><p>Grand Forks Open House</p><p>Amazon.com will have recruiters at the company's customer service center at 1550 S. 48th Street in Grand Forks for an open house on Saturday, November 13, and Sunday, November 14, to receive applications. The hours of the open house are as follows: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The company is accepting résumés and will be conducting onsite interviews for customer service positions and a limited number of other positions ranging from catalog sales representatives to warehousing staff.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Launches Four New Stores: Home Improvement, Software, Video Games and Gift Ideas

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Launches-Four-New-Stores-Home-Improvement-Software-Video-Games-and-Gift-Ideas/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Launches-Four-New-Stores-Home-Improvement-Software-Video-Games-and-Gift-Ideas

11/09/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Launches Four New Stores: Home Improvement, Software, Video Games and Gift Ideas

11/09/1999

1999

SEATTLE -- Nov. 9, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com), further establishing itself as the only one-stop online shopping destination, announced today the opening of four new stores: Home Improvement, Software, Video Games, and Gift Ideas. The company also announced that it has acquired Tool Crib of the North, a leading tools and equipment catalog company. All four of the new stores open Wednesday. "We're proud to offer customers the biggest selection for holiday shopping-and beyond," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We're pleased we could open these four stores in time for the holidays." Amazon.com did not purchase Tool Crib's chain of five retail tool and equipment stores in North Dakota and Minnesota, which remain privately held. "Tool Crib already had the largest selection of tools and equipment anywhere-online or off-and Amazon.com has more than tripled that selection to launch our new Home Improvement store," said Joe Galli, Amazon.com president and COO. "Whether you're a contractor or a hobbyist, we've got the brands you're looking for and the biggest selection, from smoke detectors and garden hoses to concrete mixers, generators and table saws." The Amazon.com Home Improvement store (www.amazon.com/homeimprovement) will offer the same helpful information and expertise of other Amazon.com stores: customer reviews of products, reviews by expert editors, high-quality product images and other vital product information. Customers can browse through eight categories such as electrical and lighting, hardware, housewares, lawn and garden, outdoor living, painting supplies, plumbing, and tools. Shipping is only $4.95 a shipment, even if it is a 500-pound table saw or a large number of small items. Returns are simple and easy so customers can buy with confidence. Customers with larger items to return can contact customer service for free pick up. Gift Ideas Store The Amazon.com Gift Ideas store features an extensive selection of gift ideas and services for all holidays this season. Shoppers can browse 15 categories by interest or age to find thousands of the best gift ideas. Personal interest categories include gifts for the Globetrotter, the Humor Monger, Sports Enthusiast, and Culture Vulture. There will be Top Sellers by product line and in each browse category. During the Holidays, Amazon.com will make it easy for customers to find, wrap, and ship their gifts for on-time arrival. This year, finding the perfect gift is even easier with Wish List, which allows anyone to make their holiday gift wishes available to friends and family. Wish List has had the quickest customer adoption of any feature introduced by Amazon.com. Other new services will include item level gift-wrapping with a gift card and personal message to each gift recipient plus a variety of wrapping options and the ability to fill a shopping cart, send items to multiple recipients in multiple locations but check out only once. Software Store The new Amazon.com Software store (http://www.amazon.com/software) will offer a complete line of office, educational, and gaming titles, with such categories as Fashion and Beauty, Personal Improvement, Graphics and Multimedia. The store will feature such titles as: Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, Adobe Photoshop, Homeworld, Red Hat Linux 6.1, Quicken 2000, Microsoft Office 2000, Irish Now! Deluxe Edition 7.0, and Cosmopolitan Virtual Make-Over 2.0 Deluxe. To help customers choose the right software titles in this vast selection, Amazon.com offers product buying guides, customer comments, and professional reviews from Gamespot. In addition, Amazon.com will provide links to help customers discover new products such as books, hardware, or accessories related to their new software packages. Video Games Store The new, full-line Amazon.com Video Games store (http://www.amazon.com/videogames) will provide shoppers with thousands of popular and hard-to-find video games and accessories-both for personal computers and for all of the major video game platforms, including Dreamcast, PlayStation, Nintendo, Game Boy and NEOGEO. In addition, the store will feature rich editorial content and special features to help customers make informed purchase decisions and derive the most enjoyment from their gaming system. "Video Games 101" will help customers learn the nuances of each major video game system; "Setting Up Your System" will teach shoppers about accessories; and a unique "Pros and Cons" section features special commentary on select titles from Amazon.com's expert reviewers. Customers will also find listings of the 25 best-selling games for each of the major platforms, weekly listings of hot titles and current favorites, features on consoles and accessories, and a bargain corner, where customers can find great games at bargain prices. Customers will also be able to pre-order new and hot titles. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>SEATTLE -- Nov. 9, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (www.amazon.com), further establishing itself as the only one-stop online shopping destination, announced today the opening of four new stores: Home Improvement, Software, Video Games, and Gift Ideas.</p><p>The company also announced that it has acquired Tool Crib of the North, a leading tools and equipment catalog company.</p><p>All four of the new stores open Wednesday.</p><p>"We're proud to offer customers the biggest selection for holiday shopping-and beyond," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We're pleased we could open these four stores in time for the holidays."</p><p>Amazon.com did not purchase Tool Crib's chain of five retail tool and equipment stores in North Dakota and Minnesota, which remain privately held.</p><p>"Tool Crib already had the largest selection of tools and equipment anywhere-online or off-and Amazon.com has more than tripled that selection to launch our new Home Improvement store," said Joe Galli, Amazon.com president and COO. "Whether you're a contractor or a hobbyist, we've got the brands you're looking for and the biggest selection, from smoke detectors and garden hoses to concrete mixers, generators and table saws."</p><p>The Amazon.com Home Improvement store (www.amazon.com/homeimprovement) will offer the same helpful information and expertise of other Amazon.com stores: customer reviews of products, reviews by expert editors, high-quality product images and other vital product information. Customers can browse through eight categories such as electrical and lighting, hardware, housewares, lawn and garden, outdoor living, painting supplies, plumbing, and tools.</p><p>Shipping is only $4.95 a shipment, even if it is a 500-pound table saw or a large number of small items. Returns are simple and easy so customers can buy with confidence. Customers with larger items to return can contact customer service for free pick up.</p><p>Gift Ideas Store</p><p>The Amazon.com Gift Ideas store features an extensive selection of gift ideas and services for all holidays this season. Shoppers can browse 15 categories by interest or age to find thousands of the best gift ideas. Personal interest categories include gifts for the Globetrotter, the Humor Monger, Sports Enthusiast, and Culture Vulture.</p><p>There will be Top Sellers by product line and in each browse category. During the Holidays, Amazon.com will make it easy for customers to find, wrap, and ship their gifts for on-time arrival.</p><p>This year, finding the perfect gift is even easier with Wish List, which allows anyone to make their holiday gift wishes available to friends and family. Wish List has had the quickest customer adoption of any feature introduced by Amazon.com. Other new services will include item level gift-wrapping with a gift card and personal message to each gift recipient plus a variety of wrapping options and the ability to fill a shopping cart, send items to multiple recipients in multiple locations but check out only once.</p><p>Software Store</p><p>The new Amazon.com Software store (http://www.amazon.com/software) will offer a complete line of office, educational, and gaming titles, with such categories as Fashion and Beauty, Personal Improvement, Graphics and Multimedia. The store will feature such titles as: Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?, Adobe Photoshop, Homeworld, Red Hat Linux 6.1, Quicken 2000, Microsoft Office 2000, Irish Now! Deluxe Edition 7.0, and Cosmopolitan Virtual Make-Over 2.0 Deluxe.</p><p>To help customers choose the right software titles in this vast selection, Amazon.com offers product buying guides, customer comments, and professional reviews from Gamespot. In addition, Amazon.com will provide links to help customers discover new products such as books, hardware, or accessories related to their new software packages.</p><p>Video Games Store</p><p>The new, full-line Amazon.com Video Games store (http://www.amazon.com/videogames) will provide shoppers with thousands of popular and hard-to-find video games and accessories-both for personal computers and for all of the major video game platforms, including Dreamcast, PlayStation, Nintendo, Game Boy and NEOGEO. In addition, the store will feature rich editorial content and special features to help customers make informed purchase decisions and derive the most enjoyment from their gaming system.</p><p>"Video Games 101" will help customers learn the nuances of each major video game system; "Setting Up Your System" will teach shoppers about accessories; and a unique "Pros and Cons" section features special commentary on select titles from Amazon.com's expert reviewers. Customers will also find listings of the 25 best-selling games for each of the major platforms, weekly listings of hot titles and current favorites, features on consoles and accessories, and a bargain corner, where customers can find great games at bargain prices.</p><p>Customers will also be able to pre-order new and hot titles.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com and Leading Collectibles Companies Team Up for the Holidays

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-and-Leading-Collectibles-Companies-Team-Up-for-the-Holidays/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Leading-Collectibles-Companies-Team-Up-for-the-Holidays

11/05/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Leading Collectibles Companies Team Up for the Holidays

11/05/1999

1999

Leading online retailer provides excellent selection and services from five collectibles companies for Auctions and zShops customers SEATTLE, November 5, 1999--In time for the holiday shopping season, Amazon.com and five leading collectibles companies are teaming up to bring customers an exciting offering of collectibles and memorabilia. The arrangements include some of the largest, most respected companies in the fields of comics, sci-fi collectibles, trading cards, toy collectibles, coins, and music memorabilia. Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers now have access to thousands of products and services from industry leaders TNCUniverse, Mile High Comics, Intergalactic Trading Company, VROOM (Official Catalog of Rock & Roll), and Certified Collectibles Group. Most of these companies' merchandise can be purchased on Amazon.com Auctions and zShops through Amazon.com Payments with 1-Click. "Amazon.com is thrilled to be working with these collectible leaders to provide a wonderful customer shopping experience," said Joel Spiegel, vice president and general manager, Amazon.com. "These companies have earned impeccable reputations in the collecting community based on their unique and vast product selection and their commitment to excellent customer service." "The e-commerce marketplace is the most efficient way for VROOM and music memorabilia customers to interact," said Jacques Vroom, founder of VROOM, the country's premier marketer of music memorabilia and merchandise. "We're excited about working with such a respected online retailer to spread the word about our unique products. Not only does Amazon.com have more customers than any other online retailer, it shares our passion for customers." "This new arrangement is a fundamental shift in our ability to provide service and selection to collectors of comics, " stated Chuck Rozanski, founder and owner of Mile High Comics, the largest comics retailer in North America. "By utilizing both zShops and Amazon.com Auctions, we can now market comics and other collectibles not only to the 100,000 comics fans who already rely upon us, but also to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers." About Intergalactic Trading Company Intergalactic Trading Company Inc., located in Longwood, Florida, was founded in 1976 by Mike Kott and Suzanne Cornwell. Intergalactic has been the leading retailer in TV and movie science fiction collectibles over the past two decades. Kott and Cornwell are the authors of The Official Price Guides to Star Trek & Star Wars Collectibles, published by Random House, with more than 100,000 copies printed in four editions during the past 10 years. The price guide is available through Amazon.com. Intergalactic Trading Company Inc. can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/intergalactic About TNCUniverse TNCUniverse.com (The National Collector, Inc.), located in Sarasota, Florida, was founded in 1988 by Douglas Sharpe. TNCUniverse.com takes pride in its leadership position in establishing markets in such popular collectibles as Pokémon, Beanie Babies, Barbie, Star Wars, Star Trek, Magic the Gathering CCG, McFarlane Toys, and much more. TNCUniverse.com can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/tncuniverse About VROOM VROOM.com (The Rock & Roll Group, LLC) located in Dallas, Texas, was founded by Jacques Vroom in 1996. VROOM, Official Catalog of Rock & Roll, is the premier marketer of music memorabilia and merchandise in the country. Amazon.com's relationship with VROOM gives Amazon customers access to millions of interesting and valuable pieces of rock-related merchandise and historical artifacts. VROOM can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/vroomcatalog About Mile High Comics Mile High Comics is based in Denver, Colorado, and was founded by Chuck Rozanski in 1969. Mile High has six retail stores, and a very dynamic e-commerce operation based on its online inventory of seven million back-issue comics and its online new comics subscription division. Mile High Comics can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/milehighcomics About Certified Collectibles Group Certified Collectibles Group and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation is a group of companies focused on the impartial, independent, and expert certification and grading of collectibles. CCG companies include: Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America (NGC), the leading grading company in rare coins, currently certifying more than 50,000 coins per month; Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC), which has seen remarkable growth and popularity in its first year of operation, growing to its current certification of more than 30,000 cards per month; and Comics Guaranty LLC (CGC), the first and only certification and grading service for comic books. Certified Collectibles Group can be found on the Web at: http://www.SGCcard.com Numismatic Guaranty Corporation can be found on the Web at: http://www.ngccoin.com About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>Leading online retailer provides excellent selection and services from five collectibles companies for Auctions and zShops customers</p><p>SEATTLE, November 5, 1999--In time for the holiday shopping season, Amazon.com and five leading collectibles companies are teaming up to bring customers an exciting offering of collectibles and memorabilia. The arrangements include some of the largest, most respected companies in the fields of comics, sci-fi collectibles, trading cards, toy collectibles, coins, and music memorabilia.</p><p>Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers now have access to thousands of products and services from industry leaders TNCUniverse, Mile High Comics, Intergalactic Trading Company, VROOM (Official Catalog of Rock &amp; Roll), and Certified Collectibles Group. Most of these companies' merchandise can be purchased on Amazon.com Auctions and zShops through Amazon.com Payments with 1-Click.</p><p>"Amazon.com is thrilled to be working with these collectible leaders to provide a wonderful customer shopping experience," said Joel Spiegel, vice president and general manager, Amazon.com. "These companies have earned impeccable reputations in the collecting community based on their unique and vast product selection and their commitment to excellent customer service."</p><p>"The e-commerce marketplace is the most efficient way for VROOM and music memorabilia customers to interact," said Jacques Vroom, founder of VROOM, the country's premier marketer of music memorabilia and merchandise. "We're excited about working with such a respected online retailer to spread the word about our unique products. Not only does Amazon.com have more customers than any other online retailer, it shares our passion for customers."</p><p>"This new arrangement is a fundamental shift in our ability to provide service and selection to collectors of comics, " stated Chuck Rozanski, founder and owner of Mile High Comics, the largest comics retailer in North America. "By utilizing both zShops and Amazon.com Auctions, we can now market comics and other collectibles not only to the 100,000 comics fans who already rely upon us, but also to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers."</p><p>About Intergalactic Trading Company</p><p>Intergalactic Trading Company Inc., located in Longwood, Florida, was founded in 1976 by Mike Kott and Suzanne Cornwell. Intergalactic has been the leading retailer in TV and movie science fiction collectibles over the past two decades. Kott and Cornwell are the authors of The Official Price Guides to Star Trek &amp; Star Wars Collectibles, published by Random House, with more than 100,000 copies printed in four editions during the past 10 years. The price guide is available through Amazon.com.</p><p>Intergalactic Trading Company Inc. can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/intergalactic</p><p>About TNCUniverse</p><p>TNCUniverse.com (The National Collector, Inc.), located in Sarasota, Florida, was founded in 1988 by Douglas Sharpe. TNCUniverse.com takes pride in its leadership position in establishing markets in such popular collectibles as Pokémon, Beanie Babies, Barbie, Star Wars, Star Trek, Magic the Gathering CCG, McFarlane Toys, and much more. TNCUniverse.com can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/tncuniverse</p><p>About VROOM</p><p>VROOM.com (The Rock &amp; Roll Group, LLC) located in Dallas, Texas, was founded by Jacques Vroom in 1996. VROOM, Official Catalog of Rock &amp; Roll, is the premier marketer of music memorabilia and merchandise in the country. Amazon.com's relationship with VROOM gives Amazon customers access to millions of interesting and valuable pieces of rock-related merchandise and historical artifacts. VROOM can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/vroomcatalog</p><p>About Mile High Comics</p><p>Mile High Comics is based in Denver, Colorado, and was founded by Chuck Rozanski in 1969. Mile High has six retail stores, and a very dynamic e-commerce operation based on its online inventory of seven million back-issue comics and its online new comics subscription division. Mile High Comics can be found on the Web at: http://zshops.amazon.com/seller/milehighcomics</p><p>About Certified Collectibles Group</p><p>Certified Collectibles Group and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation is a group of companies focused on the impartial, independent, and expert certification and grading of collectibles. CCG companies include: Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America (NGC), the leading grading company in rare coins, currently certifying more than 50,000 coins per month; Sportscard Guaranty LLC (SGC), which has seen remarkable growth and popularity in its first year of operation, growing to its current certification of more than 30,000 cards per month; and Comics Guaranty LLC (CGC), the first and only certification and grading service for comic books. Certified Collectibles Group can be found on the Web at: http://www.SGCcard.com</p><p>Numismatic Guaranty Corporation can be found on the Web at: http://www.ngccoin.com</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge Wins Grand Prize in Amazon.com's Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest

/news/news-details/1999/Mr.-Fickles-Fabulous-Fudge-Wins-Grand-Prize-in-Amazon.coms-Harry-Potter-Magical-Candy-Contest/default.aspx

Mr.-Fickles-Fabulous-Fudge-Wins-Grand-Prize-in-Amazon.coms-Harry-Potter-Magical-Candy-Contest

11/04/1999 00:00:00

Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge Wins Grand Prize in Amazon.com's Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest

11/04/1999

1999

Twenty thousand magical candy ideas submitted by children from all over North America SEATTLE- November 4, 1999--From Delectable Drizzly Downpour Delights to Jolly Jumpin' Jokers, children inspired by Harry Potter sent thousands of magical candy drawings and descriptions in hopes of winning the grand prize in Amazon.com's (NASDAQ: AMZN) Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest. In the end, Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge, created by 11-year-old Vanessa P. of Mountain View, California, was chosen from more than 20,000 entries. The grand-prize-winning Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest entry, which can be found at www.amazon.com/candy-contest, is described by Vanessa as follows: "Try Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge, the fudge that grows plants completely made out of candy. Sold at Honeydukes Candy Shop for a sickle per eighth of a pound (sugar fertilizer included). Sprinkle Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Sugar Fertilizer over the fudge and watch it sprout candy plants before your very eyes! Everything's eatable [sic] and it's made from chocolate, sour strips, peppermints, bubble gum, and much, much more! It never goes bad, melts, or disappears until everything is eaten!" "We were overwhelmed by the thousands of wonderful, inventive, and sometimes hilarious candy inventions," said Amazon.com's Children's Books Editor Karin Snelson. "We are thrilled to see children's passion and creativity come to life, and be able to share the drawings and descriptions on our site for Harry Potter fans around the world to enjoy." For submitting the winning entry, Vanessa was awarded: A donation to the Graham Middle School library in the form of a $4,000 gift certificate from Amazon.com for books and a boxed set of three Harry Potter books (signed by J.K. Rowling) A Be a Wizard Magic Kit (with lightning-bolt temporary tattoos, stuffed owl, wizard's cape, magic wand, and more) A 3-D model of Vanessa's Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge candy invention, sculpted by Kipling West, a children's book illustrator and artist from Seattle A boxed set of three Harry Potter books signed for Vanessa by J.K. Rowling A $500 Amazon.com gift certificate for Vanessa Amazon.com invited children ages 6 to 13 to invent a wizard candy "so wonderful, so fabulously strange, with such magical powers that it would impress even Harry Potter." Contest entrants were asked to draw color pictures of their candy creations, name them "something wild and goofy, " and describe their magical powers or unusual flavors in 100 words or fewer. Classes from elementary and middle schools all over the United States and Canada responded to the challenge and entered their magical candy ideas. Ten runners-up will also receive prizes, including a donation to the winner's school library of a $500 gift certificate from Amazon.com for books; a boxed set of signed Harry Potter books; lightning-bolt temporary tattoos; and a $100 gift certificate from Amazon.com for the contestant. All of the Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest Winners-including pictures of the winning entries-can be seen at www.amazon.com/candy-contest or at www.amazon.com/kids, the Amazon.com Children's Book Store. The runner-up winners are: Eat Me Twice Trolls! by Dustin Schwartz, Robert H. Sperreng Middle School, St. Louis, Missouri Jolly Jumpin' Jokers, by Elizabeth, age 11, Pakachoug School, Auburn, Massachusetts Degnome Candy, by Sage Schroeder, age 7, Indianola Elementary School, Columbus, Ohio Chothes (Chocolate + Clothes), by Max Schouweiler, age 10, Los Encinos School, Studio City, California Delectable Drizzly Downpour Delights, by Karrah Mauro, age 8, Willow Springs Elementary, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina Chocolate Ink: Write It! Send It! Read It! Eat It! by Jo Warren, Fernbank Elementary, Decatur, Georgia Umpas, by David Schnitman, Age 7, Lester B. Pearson Elementary, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Professor McGonagall's Truth Turtles, by Max O'Neill, age 10, Odyssey Charter School, Altadena, California Captain Calebs' Confectionary Cobwebs, by Grace Zivny, age 12, Homeschooled, Portland, Oregon Nightmare Bats! by Mary Ellen Kennedy, District #44, North Platte, Nebraska About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>Twenty thousand magical candy ideas submitted by children from all over North America</p><p>SEATTLE- November 4, 1999--From Delectable Drizzly Downpour Delights to Jolly Jumpin' Jokers, children inspired by Harry Potter sent thousands of magical candy drawings and descriptions in hopes of winning the grand prize in Amazon.com's (NASDAQ: AMZN) Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest. In the end, Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge, created by 11-year-old Vanessa P. of Mountain View, California, was chosen from more than 20,000 entries.</p><p>The grand-prize-winning Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest entry, which can be found at www.amazon.com/candy-contest, is described by Vanessa as follows:</p><p>"Try Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge, the fudge that grows plants completely made out of candy. Sold at Honeydukes Candy Shop for a sickle per eighth of a pound (sugar fertilizer included). Sprinkle Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Sugar Fertilizer over the fudge and watch it sprout candy plants before your very eyes! Everything's eatable [sic] and it's made from chocolate, sour strips, peppermints, bubble gum, and much, much more! It never goes bad, melts, or disappears until everything is eaten!"</p><p>"We were overwhelmed by the thousands of wonderful, inventive, and sometimes hilarious candy inventions," said Amazon.com's Children's Books Editor Karin Snelson. "We are thrilled to see children's passion and creativity come to life, and be able to share the drawings and descriptions on our site for Harry Potter fans around the world to enjoy."</p><p>For submitting the winning entry, Vanessa was awarded:</p><ul><li>A donation to the Graham Middle School library in the form of a $4,000 gift certificate from Amazon.com for books and a boxed set of three Harry Potter books (signed by J.K. Rowling)</li><li>A Be a Wizard Magic Kit (with lightning-bolt temporary tattoos, stuffed owl, wizard's cape, magic wand, and more)</li><li>A 3-D model of Vanessa's Mr. Fickle's Fabulous Fudge candy invention, sculpted by Kipling West, a children's book illustrator and artist from Seattle</li><li>A boxed set of three Harry Potter books signed for Vanessa by J.K. Rowling</li><li>A $500 Amazon.com gift certificate for Vanessa</li></ul><p>Amazon.com invited children ages 6 to 13 to invent a wizard candy "so wonderful, so fabulously strange, with such magical powers that it would impress even Harry Potter." Contest entrants were asked to draw color pictures of their candy creations, name them "something wild and goofy, " and describe their magical powers or unusual flavors in 100 words or fewer. Classes from elementary and middle schools all over the United States and Canada responded to the challenge and entered their magical candy ideas.</p><p>Ten runners-up will also receive prizes, including a donation to the winner's school library of a $500 gift certificate from Amazon.com for books; a boxed set of signed Harry Potter books; lightning-bolt temporary tattoos; and a $100 gift certificate from Amazon.com for the contestant. All of the Harry Potter Magical Candy Contest Winners-including pictures of the winning entries-can be seen at www.amazon.com/candy-contest or at www.amazon.com/kids, the Amazon.com Children's Book Store. The runner-up winners are:</p><ul><li>Eat Me Twice Trolls! by Dustin Schwartz, Robert H. Sperreng Middle School, St. Louis, Missouri</li><li>Jolly Jumpin' Jokers, by Elizabeth, age 11, Pakachoug School, Auburn, Massachusetts</li><li>Degnome Candy, by Sage Schroeder, age 7, Indianola Elementary School, Columbus, Ohio</li><li>Chothes (Chocolate + Clothes), by Max Schouweiler, age 10, Los Encinos School, Studio City, California</li><li>Delectable Drizzly Downpour Delights, by Karrah Mauro, age 8, Willow Springs Elementary, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina</li><li>Chocolate Ink: Write It! Send It! Read It! Eat It! by Jo Warren, Fernbank Elementary, Decatur, Georgia</li><li>Umpas, by David Schnitman, Age 7, Lester B. Pearson Elementary, Toronto, Ontario, Canada</li>Professor McGonagall's Truth Turtles, by Max O'Neill, age 10, Odyssey Charter School, Altadena, California<li>Captain Calebs' Confectionary Cobwebs, by Grace Zivny, age 12, Homeschooled, Portland, Oregon</li><li>Nightmare Bats! by Mary Ellen Kennedy, District #44, North Platte, Nebraska</li></ul><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative Settle Litigation

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-and-Amazon-Bookstore-Cooperative-Settle-Litigation/default.aspx

Amazon.com-and-Amazon-Bookstore-Cooperative-Settle-Litigation

11/04/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative Settle Litigation

11/04/1999

1999

Amazon.com licenses Minneapolis bookstore to use the Amazon nam SEATTLE--November 4, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, the feminist bookstore in Minneapolis, today settled a legal dispute over the use of the Amazon name. As a part of the settlement, both Amazon.com and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative will work together on certain steps to ensure that there will not be any confusion among the public about the association of the two companies. One of the steps includes Amazon Bookstore always referring to itself by its full legal name of Amazon Bookstore Cooperative. Under the terms of the settlement, Amazon Bookstore Cooperative will assign its common law rights in the Amazon name to Amazon.com and Amazon.com will then give a license back to Amazon Bookstore Cooperative for use of the Amazon name. A lawsuit over the use of the Amazon name was filed by Amazon Bookstore Cooperative against Amazon.com on April 7 and was due for trial next year. With the settlement, the lawsuit will be dismissed. "Both Amazon.com and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative are very good at providing the best shopping experience for their respective customers," said Bill Curry, Amazon.com spokesman. "This settlement allows an important, independent bookstore that has been a part of the strong tradition of independent bookstores in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul for the past thirty years to continue serving the local community and beyond using a name that is well known. It also allows Amazon.com to continue focusing on providing the best shopping experience for its customers throughout the United States and the world." "Now we can return to focusing on providing the products and services that only an independent bookstore like ours can provide" said Barb Wieser, president of Amazon Bookstore Cooperative. "While the lawsuit was at times difficult and both sides strongly advocated their positions, we do recognize and appreciate Amazon.com's good faith and willingness to work with us in resolving it. As a part of working with Amazon.com to resolve this dispute, we have learned about its long-standing commitment to diversity. Its policies of explicitly forbidding discrimination based on sexual orientation and offering same sex benefits to all of its employees make it a leader in the corporate world in that regard." Amazon.com can be found at www.amazon.com. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative is located at 1612 Harmon Place in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis and at www.amazonfembks.com. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative is an independently owned and operated bookstore which offers a diversity of books, gifts, music and art, by for and about women. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>Amazon.com licenses Minneapolis bookstore to use the Amazon nam</p><p>SEATTLE--November 4, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative, the feminist bookstore in Minneapolis, today settled a legal dispute over the use of the Amazon name.</p><p>As a part of the settlement, both Amazon.com and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative will work together on certain steps to ensure that there will not be any confusion among the public about the association of the two companies. One of the steps includes Amazon Bookstore always referring to itself by its full legal name of Amazon Bookstore Cooperative.</p><p>Under the terms of the settlement, Amazon Bookstore Cooperative will assign its common law rights in the Amazon name to Amazon.com and Amazon.com will then give a license back to Amazon Bookstore Cooperative for use of the Amazon name. A lawsuit over the use of the Amazon name was filed by Amazon Bookstore Cooperative against Amazon.com on April 7 and was due for trial next year. With the settlement, the lawsuit will be dismissed.</p><p>"Both Amazon.com and Amazon Bookstore Cooperative are very good at providing the best shopping experience for their respective customers," said Bill Curry, Amazon.com spokesman. "This settlement allows an important, independent bookstore that has been a part of the strong tradition of independent bookstores in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul for the past thirty years to continue serving the local community and beyond using a name that is well known. It also allows Amazon.com to continue focusing on providing the best shopping experience for its customers throughout the United States and the world."</p><p>"Now we can return to focusing on providing the products and services that only an independent bookstore like ours can provide" said Barb Wieser, president of Amazon Bookstore Cooperative. "While the lawsuit was at times difficult and both sides strongly advocated their positions, we do recognize and appreciate Amazon.com's good faith and willingness to work with us in resolving it. As a part of working with Amazon.com to resolve this dispute, we have learned about its long-standing commitment to diversity. Its policies of explicitly forbidding discrimination based on sexual orientation and offering same sex benefits to all of its employees make it a leader in the corporate world in that regard."</p><p>Amazon.com can be found at www.amazon.com. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative is located at 1612 Harmon Place in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis and at www.amazonfembks.com. Amazon Bookstore Cooperative is an independently owned and operated bookstore which offers a diversity of books, gifts, music and art, by for and about women.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Named Exclusive Retailer for Replay Network's Latest Product, ReplayTV 2020

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Named-Exclusive-Retailer-for-Replay-Networks-Latest-Product-ReplayTV-2020/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Named-Exclusive-Retailer-for-Replay-Networks-Latest-Product-ReplayTV-2020

11/02/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Named Exclusive Retailer for Replay Network's Latest Product, ReplayTV 2020

11/02/1999

1999

Reinforces Amazon.com's reputation as the best place for customers to find and discover consumer electronics SEATTLE- November 2, 1999 --Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that it will have exclusive access to Replay Networks' latest product, ReplayTV 2020. Until November 15, Amazon.com will be the only retail location where consumers can purchase this new model. ReplayTV is revolutionizing the way people view TV by allowing them to pause live TV or create custom theme channels based on favorite actors, directors, or subjects and watch them at any time in any order. This new model doubles the amount of television recording space of Replay Networks' base model, and represents the largest storage capacity for the price among all personal video recorders on the market. "We are always looking for ways to create more value for customers," said Chris Payne, general manager of Amazon.com's Consumer Electronics Store. "By teaming with Replay Networks, we are continuing our commitment to bringing our customers the latest and greatest in electronics." "Amazon.com is an ideal place to introduce new products," said Steve Shannon, Replay Networks' vice president of marketing. "It has excellent customer service and detailed information on each product. Because we play in a new category and have an even newer product, we look for ways to inform customers about the benefits and uses of ReplayTV. We couldn't think of any company better than Amazon.com to help us meet those goals." Amazon.com Electronics features a full range of popular electronics products and brands: everything from the latest digital camcorders to computer peripherals to televisions. To help customers choose from this large selection, Amazon.com Electronics provides detailed buying guides and expert product reviews. These, combined with candid comments and ratings from people who have bought and used the products, make it easy for shoppers to choose the right products for their needs. ReplayTV is an impressive new technology that has caught the eye of television viewers everywhere. The device automatically finds and records television shows and stores them on a high-capacity hard disk drive. ReplayTV 2020 gives consumers the power to pause live TV, rewind, fast-forward, and instant-replay. And with the free ReplayTV Service, television viewers also receive a nightly updated electronic program guide customized for their programming options (cable, satellite, or antenna) and periodic software updates that provide new features. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, zShops, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Reinforces Amazon.com's reputation as the best place for customers to find and discover consumer electronics</p><p>SEATTLE- November 2, 1999 --Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced that it will have exclusive access to Replay Networks' latest product, ReplayTV 2020. Until November 15, Amazon.com will be the only retail location where consumers can purchase this new model.</p><p>ReplayTV is revolutionizing the way people view TV by allowing them to pause live TV or create custom theme channels based on favorite actors, directors, or subjects and watch them at any time in any order. This new model doubles the amount of television recording space of Replay Networks' base model, and represents the largest storage capacity for the price among all personal video recorders on the market.</p><p>"We are always looking for ways to create more value for customers," said Chris Payne, general manager of Amazon.com's Consumer Electronics Store. "By teaming with Replay Networks, we are continuing our commitment to bringing our customers the latest and greatest in electronics."</p><p>"Amazon.com is an ideal place to introduce new products," said Steve Shannon, Replay Networks' vice president of marketing. "It has excellent customer service and detailed information on each product. Because we play in a new category and have an even newer product, we look for ways to inform customers about the benefits and uses of ReplayTV. We couldn't think of any company better than Amazon.com to help us meet those goals."</p><p>Amazon.com Electronics features a full range of popular electronics products and brands: everything from the latest digital camcorders to computer peripherals to televisions. To help customers choose from this large selection, Amazon.com Electronics provides detailed buying guides and expert product reviews. These, combined with candid comments and ratings from people who have bought and used the products, make it easy for shoppers to choose the right products for their needs.</p><p>ReplayTV is an impressive new technology that has caught the eye of television viewers everywhere. The device automatically finds and records television shows and stores them on a high-capacity hard disk drive. ReplayTV 2020 gives consumers the power to pause live TV, rewind, fast-forward, and instant-replay. And with the free ReplayTV Service, television viewers also receive a nightly updated electronic program guide customized for their programming options (cable, satellite, or antenna) and periodic software updates that provide new features.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, zShops, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Third Quarter 1999

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Third-Quarter-1999/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Announces-Financial-Results-for-Third-Quarter-1999

10/27/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Announces Financial Results for Third Quarter 1999

10/27/1999

1999

Toys, Electronics, and zShops make Amazon.com the one-stop destination for holiday shopping SEATTLE, WA-October 27, 1999-Having added a complete toy store, a complete electronics store, and zShops, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 1999. Net sales for the third quarter were $356 million, an increase of 132 percent over net sales of $154 million for the third quarter of 1998. Amazon.com reported a third-quarter pro forma operating loss of $79 million, compared to a pro forma operating loss of $21 million in the third quarter of 1998. Third-quarter pro forma net loss of $86 million, or $0.26 per share, compared with a pro forma net loss of $24 million, or $0.08 per share, in the third quarter of 1998. On a GAAP basis, reported third-quarter net loss was $197 million, or $0.59 per share, and included $111 million of merger-, acquisition-, investment-related costs, and stock-based compensation charges. Amazon.com announced that cumulative customer accounts, including Auctions users, increased by 2.4 million during the third quarter to 13.1 million at September 30, 1999, an increase of more than 190 percent from 4.5 million customer accounts at September 30, 1998. Repeat customer orders represented more than 72 percent of orders during the quarter ended September 30, 1999, up from 70 percent in the previous quarter. The growth in sales and customers accompanied the addition of a complete toy store, a complete electronics store, and the introduction of zShops to Amazon.com. zShops make it possible for any individual or business to sell through Amazon.com, reaching more than 13 million experienced online shoppers. Also, the company's new All Product Search helps shoppers find anything they want to buy on the Net, making Amazon.com the one destination for shoppers to find whatever they are looking for. "In the third quarter, we announced our new Toys Store, which was immediately recognized by both Forrester Research and MSNBC as the best toy store on the Internet," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Toys and our other product expansions round out our rich selection and establish Amazon.com as the one-stop holiday shopping destination." Regarding Amazon.com's ongoing expansion, the company will be working hard during the holiday season to deliver the great service that Amazon.com customers have come to expect. The company has substantially increased its customer-service capability and increased distribution square footage more than four times compared to the 1998 holiday season, which will help the company better serve customers during this busy time. The company expects its combined focus on growth and customer satisfaction will impact fourth-quarter financial performance, relative to the third quarter, primarily in four ways: first, top-line revenues will increase significantly; second, gross margins will decrease; third, fulfillment expenses as a percentage of sales will slightly increase or be flat; and fourth, marketing expenses will increase. Recent Highlights Customer Experience Heads-down focus on customers helped Amazon.com continue to improve customer experience and grow brand and reach. Recent highlights include Amazon.com rated as: The most widely recognized e-commerce brand in the United States, as rated by online shoppers in a nationwide survey by Opinion Research Corp. Some 117.8 million adults, or 60 percent of the adult population in the U.S., recognize the Amazon.com brand, according to the survey; The 57th most valuable brand worldwide, just above Hilton, Guinness, and Marriott, and just below Pampers, in a June study of global brands by Interbrand Newell and Sorrell; The No 1. Toys store, Books, Music, and Video stores, and General Merchandise store in Forrester Research's recently released PowerRankingsTM; The best online toy store in an MSNBC survey, barely one month after the launch of the Amazon.com Toys Store, beating out longer-established players; The No. 1 place to save money on the Internet, as rated by online shoppers in a nationwide survey by Opinion Research Corp.; The No. 1 online shopping site and the No. 7 Web property during September, according to Media Metrix; The No. 1 Video store, the No.1 Music store, and the No. 1 Bookstore by Gomez Advisors in their most recent scorecards of online stores in these categories; The most-visited music store online, according to Greenfield Online's study of more than 5,000 consumers who have shopped for music online. Wish List In early October, Amazon.com introduced Wish List, an advanced and extensive online gift registry for the coming holiday season (http://www.amazon.com/wishlist). Designed to take the stress and hassle out of finding the perfect gift, Wish List was the No. 1 customer request during last year's holiday shopping season. Since its introduction, Wish List has seen faster adoption than almost any other feature Amazon.com has offered its customers. zShops In late September, Amazon.com introduced zShops, which enable anyone to offer merchandise for sale at Amazon.com, whether they are micro-manufacturers or major manufacturers, small businesses or global corporations, or specialized retailers. With zShops, anyone can now offer a vast array of popular or hard-to-find items to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers. Amazon.com Payments With the launch of zShops, Amazon.com introduced Amazon.com Payments, which allows individuals to pay for zShops purchases with credit cards using Amazon.com's 1-Click payment feature, thus eliminating what is considered the greatest inconvenience of online transactions between individuals: the delays, hassles, and risks of sending checks and money orders through regular mail. All Products Search All Products Search, located in the search box on the upper-left of the Amazon.com Welcome page, helps shoppers find anything for sale on the Net, providing customers with a convenient, easy-to-use guide for finding and discovering exactly what they want among the Net's millions of offerings. This customized and specialized Web search engine is dedicated solely to shopping and makes Amazon.com the place to start online shopping. Amazon.com Anywhere In early October, Amazon.com launched Amazon.com Anywhere, an initiative in wireless e-commerce that allows customers to shop and check the status of auction items at Amazon.com securely when they are away from their desktop computers. With the national launch of the new Palm VIITM organizer, Amazon.com's vast selection of merchandise is now accessible to customers anywhere, anytime. Management Team Expansion The company continued to build on its management strength, naming Warren C. Jenson as its senior vice president and chief financial officer. Jenson had been executive vice president and CFO at Delta Airlines, the largest domestic airline. Prior to Delta, Jenson was CFO of NBC, a division of General Electric. Jenson came to Amazon.com with a strong record of achievement in financial management, innovative transactions, and Web-based initiatives. Jeffrey A. Wilke was named vice president-general manager of operations. Wilke was formerly vice president and general manager of AlliedSignal's Pharmaceutical Fine Chemicals unit. Wilke was directly responsible for 15 plants/distribution centers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Investments Amazon.com made a significant minority investment in Della & James, the first company to bring together wedding registries from a broad selection of premier national retailers and local stores, creating the best way to register for and purchase wedding gifts. As part of the strategic relationship with Amazon.com, Della & James' wedding-gift registry will be available through Amazon.com, enabling Amazon.com's 13 million customers to find wedding registries and purchase wedding gifts through Della & James. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, zShops, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Note on Financial Presentation Financial results are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All of the charges associated with Amazon.com's merger, acquisition, and investment activities have been included in "merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs" in the accompanying financial statements in order to enhance their informational value and to present the most comparable classifications in the other line items. Among items included in merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs are amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles, equity in loss of investees, and certain nonrecurring merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs. Pro forma financial results exclude these merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs and stock-based compensation. AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Statements of Operations(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 1999 1998 1999 1998 Net sales $355,777 $153,648 $963,797 $356,992 Cost of sales 285,300 118,823 760,998 276,680 Gross profit 70,477 34,825 202,799 80,312 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 86,555 37,454 233,222 84,325 Product development 44,608 13,227 102,298 29,168 General and administrative 18,512 4,951 44,301 10,220 Merger, acquisition and investment-related costs, including amortization of intangibles and equity in earnings of affiliates 99,481 19,486 175,255 24,901 Stock-based compensation 11,789 1,214 16,570 1,591 Total operating expenses 260,945 76,332 571,646 150,205 Loss from operations (190,468) (41,507) (368,847) (69,893) Interest income 12,699 4,755 36,479 9,790 Interest expense (21,470) (8,419) (66,424) (18,017) Other income (expense) 2,159 - 2,037 - Net interest expense (6,612) (3,664) (27,908) (8,227) Net loss $(197,080) $(45,171) $(396,755) $(78,120) Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.59) $(0.15) $(1.23) $(0.27) Shares used in computation of basic and diluted loss per share 332,488 301,405 323,064 292,206 Pro Forma Results Excluding Merger and Acquisition, Investment and Stock-Based Compensation Costs (see Note 2 below) Pro forma loss from operations, excluding merger and acquisition, investment and stock-based compensation costs $(79,198) $(20,807) $(177,022) $(43,401) Pro forma net loss, excluding merger and acquisition, investment and stock-based compensation costs $(85,810) $(24,471) $(204,930) $(51,628) Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share, excluding merger and acquisition, investment and stock-based compensation costs $(0.26) $(0.08) $(0.63) $(0.18) Shares used in computation of pro forma basic and diluted loss per share 332,488 301,405 323,064 292,206 Note 1: The Company effected a three-for-one stock split and two-for-one stock split on January 4, 1999 and September 1, 1999, respectively. Each stock split was in the form of a stock dividend to stockholders of record on December 18, 1998 and August 12, 1999, respectively. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations have been restated to reflect the splits. Note 2: Pro forma results for the quarter and 9-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 are presented for informational purposes only and are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These results present the operating results of Amazon.com, excluding charges of $111.3 million and $20.7 million for the 3-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, and $191.8 million and $26.5 million for the 9-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, related to stock-based compensation and arising from Amazon.com's merger, acquisition and investment activities. Among items included in merger and acquisition related costs are amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles, equity in loss of investees, and certain non-recurring merger and acquisition related costs. AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Balance Sheets(in thousands, except per share data) SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash $43,149 $25,561 Marketable securities 862,536 347,884 Inventories 118,793 29,501 Prepaid expenses and other 55,590 21,308 Total current assets 1,080,068 424,254 Fixed assets, net 221,243 29,791 Other investments 196,317 7,740 Intangibles and other, net 705,932 179,263 Deferred charges 36,239 7,412 Total assets $2,239,799 $648,460 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $236,711 $113,273 Accrued advertising 24,567 13,071 Interest payable 10,045 10 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 73,572 34,413 Current portion of long-term debt and other 12,776 808 Total current liabilities 357,671 161,575 Long-term debt and other 1,462,203 348,140 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 150,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- none - - Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 3,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- 339,235 and 318,534 shares at September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively 3,393 3,186 Additional paid-in capital 1,027,655 298,537 Note receivable from officer for common stock (1,171) (1,099) Stock-based compensation (32,180) (1,625) Accumulated other comprehensive income (18,957) 1,806 Accumulated deficit (558,815) (162,060) Total stockholders' equity 419,925 138,745 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,239,799 $648,460 Note 1: The Company effected a three-for-one stock split and two-for-one stock split on January 4, 1999 and September 1, 1999, respectively. Each stock split was in the form of a stock dividend to stockholders of record on December 18, 1998 and August 12, 1999, respectively. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations have been restated to reflect the splits.

<p>Toys, Electronics, and zShops make Amazon.com the one-stop destination for holiday shopping SEATTLE, WA-October 27, 1999-Having added a complete toy store, a complete electronics store, and zShops, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced financial results for the third quarter of 1999. Net sales for the third quarter were $356 million, an increase of 132 percent over net sales of $154 million for the third quarter of 1998.</p><p>Amazon.com reported a third-quarter pro forma operating loss of $79 million, compared to a pro forma operating loss of $21 million in the third quarter of 1998. Third-quarter pro forma net loss of $86 million, or $0.26 per share, compared with a pro forma net loss of $24 million, or $0.08 per share, in the third quarter of 1998. On a GAAP basis, reported third-quarter net loss was $197 million, or $0.59 per share, and included $111 million of merger-, acquisition-, investment-related costs, and stock-based compensation charges.</p><p>Amazon.com announced that cumulative customer accounts, including Auctions users, increased by 2.4 million during the third quarter to 13.1 million at September 30, 1999, an increase of more than 190 percent from 4.5 million customer accounts at September 30, 1998. Repeat customer orders represented more than 72 percent of orders during the quarter ended September 30, 1999, up from 70 percent in the previous quarter.</p><p>The growth in sales and customers accompanied the addition of a complete toy store, a complete electronics store, and the introduction of zShops to Amazon.com. zShops make it possible for any individual or business to sell through Amazon.com, reaching more than 13 million experienced online shoppers. Also, the company's new All Product Search helps shoppers find anything they want to buy on the Net, making Amazon.com the one destination for shoppers to find whatever they are looking for.</p><p>"In the third quarter, we announced our new Toys Store, which was immediately recognized by both Forrester Research and MSNBC as the best toy store on the Internet," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "Toys and our other product expansions round out our rich selection and establish Amazon.com as the one-stop holiday shopping destination."</p><p>Regarding Amazon.com's ongoing expansion, the company will be working hard during the holiday season to deliver the great service that Amazon.com customers have come to expect. The company has substantially increased its customer-service capability and increased distribution square footage more than four times compared to the 1998 holiday season, which will help the company better serve customers during this busy time. The company expects its combined focus on growth and customer satisfaction will impact fourth-quarter financial performance, relative to the third quarter, primarily in four ways: first, top-line revenues will increase significantly; second, gross margins will decrease; third, fulfillment expenses as a percentage of sales will slightly increase or be flat; and fourth, marketing expenses will increase.</p><p>Recent Highlights</p><p>Customer Experience</p><p>Heads-down focus on customers helped Amazon.com continue to improve customer experience and grow brand and reach. Recent highlights include Amazon.com rated as:</p><ul><li>The most widely recognized e-commerce brand in the United States, as rated by online shoppers in a nationwide survey by Opinion Research Corp. Some 117.8 million adults, or 60 percent of the adult population in the U.S., recognize the Amazon.com brand, according to the survey;</li><li>The 57th most valuable brand worldwide, just above Hilton, Guinness, and Marriott, and just below Pampers, in a June study of global brands by Interbrand Newell and Sorrell;</li><li>The No 1. Toys store, Books, Music, and Video stores, and General Merchandise store in Forrester Research's recently released PowerRankings^TM;</li><li>The best online toy store in an MSNBC survey, barely one month after the launch of the Amazon.com Toys Store, beating out longer-established players;</li><li>The No. 1 place to save money on the Internet, as rated by online shoppers in a nationwide survey by Opinion Research Corp.;</li><li>The No. 1 online shopping site and the No. 7 Web property during September, according to Media Metrix;</li><li>The No. 1 Video store, the No.1 Music store, and the No. 1 Bookstore by Gomez Advisors in their most recent scorecards of online stores in these categories;</li><li>The most-visited music store online, according to Greenfield Online's study of more than 5,000 consumers who have shopped for music online.</li></ul><p>Wish List</p><p>In early October, Amazon.com introduced Wish List, an advanced and extensive online gift registry for the coming holiday season (http://www.amazon.com/wishlist). Designed to take the stress and hassle out of finding the perfect gift, Wish List was the No. 1 customer request during last year's holiday shopping season. Since its introduction, Wish List has seen faster adoption than almost any other feature Amazon.com has offered its customers.</p><p>zShops</p><p>In late September, Amazon.com introduced zShops, which enable anyone to offer merchandise for sale at Amazon.com, whether they are micro-manufacturers or major manufacturers, small businesses or global corporations, or specialized retailers. With zShops, anyone can now offer a vast array of popular or hard-to-find items to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers.</p><p>Amazon.com Payments</p><p>With the launch of zShops, Amazon.com introduced Amazon.com Payments, which allows individuals to pay for zShops purchases with credit cards using Amazon.com's 1-Click payment feature, thus eliminating what is considered the greatest inconvenience of online transactions between individuals: the delays, hassles, and risks of sending checks and money orders through regular mail.</p><p>All Products Search</p><p>All Products Search, located in the search box on the upper-left of the Amazon.com Welcome page, helps shoppers find anything for sale on the Net, providing customers with a convenient, easy-to-use guide for finding and discovering exactly what they want among the Net's millions of offerings. This customized and specialized Web search engine is dedicated solely to shopping and makes Amazon.com the place to start online shopping.</p><p>Amazon.com Anywhere</p><p>In early October, Amazon.com launched Amazon.com Anywhere, an initiative in wireless e-commerce that allows customers to shop and check the status of auction items at Amazon.com securely when they are away from their desktop computers. With the national launch of the new Palm VII^TM organizer, Amazon.com's vast selection of merchandise is now accessible to customers anywhere, anytime.</p><p>Management Team Expansion</p><p>The company continued to build on its management strength, naming Warren C. Jenson as its senior vice president and chief financial officer. Jenson had been executive vice president and CFO at Delta Airlines, the largest domestic airline. Prior to Delta, Jenson was CFO of NBC, a division of General Electric. Jenson came to Amazon.com with a strong record of achievement in financial management, innovative transactions, and Web-based initiatives. Jeffrey A. Wilke was named vice president-general manager of operations. Wilke was formerly vice president and general manager of AlliedSignal's Pharmaceutical Fine Chemicals unit. Wilke was directly responsible for 15 plants/distribution centers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.</p><p>Investments</p><p>Amazon.com made a significant minority investment in Della &amp; James, the first company to bring together wedding registries from a broad selection of premier national retailers and local stores, creating the best way to register for and purchase wedding gifts. As part of the strategic relationship with Amazon.com, Della &amp; James' wedding-gift registry will be available through Amazon.com, enabling Amazon.com's 13 million customers to find wedding registries and purchase wedding gifts through Della &amp; James.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 18 million unique items in categories including books, CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer games. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit-card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions (http://livebid.amazon.com), the leading provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding-gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, zShops, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>Note on Financial Presentation</p><p>Financial results are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All of the charges associated with Amazon.com's merger, acquisition, and investment activities have been included in "merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs" in the accompanying financial statements in order to enhance their informational value and to present the most comparable classifications in the other line items. Among items included in merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs are amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles, equity in loss of investees, and certain nonrecurring merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs. Pro forma financial results exclude these merger-, acquisition-, and investment-related costs and stock-based compensation.</p><center>AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Statements of Operations(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)</center><pre> Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 1999 1998 1999 1998 Net sales $355,777 $153,648 $963,797 $356,992 Cost of sales 285,300 118,823 760,998 276,680 Gross profit 70,477 34,825 202,799 80,312 Operating expenses: Marketing and sales 86,555 37,454 233,222 84,325 Product development 44,608 13,227 102,298 29,168 General and administrative 18,512 4,951 44,301 10,220 Merger, acquisition and investment-related costs, including amortization of intangibles and equity in earnings of affiliates 99,481 19,486 175,255 24,901 Stock-based compensation 11,789 1,214 16,570 1,591 Total operating expenses 260,945 76,332 571,646 150,205 Loss from operations (190,468) (41,507) (368,847) (69,893)Interest income 12,699 4,755 36,479 9,790 Interest expense (21,470) (8,419) (66,424) (18,017)Other income (expense) 2,159 - 2,037 - Net interest expense (6,612) (3,664) (27,908) (8,227)Net loss $(197,080) $(45,171) $(396,755) $(78,120)Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.59) $(0.15) $(1.23) $(0.27) Shares used in computation of basic and diluted loss per share 332,488 301,405 323,064 292,206 Pro Forma Results Excluding Merger and Acquisition, Investment and Stock-Based Compensation Costs (see Note 2 below) Pro forma loss from operations, excluding merger and acquisition, investment and stock-based compensation costs $(79,198) $(20,807) $(177,022) $(43,401)Pro forma net loss, excluding merger and acquisition, investment and stock-based compensation costs $(85,810) $(24,471) $(204,930) $(51,628)Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share, excluding merger and acquisition, investment and stock-based compensation costs $(0.26) $(0.08) $(0.63) $(0.18)Shares used in computation of pro forma basic and diluted loss per share 332,488 301,405 323,064 292,206 </pre><p>Note 1: The Company effected a three-for-one stock split and two-for-one stock split on January 4, 1999 and September 1, 1999, respectively. Each stock split was in the form of a stock dividend to stockholders of record on December 18, 1998 and August 12, 1999, respectively. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations have been restated to reflect the splits.</p><p>Note 2: Pro forma results for the quarter and 9-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 are presented for informational purposes only and are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These results present the operating results of Amazon.com, excluding charges of $111.3 million and $20.7 million for the 3-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, and $191.8 million and $26.5 million for the 9-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, related to stock-based compensation and arising from Amazon.com's merger, acquisition and investment activities. Among items included in merger and acquisition related costs are amortization of goodwill and other purchased intangibles, equity in loss of investees, and certain non-recurring merger and acquisition related costs.</p><center>AMAZON.COM, INC.Consolidated Balance Sheets(in thousands, except per share data)</center><pre> SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash $43,149 $25,561 Marketable securities 862,536 347,884 Inventories 118,793 29,501 Prepaid expenses and other 55,590 21,308 Total current assets 1,080,068 424,254 Fixed assets, net 221,243 29,791 Other investments 196,317 7,740 Intangibles and other, net 705,932 179,263Deferred charges 36,239 7,412 Total assets $2,239,799 $648,460 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $236,711 $113,273 Accrued advertising 24,567 13,071 Interest payable 10,045 10 Other liabilities and accrued expenses 73,572 34,413 Current portion of long-term debt and other 12,776 808 Total current liabilities 357,671 161,575 Long-term debt and other 1,462,203 348,140 Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 150,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- none - - Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares -- 3,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares -- 339,235 and 318,534 shares at September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively 3,393 3,186 Additional paid-in capital 1,027,655 298,537 Note receivable from officer for common stock (1,171) (1,099) Stock-based compensation (32,180) (1,625) Accumulated other comprehensive income (18,957) 1,806 Accumulated deficit (558,815) (162,060) Total stockholders' equity 419,925 138,745 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,239,799 $648,460 </pre><p>Note 1: The Company effected a three-for-one stock split and two-for-one stock split on January 4, 1999 and September 1, 1999, respectively. Each stock split was in the form of a stock dividend to stockholders of record on December 18, 1998 and August 12, 1999, respectively. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations have been restated to reflect the splits.</p>

Amazon.com Sues barnesandnoble.com for Patent Infringement

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Sues-barnesandnoble.com-for-Patent-Infringement/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Sues-barnesandnoble.com-for-Patent-Infringement

10/21/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Sues barnesandnoble.com for Patent Infringement

10/21/1999

1999

Suit Alleges Competitor Copied Innovative 1-Click(R) Technology that Makes Online Shopping Hassle-Free SEATTLE--Oct. 21, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) has filed suit against barnesandnoble.com, saying it has illegally copied Amazon.com's innovative, patented 1-Click(R) technology that makes online shopping as easy as a click of the mouse button. The suit, filed late Thursday in U.S. District Court in Seattle, alleges patent infringement and seeks an immediate and permanent court-ordered halt to the defendant's copycat feature. It also asks for an unspecified amount of damages. First made available to Amazon.com customers in September 1997, the 1-Click(R) feature allows customers to shop conveniently without multiple steps or re-entering their shipping and billing information every time they buy. "Being a pioneer and innovating for customers is always hard," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We spent thousands of hours to develop our 1-Click process, and the reason we have a patent system in this country is to encourage people to take these kinds of risks and make these kinds of investments for customers." The 1-Click(R) feature securely stores billing and shipping information so that returning customers need only click their mouse once to buy a selected item, rather than re-entering the same information over and over again for each purchase. In recognition of the innovative and unique nature of the 1-Click(R) technology, the U.S. Patent Office awarded Patent No. 5,960,411 to Amazon.com on September 28, 1999. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 15 million unique items in categories including books, music-CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer-game titles. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can use sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments. Amazon.com seeks to be the most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Northern and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della & James, the leading online wedding gift registry, at www.dellajames.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>Suit Alleges Competitor Copied Innovative 1-Click(R) Technology that Makes Online Shopping Hassle-Free</p><p>SEATTLE--Oct. 21, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) has filed suit against barnesandnoble.com, saying it has illegally copied Amazon.com's innovative, patented 1-Click(R) technology that makes online shopping as easy as a click of the mouse button.</p><p>The suit, filed late Thursday in U.S. District Court in Seattle, alleges patent infringement and seeks an immediate and permanent court-ordered halt to the defendant's copycat feature. It also asks for an unspecified amount of damages.</p><p>First made available to Amazon.com customers in September 1997, the 1-Click(R) feature allows customers to shop conveniently without multiple steps or re-entering their shipping and billing information every time they buy.</p><p>"Being a pioneer and innovating for customers is always hard," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We spent thousands of hours to develop our 1-Click process, and the reason we have a patent system in this country is to encourage people to take these kinds of risks and make these kinds of investments for customers."</p><p>The 1-Click(R) feature securely stores billing and shipping information so that returning customers need only click their mouse once to buy a selected item, rather than re-entering the same information over and over again for each purchase. In recognition of the innovative and unique nature of the 1-Click(R) technology, the U.S. Patent Office awarded Patent No. 5,960,411 to Amazon.com on September 28, 1999.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com (Amazon.com, Inc. and its subsidiaries) is the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, and free electronic greeting cards. Amazon.com lists more than 15 million unique items in categories including books, music-CDs, toys, electronics, videos, DVDs, and computer-game titles. Through Amazon.com zShops, any business or individual can use sell virtually anything to Amazon.com's more than 13 million customers, and with Amazon.com Payments, any seller can accept credit card transactions, avoiding the hassles of offline payments.</p><p>Amazon.com seeks to be the most customer-centric company where customers can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. Amazon.com's All Product Search scours the Web to help customers find merchandise that is not available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, or Amazon.com zShops, making Amazon.com the shopping destination to find anything.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Northern and Southern California, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com. Amazon.com also has a minority interest in Della &amp; James, the leading online wedding gift registry, at www.dellajames.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Electronic Greeting Cards and Free Voice Messages with onebox.com

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Electronic-Greeting-Cards-and-Free-Voice-Messages-with-onebox.com/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Electronic-Greeting-Cards-and-Free-Voice-Messages-with-onebox.com

10/18/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Electronic Greeting Cards and Free Voice Messages with onebox.com

10/18/1999

1999

Amazon.com and onebox.com introduce new way to personalize e-cards in time for holiday season SEATTLE, October 18, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced that customers can now send free, personalized voice messages with every electronic greeting card at Amazon.com Cards. The new feature, developed with onebox.com, can be found at www.amazon.com/cards. Voice messages can be easily attached to any of Amazon.com's hundreds of free electronic greeting cards. With this new voice-greeting option, card senders can sing a song, recite a poem or add whatever best expresses their thoughts to a friend or loved one. "Since we launched our electronic-greeting-card site in April, we've significantly expanded our card collection, and we've added great features, such as music, new animation, and now voice greetings," said Eric Broussard, Amazon.com Cards' general manager. "Voice greeting cards are a great way for our customers to personalize messages-it's fun, free and easy to use, especially as Halloween and the holiday season approach." To attach a private voice message to an electronic greeting card, visitors can simply select a card, click "Add a voice greeting" on the card's personalization page, and call a toll-free number to record his or her message privately. Customers have up to four hours to call in and record greetings once they have addressed their cards, and each card will be sent immediately after the voice message is recorded. Card recipients will hear the greeting over their computer immediately upon opening the card - there is no download required. Those without sound capabilities on their computers can call a toll-free number and listen to their special greetings over the phone. Amazon.com worked with onebox.com to bring electronic-greeting-card enthusiasts this new greeting option. onebox.com is the Web's fastest-growing provider of free voicemail, e-mail, and fax messaging, providing users with one convenient place to receive, review, and organize all their messages, as well as providing compelling voice-enabled applications that enhance the content of today's most popular sites on the Web. Through patent-pending technology and user-friendly design, onebox.com makes using new Web applications like voicemail easy, fun, and reliable. "onebox.com is very excited to be working with Amazon.com to be able to deliver the warmth, fun, and personalization of voice messages to the large selection of electronic greeting cards offered in the Amazon.com card collection," said Ross A. Bott, president and CEO of onebox.com. "onebox.com technology makes the recording and retrieving of personalized greetings fast, easy and reliable." Amazon.com's voice-greeting service is free of charge and does not require registration. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") are the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com . This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. About onebox.com onebox.com (http://www.onebox.com), the next-generation consumer communications company, is the leading provider of Internet based messaging services that deliver free voicemail, email, and fax, for the Web and telephone. onebox.com has partnered with leading Web providers to deliver these services as well as creating a new category of voice-enabled applications that enhance the content of today's most popular Web sites. The company has an alliance with Amazon.com, and partners include ZDNet. Everyone from mobile professionals to college students to teens will appreciate onebox.com's convenience, simplicity and privacy. Based on breakthrough, patent-pending technology and a pure IP infrastructure, onebox.com has been designed from inception to deliver high-quality services that will scale to support millions of consumers worldwide. onebox.com is a privately held company founded in May 1998 and is based in San Mateo, California.

<p>Amazon.com and onebox.com introduce new way to personalize e-cards in time for holiday season</p><p>SEATTLE, October 18, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced that customers can now send free, personalized voice messages with every electronic greeting card at Amazon.com Cards. The new feature, developed with onebox.com, can be found at www.amazon.com/cards.</p><p>Voice messages can be easily attached to any of Amazon.com's hundreds of free electronic greeting cards. With this new voice-greeting option, card senders can sing a song, recite a poem or add whatever best expresses their thoughts to a friend or loved one.</p><p>"Since we launched our electronic-greeting-card site in April, we've significantly expanded our card collection, and we've added great features, such as music, new animation, and now voice greetings," said Eric Broussard, Amazon.com Cards' general manager. "Voice greeting cards are a great way for our customers to personalize messages-it's fun, free and easy to use, especially as Halloween and the holiday season approach."</p><p>To attach a private voice message to an electronic greeting card, visitors can simply select a card, click "Add a voice greeting" on the card's personalization page, and call a toll-free number to record his or her message privately. Customers have up to four hours to call in and record greetings once they have addressed their cards, and each card will be sent immediately after the voice message is recorded.</p><p>Card recipients will hear the greeting over their computer immediately upon opening the card - there is no download required. Those without sound capabilities on their computers can call a toll-free number and listen to their special greetings over the phone.</p><p>Amazon.com worked with onebox.com to bring electronic-greeting-card enthusiasts this new greeting option. onebox.com is the Web's fastest-growing provider of free voicemail, e-mail, and fax messaging, providing users with one convenient place to receive, review, and organize all their messages, as well as providing compelling voice-enabled applications that enhance the content of today's most popular sites on the Web. Through patent-pending technology and user-friendly design, onebox.com makes using new Web applications like voicemail easy, fun, and reliable.</p><p>"onebox.com is very excited to be working with Amazon.com to be able to deliver the warmth, fun, and personalization of voice messages to the large selection of electronic greeting cards offered in the Amazon.com card collection," said Ross A. Bott, president and CEO of onebox.com. "onebox.com technology makes the recording and retrieving of personalized greetings fast, easy and reliable." Amazon.com's voice-greeting service is free of charge and does not require registration.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") are the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com .</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>About onebox.com</p><p>onebox.com (http://www.onebox.com), the next-generation consumer communications company, is the leading provider of Internet based messaging services that deliver free voicemail, email, and fax, for the Web and telephone. onebox.com has partnered with leading Web providers to deliver these services as well as creating a new category of voice-enabled applications that enhance the content of today's most popular Web sites. The company has an alliance with Amazon.com, and partners include ZDNet. Everyone from mobile professionals to college students to teens will appreciate onebox.com's convenience, simplicity and privacy. Based on breakthrough, patent-pending technology and a pure IP infrastructure, onebox.com has been designed from inception to deliver high-quality services that will scale to support millions of consumers worldwide. onebox.com is a privately held company founded in May 1998 and is based in San Mateo, California.</p>

Titanic Fever Continues as Original Letter is Auctioned via Amazon.com Livebid Auctions

/news/news-details/1999/Titanic-Fever-Continues-as-Original-Letter-is-Auctioned-via-Amazon.com-Livebid-Auctions/default.aspx

Titanic-Fever-Continues-as-Original-Letter-is-Auctioned-via-Amazon.com-Livebid-Auctions

10/15/1999 00:00:00

Titanic Fever Continues as Original Letter is Auctioned via Amazon.com Livebid Auctions

10/15/1999

1999

The last of three unique, historical items is made available for live, online consumer bidding SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 1999-- Profiles in History of Beverly Hills, California, will use Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions to auction a letter, hand-written on RMS Titanic stationery. The letter was written by Father Thomas R.D. Byles, the figure that led the final benediction as the famous ship sank. Valued in excess of $100,000, the letter will be auctioned during the company's first-ever auction of historical manuscripts on Wednesday, October 20 at 5 p.m. PST. Father Byles was en route to officiate his brother's wedding in New York when the ship sank. By some accounts, he was offered a seat on a lifeboat but refused. Instead, Father Byles guided passengers to the lifeboats and provided solace to those who went down with the ship. Addressed to his housekeeper and mailed from Ireland just days before the ship sank, the letter describes the ship in all of its glory. In other recent Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions of RMS Titanic artifacts, Hart Galleries of Houston, Texas, sold an original surviving luncheon menu from the RMS Titanic for $65,000. Similarly, TW Conroy & Associates in Baldwinsville, New York sold a pair of rare and beautiful lamps for $40,000 that were removed from the RMS Titanic during a systems check just before it set sail. In addition to the one-of-a-kind letter, Profiles in History, the nations leading dealer of original historical autographs, also will auction 150 historical manuscripts and signed documents. The lots include letters from American presidents and statesmen; scientists and inventors; celebrated authors; artists and composers; aviators and explorers; sports heroes and Hollywood legends. Using Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions, Internet participants can bid in real time with auction attendees via a live Web cast. Interested Internet bidders can easily pre-register at http://amazon.livebid.com by clicking on the Profiles in History auction. The deadline for Internet registration is Tuesday, October 19 at 5 p.m. PST. A complete catalogue of auction items is available on the site. "The RMS Titanic made an indelible impression on 20th century history," said Matt Williams, director of live auctions, Amazon.com Auctions. "We are honored to again make history by bringing these rare and treasured items to our customers via the Internet." "Of this particular letterhead, there are only five other examples known to have been offered publicly in the past 25 years, and none are from persons as well-known as Father Byles," said Joseph Maddalena, president/owner of Profiles in History. "Without question, this letter is the single most important Titanic item ever offered for sale." About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") are the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>The last of three unique, historical items is made available for live, online consumer bidding</p><p>SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 1999-- Profiles in History of Beverly Hills, California, will use Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions to auction a letter, hand-written on RMS Titanic stationery. The letter was written by Father Thomas R.D. Byles, the figure that led the final benediction as the famous ship sank. Valued in excess of $100,000, the letter will be auctioned during the company's first-ever auction of historical manuscripts on Wednesday, October 20 at 5 p.m. PST.</p><p>Father Byles was en route to officiate his brother's wedding in New York when the ship sank. By some accounts, he was offered a seat on a lifeboat but refused. Instead, Father Byles guided passengers to the lifeboats and provided solace to those who went down with the ship. Addressed to his housekeeper and mailed from Ireland just days before the ship sank, the letter describes the ship in all of its glory.</p><p>In other recent Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions of RMS Titanic artifacts, Hart Galleries of Houston, Texas, sold an original surviving luncheon menu from the RMS Titanic for $65,000. Similarly, TW Conroy &amp; Associates in Baldwinsville, New York sold a pair of rare and beautiful lamps for $40,000 that were removed from the RMS Titanic during a systems check just before it set sail.</p><p>In addition to the one-of-a-kind letter, Profiles in History, the nations leading dealer of original historical autographs, also will auction 150 historical manuscripts and signed documents. The lots include letters from American presidents and statesmen; scientists and inventors; celebrated authors; artists and composers; aviators and explorers; sports heroes and Hollywood legends.</p><p>Using Amazon.com LiveBid Auctions, Internet participants can bid in real time with auction attendees via a live Web cast. Interested Internet bidders can easily pre-register at http://amazon.livebid.com by clicking on the Profiles in History auction. The deadline for Internet registration is Tuesday, October 19 at 5 p.m. PST. A complete catalogue of auction items is available on the site.</p><p>"The RMS Titanic made an indelible impression on 20th century history," said Matt Williams, director of live auctions, Amazon.com Auctions. "We are honored to again make history by bringing these rare and treasured items to our customers via the Internet."</p><p>"Of this particular letterhead, there are only five other examples known to have been offered publicly in the past 25 years, and none are from persons as well-known as Father Byles," said Joseph Maddalena, president/owner of Profiles in History. "Without question, this letter is the single most important Titanic item ever offered for sale."</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") are the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com to Open Tacoma Customer-Service Center to Meet Rapid Growth

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-to-Open-Tacoma-Customer-Service-Center-to-Meet-Rapid-Growth/default.aspx

Amazon.com-to-Open-Tacoma-Customer-Service-Center-to-Meet-Rapid-Growth

10/15/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com to Open Tacoma Customer-Service Center to Meet Rapid Growth

10/15/1999

1999

SEATTLE -- October 15, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) will open a second U.S.-based customer-service center early December in Tacoma, Wash. The new customer-service center is in response to Amazon.com's growing global customer base. "The Tacoma customer-service center will ensure that the growing number of Amazon.com customers continue to receive swift and efficient customer-service throughout the 1999 holiday shopping season and beyond," said Bill Price, Amazon.com's vice president of customer-service. "With the addition of the Tacoma customer-service center to our existing Seattle center, we continue to expand our customer-service team and build on our goal to be the most customer-centric company on earth." The Tacoma facility is the first customer-service center to be opened outside of the company's Seattle headquarters and is expected to be fully operational by early December. "Tacoma was a logical choice for us, and not just from an employment standpoint. It was also a very attractive market in light of the priority the city has given to economic development and attracting high-tech companies," Price added. The company currently operates a customer-service center in Seattle. Additional customer-service representatives to serve Amazon.com Auctions and zShops customers are also being sought to staff the Seattle facility. Tacoma Open House Amazon.com will have recruiters at the Landmark Convention Center and Temple Theater in Tacoma for an open house on Friday, October 22, and Saturday, October 23, to receive applications. The hours of the open house are as follows: Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The company is accepting résumés and will be conducting on-site interviews for temporary and full-time customer-service positions. Seattle Open House Amazon.com will have recruiters at the Pac-Med Building in Seattle for an open house on Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30, to receive applications. The hours of the open house are as follows: Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The company is accepting résumés for temporary and full-time customer-service positions for its Auctions and zShops customer base. In celebration of Halloween, Amazon.com will also host a costume contest and give away prizes during the open house's hours of operation. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") are the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle; Portland, OR.; and Orange County, CA at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>SEATTLE -- October 15, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) will open a second U.S.-based customer-service center early December in Tacoma, Wash.</p><p>The new customer-service center is in response to Amazon.com's growing global customer base.</p><p>"The Tacoma customer-service center will ensure that the growing number of Amazon.com customers continue to receive swift and efficient customer-service throughout the 1999 holiday shopping season and beyond," said Bill Price, Amazon.com's vice president of customer-service. "With the addition of the Tacoma customer-service center to our existing Seattle center, we continue to expand our customer-service team and build on our goal to be the most customer-centric company on earth."</p><p>The Tacoma facility is the first customer-service center to be opened outside of the company's Seattle headquarters and is expected to be fully operational by early December. "Tacoma was a logical choice for us, and not just from an employment standpoint. It was also a very attractive market in light of the priority the city has given to economic development and attracting high-tech companies," Price added.</p><p>The company currently operates a customer-service center in Seattle. Additional customer-service representatives to serve Amazon.com Auctions and zShops customers are also being sought to staff the Seattle facility.</p><p>Tacoma Open House</p><p>Amazon.com will have recruiters at the Landmark Convention Center and Temple Theater in Tacoma for an open house on Friday, October 22, and Saturday, October 23, to receive applications. The hours of the open house are as follows: Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The company is accepting résumés and will be conducting on-site interviews for temporary and full-time customer-service positions.</p><p>Seattle Open House</p><p>Amazon.com will have recruiters at the Pac-Med Building in Seattle for an open house on Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30, to receive applications. The hours of the open house are as follows: Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The company is accepting résumés for temporary and full-time customer-service positions for its Auctions and zShops customer base. In celebration of Halloween, Amazon.com will also host a costume contest and give away prizes during the open house's hours of operation.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") are the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle; Portland, OR.; and Orange County, CA at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Receives Patent for 1-click

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Receives-Patent-for-1-click/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Receives-Patent-for-1-click

10/12/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Receives Patent for 1-click

10/12/1999

1999

Amazon.com holiday shopping season also features Gift-Click and Wish List SEATTLE, Washington, October 12--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) has been awarded a patent for its innovative 1-Click service, which allows customers to shop conveniently without entering their shipping and billing information every time they buy. First made available to Amazon.com customers in September 1997, 1-Click combines with Gift-Click and Wish List to make Amazon.com the most convenient, easiest-to-use shopping destination this holiday season. Wish List allows customers to post the gifts they'd most like to receive from family and friends, while Gift-Click allows customers to send gifts easily by entering just the e-mail addresses of their recipients. "We're always looking for new and innovative ways to take the drudgery out of shopping and create a better customer experience," said Jaleh Bisharat, Amazon.com vice president of marketing. "1-Click and Gift-Click make shopping easy and hassle-free, and Wish List takes the uncertainty out of gift-giving-they're the perfect threesome to help you with your holiday shopping this year." 1-Click securely stores billing and shipping information so that each customer needs only one click of the mouse to buy a selected item, rather than entering the same information over and over again for each purchase. In recognition of the innovation and unique nature of 1-Click, the U.S. Patent Office awarded Patent No. 5960411 to Amazon.com for 1-Click on September 28, 1999. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") comprise the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its, virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com holiday shopping season also features Gift-Click and Wish List</p><p>SEATTLE, Washington, October 12--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) has been awarded a patent for its innovative 1-Click service, which allows customers to shop conveniently without entering their shipping and billing information every time they buy.</p><p>First made available to Amazon.com customers in September 1997, 1-Click combines with Gift-Click and Wish List to make Amazon.com the most convenient, easiest-to-use shopping destination this holiday season. Wish List allows customers to post the gifts they'd most like to receive from family and friends, while Gift-Click allows customers to send gifts easily by entering just the e-mail addresses of their recipients.</p><p>"We're always looking for new and innovative ways to take the drudgery out of shopping and create a better customer experience," said Jaleh Bisharat, Amazon.com vice president of marketing. "1-Click and Gift-Click make shopping easy and hassle-free, and Wish List takes the uncertainty out of gift-giving-they're the perfect threesome to help you with your holiday shopping this year."</p><p>1-Click securely stores billing and shipping information so that each customer needs only one click of the mouse to buy a selected item, rather than entering the same information over and over again for each purchase. In recognition of the innovation and unique nature of 1-Click, the U.S. Patent Office awarded Patent No. 5960411 to Amazon.com for 1-Click on September 28, 1999.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") comprise the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its, virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crewmembers dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Delivers On No. 1 Request of Holiday Shoppers

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Delivers-On-No.-1-Request-of-Holiday-Shoppers/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Delivers-On-No.-1-Request-of-Holiday-Shoppers

10/08/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Delivers On No. 1 Request of Holiday Shoppers

10/08/1999

1999

New Wish List service takes guesswork out of gift-giving SEATTLE, October 8, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced Wish List, an advanced and extensive online gift registry perfect for the coming holiday season (http://www.amazon.com/wishlist). To introduce the new service, Amazon.com will make customer wishes come true through the Wish List Giveaway Contest. In a daily drawing ending November 30, 1999, each of 10 lucky winners will receive one of his or her Wish List items free. On December 1, one grand-prize winner will receive his or her entire Wish List, compliments of Amazon.com (complete contest rules available at www.amazon.com). Wish List was introduced in response to the company's No. 1 customer request during last year's holiday shopping season. Last year, both online and offline shoppers were challenged to find the "perfect" gifts. In fact, nearly 30 percent of respondents to an American Express poll say they recycle unwanted holiday gifts by passing them on to other people. "With shoppers visiting up to 10 stores to find the perfect holiday gifts, no wonder people want an online gift registry," said Jaleh Bisharat, vice president of marketing at Amazon.com. "When you access Wish List at Amazon.com, much of the stress and frustration associated with holiday gift shopping can virtually disappear." Amazon.com's Wish List is designed to help transform gift shopping into a one-stop, no-guesswork, virtually hassle-free experience online. Building on the common holiday tradition of exchanging lists between friends and family, Amazon.com's Wish List service is unique because it provides: Access to millions of gift items in a variety of product categories, from toys and electronics to books, CDs, and videos. A vast customer community of more than 12 million shoppers, greatly increasing the likelihood that someone on your holiday list has an Amazon.com Wish List. A customer-friendly and easy-to-use gift-registry service resulting from Amazon.com's proprietary approach for incorporating customer feedback and consumer research into its Web-site design. "The holiday season is often fraught with panic about choosing just the right gift, or frustration at receiving the wrong one," said Barbara Hemphill, a leading expert on productivity and author of Taming the Paper Tiger. "Personal productivity and pleasure are always improved by using the right tools-and Amazon.com's Wish List is a great new time-saving tool." In keeping with the ease of shopping at Amazon.com for toys, electronics, CDs, videos, DVDs, and books, items can be added to a list at any time during the shopping experience, from any product page. The Wish List user can add personal comments that highlight favorite items or identify gift selections for different family members maintained on one master list. Customers search for Wish Lists by last name or by e-mail address, and confidential customer information, such as shipping address, is always kept private. Amazon.com's customers can create their own Wish Lists and automatically send links to their Wish Lists directly to friends and family. They can also encourage others to create their own lists by sending free Amazon.com e-cards. Wish Lists can also be helpful in creating lists for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>New Wish List service takes guesswork out of gift-giving</p><p>SEATTLE, October 8, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced Wish List, an advanced and extensive online gift registry perfect for the coming holiday season (http://www.amazon.com/wishlist). To introduce the new service, Amazon.com will make customer wishes come true through the Wish List Giveaway Contest. In a daily drawing ending November 30, 1999, each of 10 lucky winners will receive one of his or her Wish List items free. On December 1, one grand-prize winner will receive his or her entire Wish List, compliments of Amazon.com (complete contest rules available at www.amazon.com).</p><p>Wish List was introduced in response to the company's No. 1 customer request during last year's holiday shopping season. Last year, both online and offline shoppers were challenged to find the "perfect" gifts. In fact, nearly 30 percent of respondents to an American Express poll say they recycle unwanted holiday gifts by passing them on to other people.</p><p>"With shoppers visiting up to 10 stores to find the perfect holiday gifts, no wonder people want an online gift registry," said Jaleh Bisharat, vice president of marketing at Amazon.com. "When you access Wish List at Amazon.com, much of the stress and frustration associated with holiday gift shopping can virtually disappear."</p><p>Amazon.com's Wish List is designed to help transform gift shopping into a one-stop, no-guesswork, virtually hassle-free experience online. Building on the common holiday tradition of exchanging lists between friends and family, Amazon.com's Wish List service is unique because it provides:</p><p>Access to millions of gift items in a variety of product categories, from toys and electronics to books, CDs, and videos. A vast customer community of more than 12 million shoppers, greatly increasing the likelihood that someone on your holiday list has an Amazon.com Wish List. A customer-friendly and easy-to-use gift-registry service resulting from Amazon.com's proprietary approach for incorporating customer feedback and consumer research into its Web-site design.</p><p>"The holiday season is often fraught with panic about choosing just the right gift, or frustration at receiving the wrong one," said Barbara Hemphill, a leading expert on productivity and author of Taming the Paper Tiger. "Personal productivity and pleasure are always improved by using the right tools-and Amazon.com's Wish List is a great new time-saving tool."</p><p>In keeping with the ease of shopping at Amazon.com for toys, electronics, CDs, videos, DVDs, and books, items can be added to a list at any time during the shopping experience, from any product page. The Wish List user can add personal comments that highlight favorite items or identify gift selections for different family members maintained on one master list. Customers search for Wish Lists by last name or by e-mail address, and confidential customer information, such as shipping address, is always kept private.</p><p>Amazon.com's customers can create their own Wish Lists and automatically send links to their Wish Lists directly to friends and family. They can also encourage others to create their own lists by sending free Amazon.com e-cards. Wish Lists can also be helpful in creating lists for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Oprah Winfrey Raises More Than $130,000 in a Special Benefit Auction at Amazon.com

/news/news-details/1999/Oprah-Winfrey-Raises-More-Than-130000-in-a-Special-Benefit-Auction-at-Amazon.com/default.aspx

Oprah-Winfrey-Raises-More-Than-130000-in-a-Special-Benefit-Auction-at-Amazon.com

10/07/1999 00:00:00

Oprah Winfrey Raises More Than $130,000 in a Special Benefit Auction at Amazon.com

10/07/1999

1999

Oprah gets lesson in online auctions from Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos Proceeds benefit "Oprah's Angel Network" SEATTLE, October 7, 1999-- During a special, two-hour benefit auction at Amazon.com on October 2, 1999, Oprah Winfrey raised more than $130,000, benefiting "Oprah's Angel Network." Amazon.com founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, guided Oprah through the complete Internet auction experience during a taping for Winfrey's upcoming new show Oprah Goes Online debuting February 2000 on the Oxygen Cable Network. The 12-part series will follow Oprah and longtime friend, Gayle King, as they learn how to navigate the Internet. Over only a two-hour period, bids were received on 25 items, with a lunch with Oprah and Gayle commanding the highest price of $42,100 and the highest amount of bids. Other top selling items included backstage passes and tickets to "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which received a price of $10,100, Oprah's autographed computer (the one on which she is learning to use the Internet) for $6,300 and a complete make-over with Oprah's personal stylists for $4,001. Some of the other more highly sought after auction items were a chair from the set of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" which went for $4,850, a signed script from Beloved for $4,346, and Oprah's bicycle and equipment for $3,150. Contributing to the cause, Bezos competed fervently for Oprah to record a personal answering machine message, and won it for $18,600. He also put up for auction an Olympus Stylus Epic 35mm Camera, complete with pictures of himself with Oprah and Gayle from the filming of Oprah Goes Online. Proceeds from the camera also benefit "Oprah's Angel Network." "I am amazed at how many items there are available through Internet auctions and this event with Amazon.com was very exciting," said Oprah. "I thank everyone for their support. Since every penny goes directly to those in need, you all helped make a difference in just two hours." "I want to thank everyone who supported this auction with such generosity and enthusiasm," said Bezos. "I hope everyone will enjoy their auction winnings and feel good about their contribution to 'Oprah's Angel Network'." All auction proceeds will be donated to "Oprah's Angel Network," a campaign launched by Oprah in 1997. Proving that small acts of kindness create astounding results, "Oprah's Angel Network" is celebrating its third season of making a difference in people's lives. Since it was founded, "Oprah's Angel Network" has raised over $3.5 million for college scholarships, built 145 Habitat for Humanity homes across the country, and embraced a host of other mini-miracles. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. About "Oprah's Angel Network" Oprah founded "Oprah's Angel Network" in 1997 as a way to encourage her viewers to make the world a better place to live. Launched with the very successful "World's Largest Piggy Bank," Oprah raised over $3.5 million in spare change from her viewers and through private donations to send 150 students in need to college. Also during its first season, "Oprah's Angel Network" launched a campaign with Habitat for Humanity to build nearly 200 "Oprah Houses" across the country. "We want you to really begin to open up your eyes, notice people around you, and look for ways to help those in need," says Oprah.

<p>Oprah gets lesson in online auctions from Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos</p><p>Proceeds benefit "Oprah's Angel Network"</p><p>SEATTLE, October 7, 1999-- During a special, two-hour benefit auction at Amazon.com on October 2, 1999, Oprah Winfrey raised more than $130,000, benefiting "Oprah's Angel Network." Amazon.com founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, guided Oprah through the complete Internet auction experience during a taping for Winfrey's upcoming new show Oprah Goes Online debuting February 2000 on the Oxygen Cable Network. The 12-part series will follow Oprah and longtime friend, Gayle King, as they learn how to navigate the Internet.</p><p>Over only a two-hour period, bids were received on 25 items, with a lunch with Oprah and Gayle commanding the highest price of $42,100 and the highest amount of bids.</p><p>Other top selling items included backstage passes and tickets to "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which received a price of $10,100, Oprah's autographed computer (the one on which she is learning to use the Internet) for $6,300 and a complete make-over with Oprah's personal stylists for $4,001.</p><p>Some of the other more highly sought after auction items were a chair from the set of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" which went for $4,850, a signed script from Beloved for $4,346, and Oprah's bicycle and equipment for $3,150.</p><p>Contributing to the cause, Bezos competed fervently for Oprah to record a personal answering machine message, and won it for $18,600. He also put up for auction an Olympus Stylus Epic 35mm Camera, complete with pictures of himself with Oprah and Gayle from the filming of Oprah Goes Online. Proceeds from the camera also benefit "Oprah's Angel Network."</p><p>"I am amazed at how many items there are available through Internet auctions and this event with Amazon.com was very exciting," said Oprah. "I thank everyone for their support. Since every penny goes directly to those in need, you all helped make a difference in just two hours."</p><p>"I want to thank everyone who supported this auction with such generosity and enthusiasm," said Bezos. "I hope everyone will enjoy their auction winnings and feel good about their contribution to 'Oprah's Angel Network'."</p><p>All auction proceeds will be donated to "Oprah's Angel Network," a campaign launched by Oprah in 1997. Proving that small acts of kindness create astounding results, "Oprah's Angel Network" is celebrating its third season of making a difference in people's lives. Since it was founded, "Oprah's Angel Network" has raised over $3.5 million for college scholarships, built 145 Habitat for Humanity homes across the country, and embraced a host of other mini-miracles.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>About "Oprah's Angel Network"</p><p>Oprah founded "Oprah's Angel Network" in 1997 as a way to encourage her viewers to make the world a better place to live. Launched with the very successful "World's Largest Piggy Bank," Oprah raised over $3.5 million in spare change from her viewers and through private donations to send 150 students in need to college. Also during its first season, "Oprah's Angel Network" launched a campaign with Habitat for Humanity to build nearly 200 "Oprah Houses" across the country. "We want you to really begin to open up your eyes, notice people around you, and look for ways to help those in need," says Oprah.</p>

Amazon.com Launches Amazon.com toy Quest For Kids To Create Tomorrow's Toys

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Launches-Amazon.com-toy-Quest-For-Kids-To-Create-Tomorrows-Toys/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Launches-Amazon.com-toy-Quest-For-Kids-To-Create-Tomorrows-Toys

10/06/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Launches Amazon.com toy Quest For Kids To Create Tomorrow's Toys

10/06/1999

1999

Kids dream up ideas for new toys; Amazon.com will produce and sell the winners SEATTLE, October 6, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today issued a nationwide call for entries for the Amazon.com Toy Quest, inviting kids to design and create their dream toys. Each child aged 12 and under can send his or her toy-invention ideas to the Amazon.com Toy Quest for a chance to become a famous toy inventor - because Amazon.com will manufacture and sell the winning toy. Amazon.com Toy Quest rules and entry information can be found on the Amazon.com Toys home page (www.amazon.com/toys) by clicking the Toy Quest icon. "Innovation is incredibly important," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We want to see what kids will come up with when they are given the chance to create the world's coolest toy - we want to know what it will look like and what it will do. Toy Quest will bring kids' toy inventions to life, capturing the creativity and magic that lives in their imaginations." With parents' consent, every aspiring young toy inventor can submit a 200-word description of his or her toy, along with a drawing, via standard mail by to be received by November 15, 1999. Inventors will be separated into two age categories, 8 years and under and 9 to 12 years. Toy Quest will culminate the weekend of December 4, 1999, when Amazon.com flies 40 finalists, along with one parent per child, to New York City for the Amazon.com Toy Quest party. All finalists will build models of their toys and bring them along to present to the judges. An all-star judges panel including Bezos and famous toy inventors will review all 40 inventions and select two grand-prize winners, one from each age category, and two runners-up. The judges will be looking for extraordinary ideas, not masterful presentations and models. All winners will be announced at the event. Grand-prize winners and their toy descriptions will be featured at Amazon.com Toys this holiday season. These inventors will see their dream toys brought to life in the year 2000, when Amazon.com Toys will manufacture and sell these toy inventions for kids everywhere to enjoy. Amazon.com Toys will also award each grand-prize winner a $10,000 college savings bond, as well as 7 percent of his or her toy's sales royalties in the form of a college savings fund. Additionally, one runner-up in each age category will be awarded a $2,000 college savings bond. All 40 finalists will receive a $500 shopping spree at Amazon.com Toys. The toy invention and entry must be the sole creation of the child, though parents can certainly guide their children through the submission process, and their consent will be required. Twenty finalists will be selected from each age group. Toy Quest entries must be received by November 15, 1999. Entries can be mailed to: Amazon.com Toy Quest; P.O. Box 81226; Seattle, WA 98108-1226. The winning toy inventions will be posted on the site after December 4, 1999. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") comprise the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>Kids dream up ideas for new toys; Amazon.com will produce and sell the winners</p><p>SEATTLE, October 6, 1999 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today issued a nationwide call for entries for the Amazon.com Toy Quest, inviting kids to design and create their dream toys. Each child aged 12 and under can send his or her toy-invention ideas to the Amazon.com Toy Quest for a chance to become a famous toy inventor - because Amazon.com will manufacture and sell the winning toy. Amazon.com Toy Quest rules and entry information can be found on the Amazon.com Toys home page (www.amazon.com/toys) by clicking the Toy Quest icon.</p><p>"Innovation is incredibly important," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com founder and CEO. "We want to see what kids will come up with when they are given the chance to create the world's coolest toy - we want to know what it will look like and what it will do. Toy Quest will bring kids' toy inventions to life, capturing the creativity and magic that lives in their imaginations."</p><p>With parents' consent, every aspiring young toy inventor can submit a 200-word description of his or her toy, along with a drawing, via standard mail by to be received by November 15, 1999. Inventors will be separated into two age categories, 8 years and under and 9 to 12 years.</p><p>Toy Quest will culminate the weekend of December 4, 1999, when Amazon.com flies 40 finalists, along with one parent per child, to New York City for the Amazon.com Toy Quest party. All finalists will build models of their toys and bring them along to present to the judges.</p><p>An all-star judges panel including Bezos and famous toy inventors will review all 40 inventions and select two grand-prize winners, one from each age category, and two runners-up. The judges will be looking for extraordinary ideas, not masterful presentations and models. All winners will be announced at the event.</p><p>Grand-prize winners and their toy descriptions will be featured at Amazon.com Toys this holiday season. These inventors will see their dream toys brought to life in the year 2000, when Amazon.com Toys will manufacture and sell these toy inventions for kids everywhere to enjoy. Amazon.com Toys will also award each grand-prize winner a $10,000 college savings bond, as well as 7 percent of his or her toy's sales royalties in the form of a college savings fund. Additionally, one runner-up in each age category will be awarded a $2,000 college savings bond. All 40 finalists will receive a $500 shopping spree at Amazon.com Toys.</p><p>The toy invention and entry must be the sole creation of the child, though parents can certainly guide their children through the submission process, and their consent will be required. Twenty finalists will be selected from each age group.</p><p>Toy Quest entries must be received by November 15, 1999. Entries can be mailed to: Amazon.com Toy Quest; P.O. Box 81226; Seattle, WA 98108-1226. The winning toy inventions will be posted on the site after December 4, 1999.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and its subsidiaries ("Amazon.com") comprise the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer. Amazon.com opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com launches 'Amazon.com Anywhere,' providing shopping from wireless devices, such as the Palm VII organizer

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-launches-Amazon.com-Anywhere-providing-shopping-from-wireless-devices-such-as-the-Palm-VII-organizer/default.aspx

Amazon.com-launches-Amazon.com-Anywhere-providing-shopping-from-wireless-devices-such-as-the-Palm-VII-organizer

10/04/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com launches 'Amazon.com Anywhere,' providing shopping from wireless devices, such as the Palm VII organizer

10/04/1999

1999

Amazon.com Acquires Convergence Corporation and Ventures with Motorola and AvantGo SEATTLE, Oct. 4 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today launched Amazon.com Anywhere, wireless e-commerce that allows customers to securely shop and check the status of auction items at Amazon.com when they are away from their desktop computers. With the national launch of the new Palm VII™ organizer today, Amazon.com's vast selection of merchandise is now accessible to customers anywhere, at anytime. "By untying customers from their desktops, we're empowering them to get things done and off their to-do lists--not just at anytime--but from anywhere," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com To expand its wireless capabilities, Amazon.com has acquired Convergence Corporation in exchange for equity having an aggregate value of approximately $20 million. The privately held firm is known for creating software that provides Internet access for a variety of information appliances. The employees from the Atlanta firm will relocate to Seattle and support Amazon.com Anywhere. Amazon.com Anywhere brings the convenience of secure 1-Click purchasing and product-searching capabilities to wireless appliances. The Palm VII organizer from Palm Computing, a 3Com company (NASDQ:COMS), is the first all-in-one, wireless, hand-held device to offer remote access to the Internet, allowing users to conveniently shop at Amazon.com from any location. Amazon.com customers can simply download a free application from Amazon.com at www.amazon.com/anywhere or from Palm at www.Palm.Net. "Amazon.com Anywhere illustrates the Palm VII's power to provide e-commerce capabilities simply and instantly for people on the move," said Alan Kessler, president of Palm Computing. "We're thrilled to offer our users the option to shop at Amazon.com as we introduce our highly anticipated Palm VII organizer nationwide." Amazon.com is committed to providing its customers the largest possible product selection across a broad spectrum of wireless platforms. To serve the emerging two-way Internet capability of a number of devices, Amazon.com Anywhere has entered into agreements with hand-set manufacturer Motorola and AvantGo. To support global standards and promote the long-term growth of the wireless Internet industry, Amazon.com also announces today that is the first e-commerce retailer to join the Wireless Application Protocol Forum (WAPF). The role of the WAPF is to develop and maintain a global standard for wireless data and e-commerce transactions on the Internet. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com. About 3Com 3Com and Palm Computing are registered trademarks. Palm VII is a trademark and Palm.Net is a service mark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.

<p>Amazon.com Acquires Convergence Corporation and Ventures with Motorola and AvantGo</p><p>SEATTLE, Oct. 4 -- Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today launched Amazon.com Anywhere, wireless e-commerce that allows customers to securely shop and check the status of auction items at Amazon.com when they are away from their desktop computers. With the national launch of the new Palm VII™ organizer today, Amazon.com's vast selection of merchandise is now accessible to customers anywhere, at anytime.</p><p>"By untying customers from their desktops, we're empowering them to get things done and off their to-do lists--not just at anytime--but from anywhere," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com</p><p>To expand its wireless capabilities, Amazon.com has acquired Convergence Corporation in exchange for equity having an aggregate value of approximately $20 million. The privately held firm is known for creating software that provides Internet access for a variety of information appliances. The employees from the Atlanta firm will relocate to Seattle and support Amazon.com Anywhere.</p><p>Amazon.com Anywhere brings the convenience of secure 1-Click purchasing and product-searching capabilities to wireless appliances. The Palm VII organizer from Palm Computing, a 3Com company (NASDQ:COMS), is the first all-in-one, wireless, hand-held device to offer remote access to the Internet, allowing users to conveniently shop at Amazon.com from any location. Amazon.com customers can simply download a free application from Amazon.com at www.amazon.com/anywhere or from Palm at www.Palm.Net.</p><p>"Amazon.com Anywhere illustrates the Palm VII's power to provide e-commerce capabilities simply and instantly for people on the move," said Alan Kessler, president of Palm Computing. "We're thrilled to offer our users the option to shop at Amazon.com as we introduce our highly anticipated Palm VII organizer nationwide."</p><p>Amazon.com is committed to providing its customers the largest possible product selection across a broad spectrum of wireless platforms. To serve the emerging two-way Internet capability of a number of devices, Amazon.com Anywhere has entered into agreements with hand-set manufacturer Motorola and AvantGo.</p><p>To support global standards and promote the long-term growth of the wireless Internet industry, Amazon.com also announces today that is the first e-commerce retailer to join the Wireless Application Protocol Forum (WAPF). The role of the WAPF is to develop and maintain a global standard for wireless data and e-commerce transactions on the Internet.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-Click.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20% to 90% off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>About 3Com</p><p>3Com and Palm Computing are registered trademarks. Palm VII is a trademark and Palm.Net is a service mark of 3Com Corporation or its subsidiaries.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p>

Amazon.com Launches Three Innovations to Advance E-Commerce for Shoppers, Sellers

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Launches-Three-Innovations-to-Advance-E-Commerce-for-Shoppers-Sellers/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Launches-Three-Innovations-to-Advance-E-Commerce-for-Shoppers-Sellers

09/30/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Launches Three Innovations to Advance E-Commerce for Shoppers, Sellers

09/30/1999

1999

"zShops" empowers anyone to establish an e-commerce business; "Amazon.com Payments" allows individuals and small businesses to accept payments through Amazon.com's 1-Click; "All Products Search" is Web's first search engine dedicated to shopping SEATTLE, September 30, 1999--Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), the leading online retailer, today introduced three e-commerce innovations that significantly advance and improve how people shop and sell on the Internet. Together, these innovations vastly expand the selection of merchandise available at Amazon.com, simplify the online shopping experience for both buyers and sellers, and empower anyone to set up shop on the Internet. zShops enables anyone to offer merchandise for sale at Amazon.com, whether they are micro-manufacturers or major manufacturers, small businesses or global corporations, specialized retailers or "mega-conglomerates." All can now offer a vast array of popular or hard-to-find items to Amazon.com's more than 12 million customers. Amazon.com Payments now allows individuals and small businesses to accept payments through Amazon.com's 1-Click payment feature, thus eliminating what is considered the greatest inconvenience of online transactions between individuals: the delays and hassles of sending checks and money orders through regular mail. All Products Search helps shoppers find anything for sale on the 'net, providing customers with a convenient, easy-to-use guide for finding and discovering exactly what they want among the 'net's millions of offerings. This customized and specialized Web search engine is dedicated solely to shopping. "Amazon.com's heart and soul is all about making shopping better for customers," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "This is a win for customers who get bigger selection, a win for sellers who can now reach more than 12 million customers hassle-free, and a win for Amazon.com because we're now an even better shopping destination. This is all about finding what you want and saving time and money." Amazon.com zShops Amazon.com zShops is a new place on the Amazon.com site (www.amazon.com) where any seller can establish an online store, thus overcoming the distribution barriers of trying to sell in the physical world as well as overcoming the significant barriers of trying to sell online. Amazon.com is providing sellers easy access to its more than 12 million customers -- the largest and most experienced shopping base on the Internet. zShops offers hundreds-of-thousands of new, used, and hard-to-find products from specialty retailers, small businesses, and individuals - random examples include buffalo steaks, office furniture, maternity clothes, golf clubs, car parts, and even time share accommodations at resorts. "We're delighted to welcome to Amazon.com the thousands of companies and individuals - hobbyists, specialty retailers, entrepreneurs, inventors - anyone with something interesting to offer," said Bezos Amazon.com Payments for Individuals, Small Business Extending its familiar 1-Click payment technology, Amazon.com Payments now provides the first integrated payment system that enables people to use their credit cards to pay each other online. Eliminating a major hassle for individuals transacting with each other on the Internet, credit card payments provide a safer, faster and more convenient method for the seller and the buyer. Available to Amazon.com's zShops customers, 1-Click payments are executed through Amazon.com and are guaranteed for both buyers and sellers (only Amazon.com's secure servers receive buyers' credit card information). For shoppers who use 1-Click with a zShops merchant, Amazon.com charges the buyer's credit card and makes a direct deposit into the seller's checking account. An e-mail instantly advises sellers of the transaction so they can ship their goods immediately without waiting for money orders to arrive or checks to clear. "We're extending our convenient 1-Click payment feature already used by millions of customers to individuals and small merchants selling through zShops," said Bezos. "Our goal is to level the playing field for sellers and increase selection for shoppers, while at the same time making Amazon.com an even better shopping destination." All Products Search Now shoppers can start at Amazon.com whenever they think of shopping. With All Products Search, shoppers can come to one shopping destination and find, discover and buy any product online -- even if Amazon.com or a zShops seller doesn't have it. Amazon.com's powerful, customized, shopping-only search engine now provides shoppers with access to an unprecedented range of products available for purchase on the Internet, whatever it is. Items are clearly and conveniently arranged as being available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com zShops, Amazon.com Auctions, and other online merchants. Search results provide detailed category information and merchant editorial as well as a place for customers to share merchant reviews and ratings. "Our goal is to build a place where customers can go to find and discover Anything -- with a capital A - they might want to buy online," said Bezos. "With All Products Search, if we don't have it, we'll still try to help you find it." About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection TM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click SM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>"zShops" empowers anyone to establish an e-commerce business; "Amazon.com Payments" allows individuals and small businesses to accept payments through Amazon.com's 1-Click; "All Products Search" is Web's first search engine dedicated to shopping</p><p>SEATTLE, September 30, 1999--Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), the leading online retailer, today introduced three e-commerce innovations that significantly advance and improve how people shop and sell on the Internet. Together, these innovations vastly expand the selection of merchandise available at Amazon.com, simplify the online shopping experience for both buyers and sellers, and empower anyone to set up shop on the Internet.</p><ul><li>zShops enables anyone to offer merchandise for sale at Amazon.com, whether they are micro-manufacturers or major manufacturers, small businesses or global corporations, specialized retailers or "mega-conglomerates." All can now offer a vast array of popular or hard-to-find items to Amazon.com's more than 12 million customers.</li><li>Amazon.com Payments now allows individuals and small businesses to accept payments through Amazon.com's 1-Click payment feature, thus eliminating what is considered the greatest inconvenience of online transactions between individuals: the delays and hassles of sending checks and money orders through regular mail.</li><li>All Products Search helps shoppers find anything for sale on the 'net, providing customers with a convenient, easy-to-use guide for finding and discovering exactly what they want among the 'net's millions of offerings. This customized and specialized Web search engine is dedicated solely to shopping.</li></ul><p>"Amazon.com's heart and soul is all about making shopping better for customers," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "This is a win for customers who get bigger selection, a win for sellers who can now reach more than 12 million customers hassle-free, and a win for Amazon.com because we're now an even better shopping destination. This is all about finding what you want and saving time and money."</p><p>Amazon.com zShops</p><p>Amazon.com zShops is a new place on the Amazon.com site (www.amazon.com) where any seller can establish an online store, thus overcoming the distribution barriers of trying to sell in the physical world as well as overcoming the significant barriers of trying to sell online. Amazon.com is providing sellers easy access to its more than 12 million customers -- the largest and most experienced shopping base on the Internet.</p><p>zShops offers hundreds-of-thousands of new, used, and hard-to-find products from specialty retailers, small businesses, and individuals - random examples include buffalo steaks, office furniture, maternity clothes, golf clubs, car parts, and even time share accommodations at resorts.</p><p>"We're delighted to welcome to Amazon.com the thousands of companies and individuals - hobbyists, specialty retailers, entrepreneurs, inventors - anyone with something interesting to offer," said Bezos</p><p>Amazon.com Payments for Individuals, Small Business</p><p>Extending its familiar 1-Click payment technology, Amazon.com Payments now provides the first integrated payment system that enables people to use their credit cards to pay each other online. Eliminating a major hassle for individuals transacting with each other on the Internet, credit card payments provide a safer, faster and more convenient method for the seller and the buyer.</p><p>Available to Amazon.com's zShops customers, 1-Click payments are executed through Amazon.com and are guaranteed for both buyers and sellers (only Amazon.com's secure servers receive buyers' credit card information). For shoppers who use 1-Click with a zShops merchant, Amazon.com charges the buyer's credit card and makes a direct deposit into the seller's checking account. An e-mail instantly advises sellers of the transaction so they can ship their goods immediately without waiting for money orders to arrive or checks to clear.</p><p>"We're extending our convenient 1-Click payment feature already used by millions of customers to individuals and small merchants selling through zShops," said Bezos. "Our goal is to level the playing field for sellers and increase selection for shoppers, while at the same time making Amazon.com an even better shopping destination."</p><p>All Products Search</p><p>Now shoppers can start at Amazon.com whenever they think of shopping. With All Products Search, shoppers can come to one shopping destination and find, discover and buy any product online -- even if Amazon.com or a zShops seller doesn't have it.</p><p>Amazon.com's powerful, customized, shopping-only search engine now provides shoppers with access to an unprecedented range of products available for purchase on the Internet, whatever it is. Items are clearly and conveniently arranged as being available at Amazon.com, Amazon.com zShops, Amazon.com Auctions, and other online merchants.</p><p>Search results provide detailed category information and merchant editorial as well as a place for customers to share merchant reviews and ratings.</p><p>"Our goal is to build a place where customers can go to find and discover Anything -- with a capital A - they might want to buy online," said Bezos. "With All Products Search, if we don't have it, we'll still try to help you find it."</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection TM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click SM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Oprah Winfrey Reveals Auction Items Up For Bid in the October 2, Two-Hour Charity Auction at Amazon.com

/news/news-details/1999/Oprah-Winfrey-Reveals-Auction-Items-Up-For-Bid-in-the-October-2-Two-Hour-Charity-Auction-at-Amazon.com/default.aspx

Oprah-Winfrey-Reveals-Auction-Items-Up-For-Bid-in-the-October-2-Two-Hour-Charity-Auction-at-Amazon.com

09/27/1999 00:00:00

Oprah Winfrey Reveals Auction Items Up For Bid in the October 2, Two-Hour Charity Auction at Amazon.com

09/27/1999

1999

Oprah gets lesson in online auctions from Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos Proceeds benefit "Oprah's Angel Network" SEATTLE, September 27, 1999- Oprah Winfrey fans today can preview all of the items she will be auctioning during a special two-hour, "Oprah's Angel Network" benefit auction from 9 to 11 a.m. Pacific Time, Saturday, October 2, 1999, on www.amazon.com/auctions. Amazon.com founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, will guide Oprah through the complete Internet auction experience during a taping for Winfrey's upcoming new show on the Oxygen cable network, which will air in February 2000. The 12-part series, Oprah Goes Online, will follow Oprah and longtime friend, Gayle King, as they learn how to navigate the Internet. Personally selected by Oprah, items up for bid in the special two-hour charity auction include: A yoga workout with Oprah The dress Oprah wore on the 1998 Vogue magazine cover Oprah records your answering machine message Tickets for two to The Oprah Winfrey Show with a backstage pass and photo with Oprah (roundtrip airfare included) Oprah's chair from the set of last season's show The dress Oprah wore to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1998 Daytime Emmy telecast Lunch with Oprah and Gayle Beauty session with Oprah's personal hair and makeup artists Oprah's computer and autographed mousepad (the one on which she will learn to use the Internet) Signed and framed prints from "The Color Purple" and "Beloved" Leather-bound journal inscribed by Oprah Oprah's bike and signed gear The entire collection of "Oprah Book Club" books to date with a letter from Oprah Oprah Winfrey - she's a renowned CEO, talk show host, actress, producer, publisher, philanthropist and "Internet novice." Even though she's had a Web site since 1995 that receives 6 million hits a month and personally receives more than 3,000 e-mails per day, she's never navigated the Internet alone. In her effort to join the 400 million Internet users in one of today's most popular forms of e-commerce, Oprah is turning to Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) and its founder to teach her the intricacies of online auctions. Fans can now preview all of the special Oprah auction items and find details at www.amazon.com/auctions. From 9 to 11 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, October 2 they can log on to the same site to participate in the auction. Bidding takes place only between these two hours. Oprah and Bezos will oversee the online charity auction. All auction proceeds will be donated to "Oprah's Angel Network," a campaign launched by Oprah in 1997. Proving that small acts of kindness create astounding results, "Oprah's Angel Network" is celebrating its third season of making a difference in people's lives. Since it was founded, "Oprah's Angel Network" has raised over $3.5 million for college scholarships, built 145 Habitat for Humanity homes across the country, and embraced a host of other mini-miracles. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection TM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click SM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. About "Oprah's Angel Network" Oprah founded "Oprah's Angel Network" in 1997 as a way to encourage her viewers to make the world a better place to live. Launched with the very successful "World's Largest Piggy Bank," Oprah raised over $3.5 million in spare change from her viewers and through private donations to send 150 students in need to college. Also during its first season, "Oprah's Angel Network" launched a campaign with Habitat for Humanity to build nearly 200 "Oprah Houses" across the country. "We want you to really begin to open up your eyes, notice people around you, and look for ways to help those in need," says Oprah.

<p>Oprah gets lesson in online auctions from Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos</p><p>Proceeds benefit "Oprah's Angel Network"</p><p>SEATTLE, September 27, 1999- Oprah Winfrey fans today can preview all of the items she will be auctioning during a special two-hour, "Oprah's Angel Network" benefit auction from 9 to 11 a.m. Pacific Time, Saturday, October 2, 1999, on www.amazon.com/auctions. Amazon.com founder and CEO, Jeff Bezos, will guide Oprah through the complete Internet auction experience during a taping for Winfrey's upcoming new show on the Oxygen cable network, which will air in February 2000. The 12-part series, Oprah Goes Online, will follow Oprah and longtime friend, Gayle King, as they learn how to navigate the Internet.</p><p>Personally selected by Oprah, items up for bid in the special two-hour charity auction include:</p><ul><li>A yoga workout with Oprah</li><li>The dress Oprah wore on the 1998 Vogue magazine cover</li><li>Oprah records your answering machine message</li><li>Tickets for two to The Oprah Winfrey Show with a backstage pass and photo with Oprah (roundtrip airfare included)</li><li>Oprah's chair from the set of last season's show</li><li>The dress Oprah wore to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1998 Daytime Emmy telecast</li><li>Lunch with Oprah and Gayle</li><li>Beauty session with Oprah's personal hair and makeup artists</li><li>Oprah's computer and autographed mousepad (the one on which she will learn to use the Internet)</li><li>Signed and framed prints from "The Color Purple" and "Beloved"</li><li>Leather-bound journal inscribed by Oprah</li><li>Oprah's bike and signed gear</li><li>The entire collection of "Oprah Book Club" books to date with a letter from Oprah</li></ul><p>Oprah Winfrey - she's a renowned CEO, talk show host, actress, producer, publisher, philanthropist and "Internet novice." Even though she's had a Web site since 1995 that receives 6 million hits a month and personally receives more than 3,000 e-mails per day, she's never navigated the Internet alone. In her effort to join the 400 million Internet users in one of today's most popular forms of e-commerce, Oprah is turning to Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) and its founder to teach her the intricacies of online auctions.</p><p>Fans can now preview all of the special Oprah auction items and find details at www.amazon.com/auctions. From 9 to 11 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, October 2 they can log on to the same site to participate in the auction. Bidding takes place only between these two hours. Oprah and Bezos will oversee the online charity auction.</p><p>All auction proceeds will be donated to "Oprah's Angel Network," a campaign launched by Oprah in 1997. Proving that small acts of kindness create astounding results, "Oprah's Angel Network" is celebrating its third season of making a difference in people's lives. Since it was founded, "Oprah's Angel Network" has raised over $3.5 million for college scholarships, built 145 Habitat for Humanity homes across the country, and embraced a host of other mini-miracles.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection TM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-Click SM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites:</p><p>www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p><p>About "Oprah's Angel Network"</p><p>Oprah founded "Oprah's Angel Network" in 1997 as a way to encourage her viewers to make the world a better place to live. Launched with the very successful "World's Largest Piggy Bank," Oprah raised over $3.5 million in spare change from her viewers and through private donations to send 150 students in need to college. Also during its first season, "Oprah's Angel Network" launched a campaign with Habitat for Humanity to build nearly 200 "Oprah Houses" across the country. "We want you to really begin to open up your eyes, notice people around you, and look for ways to help those in need," says Oprah.</p>

News Release

/news/news-details/1999/News-Release/default.aspx

News-Release

09/27/1999 00:00:00

News Release

09/27/1999

1999

Customers can now purchase functional, and unique bags designed by Amazon.com SEATTLE, September 17, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today introduced the Amazon.com Bag Collection, the company's first private-label product line. Amazon.com has custom-designed this collection of six bags and totes to offer its customers a high-quality, highly functional, fashion-forward product at a low price. The bags will be featured in Amazon.com's Bag Shop (www.amazon.com/bags), and can be easily accessed via links throughout the site. These one-of-a-kind bags were designed and manufactured exclusively for Amazon.com customers and are not available through any other retailer. Price points range from $29.99 to $79.99. The bags are lightweight, easy to carry, and constructed to accommodate the ever-changing demands of today's professional-holding everything from laptops, cellular phones, and books to gym clothes and bottled water. Customers can view photos of each bag on the site, including multiple exterior and interior shots, to determine which bags will best meet their lifestyle needs. "As the Amazon.com brand evolves, offering branded merchandise is an important and exciting step," said Mary Morouse, vice president and general manager for Amazon.com. "We know our customers are increasingly using messenger and monostrap bags and backpacks instead of traditional briefcases, so we've designed an original product line that reflects our commitment to quality and customer service while offering customers a smart and affordable alternative. In addition to being highly fashionable and functional, the Amazon.com Bag Collection is constructed with top-of-the-line ripstop denier nylon to ensure extended durability and provide customers with the best value. Each bag features a padded laptop pocket, detachable key fob, triple-stitched seams, reflective tape, and a variety of useful, zippered pockets. Specific product attributes include: Shoulder Tote-This 18-by-18-by-6-inch tote features two internal zipper pockets for checkbooks, keys, and cell phones, a front zipper pocket, and a padded laptop compartment. Price: $29.99 Messenger Bag-This 21-by-14-by-5.5-inch bag includes custom-designed inside pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, a front waterproof flap, and a quick-release waist strap. Price: $39.9 Monostrap Pack-Modular and sleek, this 15-by-13-by-4-inch pack has an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap, a cell-phone pocket, a large front pocket with organizer, a padded interior laptop compartment, and a quick-release key fob. Price: $49.99 Backpack-This 19-by-12-by-6-inch pack is ergonomically designed and water-resistant, featuring a large front pocket, a detachable cell-phone pocket, a padded interior laptop sleeve, and a side water-bottle pocket. Price: $49.99 Computer Backpack-Also known as the Back Office, this 18-by-14-by-7.5-inch pack has a spacious front pocket to fit file folders or legal pads, a removable padded laptop sleeve, a large hood pocket for peripherals, and a leather carrying handle. Price: $69.99 Computer Brief-This 17-by-11-by-8-inch bag has it all, with an expandable main compartment for books and binders, a removable notebook attaché, a three-fan file holder, a front accessory panel, padded front zipper pockets, leather-wrapped handles, and a contoured shoulder strap. Price: $79.99 About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest SelectionTM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Customers can now purchase functional, and unique bags designed by Amazon.com</p><p>SEATTLE, September 17, 1999--Leading online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today introduced the Amazon.com Bag Collection, the company's first private-label product line. Amazon.com has custom-designed this collection of six bags and totes to offer its customers a high-quality, highly functional, fashion-forward product at a low price.</p><p>The bags will be featured in Amazon.com's Bag Shop (www.amazon.com/bags), and can be easily accessed via links throughout the site. These one-of-a-kind bags were designed and manufactured exclusively for Amazon.com customers and are not available through any other retailer. Price points range from $29.99 to $79.99.</p><p>The bags are lightweight, easy to carry, and constructed to accommodate the ever-changing demands of today's professional-holding everything from laptops, cellular phones, and books to gym clothes and bottled water. Customers can view photos of each bag on the site, including multiple exterior and interior shots, to determine which bags will best meet their lifestyle needs.</p><p>"As the Amazon.com brand evolves, offering branded merchandise is an important and exciting step," said Mary Morouse, vice president and general manager for Amazon.com. "We know our customers are increasingly using messenger and monostrap bags and backpacks instead of traditional briefcases, so we've designed an original product line that reflects our commitment to quality and customer service while offering customers a smart and affordable alternative.</p><p>In addition to being highly fashionable and functional, the Amazon.com Bag Collection is constructed with top-of-the-line ripstop denier nylon to ensure extended durability and provide customers with the best value. Each bag features a padded laptop pocket, detachable key fob, triple-stitched seams, reflective tape, and a variety of useful, zippered pockets. Specific product attributes include:</p><ul><li>Shoulder Tote-This 18-by-18-by-6-inch tote features two internal zipper pockets for checkbooks, keys, and cell phones, a front zipper pocket, and a padded laptop compartment. Price: $29.99</li><li>Messenger Bag-This 21-by-14-by-5.5-inch bag includes custom-designed inside pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, a front waterproof flap, and a quick-release waist strap. Price: $39.9</li><li>Monostrap Pack-Modular and sleek, this 15-by-13-by-4-inch pack has an adjustable over-the-shoulder strap, a cell-phone pocket, a large front pocket with organizer, a padded interior laptop compartment, and a quick-release key fob. Price: $49.99</li><li>Backpack-This 19-by-12-by-6-inch pack is ergonomically designed and water-resistant, featuring a large front pocket, a detachable cell-phone pocket, a padded interior laptop sleeve, and a side water-bottle pocket. Price: $49.99</li><li>Computer Backpack-Also known as the Back Office, this 18-by-14-by-7.5-inch pack has a spacious front pocket to fit file folders or legal pads, a removable padded laptop sleeve, a large hood pocket for peripherals, and a leather carrying handle. Price: $69.99</li><li>Computer Brief-This 17-by-11-by-8-inch bag has it all, with an expandable main compartment for books and binders, a removable notebook attaché, a three-fan file holder, a front accessory panel, padded front zipper pockets, leather-wrapped handles, and a contoured shoulder strap. Price: $79.99</li></ul><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest SelectionTM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites:</p><p>www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand-name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>

Amazon.com Launches New Music Spotlight with Free MP3 Song Downloads From Independent Artists

/news/news-details/1999/Amazon.com-Launches-New-Music-Spotlight-with-Free-MP3-Song-Downloads-From-Independent-Artists/default.aspx

Amazon.com-Launches-New-Music-Spotlight-with-Free-MP3-Song-Downloads-From-Independent-Artists

09/16/1999 00:00:00

Amazon.com Launches New Music Spotlight with Free MP3 Song Downloads From Independent Artists

09/16/1999

1999

Amazon.com introduces new way for independent artists, bands, and labels to promote their music to 10.7 million customers worldwide SEATTLE, September 16, 1999--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the No. 1 online music retailer, today announced the addition of New Music Spotlight, an area of the Amazon.com Music Store devoted to promoting independent artists' music. This new section will feature free MP3 downloads of songs from independent artists, bands, and labels participating in Amazon.com Advantage, the free program that enables independent artists to sell their CDs on Amazon.com and gain worldwide distribution. A part of Amazon.com's Free Downloads area, the New Music Spotlight features free MP3 downloads from more than 30 of the top Amazon.com Advantage artists in every genre from hip-hop to classical to alternative, selected by Amazon.com's expert editors. All songs featured in this new area are also available for purchase on CD at Amazon.com. "We know from experience that the combination of editorial coverage and free MP3 downloads is a powerful sales propellant," said Jennifer Cast, general manager of Amazon.com's music store. "New Music Spotlight gives our top-selling Amazon.com Advantage artists a very effective way to promote and sell their music to millions of music fans." The New Music Spotlight is a powerful way for independent artists to broaden their audiences. Now, Amazon.com's millions of customers can listen to songs in genres of music that are underexposed both in the mainstream media and on the Internet. New Music Spotlight MP3's include: classical music from the San Francisco Girl's Chorus; didgeridoo and mandolin from the Australian band Brother; Christian rap from Father Stan Fortuna; San Antonio Latino blues band Randy Garibay and Cats Don't Sleep; and Celtic electronica from Ninian Hawick. Amazon.com Advantage for music solves the biggest problem faced by independent artists, bands, and labels: securing widespread distribution of their CDs. Launched in November of 1998, Amazon.com Advantage for music is free to join and allows independents to sell their CDs via the Amazon.com music store to more than 10.7 million customers worldwide. Each artist's CDs are featured on their own page in Amazon.com's music store, just like titles from major artists and labels. "Our sales have quadrupled since joining Amazon.com Advantage six months ago," said Barbara Keith of the Stone Coyotes, a New Music Spotlight band. "Amazon.com is bringing our music directly to the people so it can be tried in the court of public opinion, not just in the office of a record executive." Keith added that "unlike top 40 radio, Amazon.com is putting independent artists in the same arena with major artists. You can have the best lemonade in the world, but in order to sell it, you need to be on the right corner with a lot of cars going by; Amazon.com is the right corner, and there are more than 10 million cars going by." Independent artists and bands featured at the New Music Spotlight at launch: Ashcan School Seattle, Washington Ben Wa California Bird York Los Angeles, California Bottomland Arlington, Virginia Brenda Wong Aoki San Francisco, California Brent Burns Gulf Shores, Alabama Brilliant Trees Dublin, Ireland Brother Australia Deborah Harry & Robert Jacks New York, New York Deborah Henson-Conant Cambridge, Massachusetts Deirdre Flint Philadelphia, Pennsylvani Fisher California Fr. Stan Fortuna Pleasantville, New York John Huling Boulder, Colorado LA Symphony Los Angeles, California Maroon Colon Des Moines, Washington Mary Prankster Annapolis, Maryland My Scarlet Life Chicago, Illinois Nadine St. Louis, Missouri Nina Storey Denver, Colorado Ninian Hawick Stillwater, Minnesota Patrick O'Hearn Bat Cave, North Carolina Perla Batalla Ojai, California Peter Mayer Palm City, Florida Randy Garibay & Cats Don't Sleep San Antonio, Texas SF Girls Chorus California Sanjay Mishra with Jerry Garci Arlington, Virgini Science Park Boston, Massachusetts Smoking Popes Algonguin, Illinois Soma Sonic Ontario, Canada The Stone Coyotes Boston, Massachusetts The High Tide Steel Drum Band Elkridge, Maryland The Mike Corrado Band Jacksonville, North Carolina The Puddle Jumpers Seattle, Washington The Shroud Fresno, California Tim Moyer Villa Park, California Amazon.com's Free Downloads area was launched in June 1999. Currently, Amazon.com offers music fans 60 free full-length song downloads from 40 established recording artists and 36 tracks from 36 emerging artists, comprising the largest selection of free downloadable music of any major online music retailer. New downloadable tracks will continually be added to the New Music Spotlight section as they are selected by Amazon.com's editorial staff. Amazon.com's Free Digital Downloads section can be accessed at: www.amazon.com/music-downloads; for information about Amazon.com's Advantage for music program, or to join, visit: www.amazon.com/advantage/music. About Amazon.com's Music Store Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June of 1998, is the No. 1 online music store, and offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40 percent. The Amazon.com music store also features a free digital downloads area, reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations. About Amazon.com, Inc. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest SelectionTM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM. Amazon.com operates two international Web sites: www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet. In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com. This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999. Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

<p>Amazon.com introduces new way for independent artists, bands, and labels to promote their music to 10.7 million customers worldwide</p><p>SEATTLE, September 16, 1999--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the No. 1 online music retailer, today announced the addition of New Music Spotlight, an area of the Amazon.com Music Store devoted to promoting independent artists' music. This new section will feature free MP3 downloads of songs from independent artists, bands, and labels participating in Amazon.com Advantage, the free program that enables independent artists to sell their CDs on Amazon.com and gain worldwide distribution.</p><p>A part of Amazon.com's Free Downloads area, the New Music Spotlight features free MP3 downloads from more than 30 of the top Amazon.com Advantage artists in every genre from hip-hop to classical to alternative, selected by Amazon.com's expert editors. All songs featured in this new area are also available for purchase on CD at Amazon.com.</p><p>"We know from experience that the combination of editorial coverage and free MP3 downloads is a powerful sales propellant," said Jennifer Cast, general manager of Amazon.com's music store. "New Music Spotlight gives our top-selling Amazon.com Advantage artists a very effective way to promote and sell their music to millions of music fans."</p><p>The New Music Spotlight is a powerful way for independent artists to broaden their audiences. Now, Amazon.com's millions of customers can listen to songs in genres of music that are underexposed both in the mainstream media and on the Internet. New Music Spotlight MP3's include: classical music from the San Francisco Girl's Chorus; didgeridoo and mandolin from the Australian band Brother; Christian rap from Father Stan Fortuna; San Antonio Latino blues band Randy Garibay and Cats Don't Sleep; and Celtic electronica from Ninian Hawick.</p><p>Amazon.com Advantage for music solves the biggest problem faced by independent artists, bands, and labels: securing widespread distribution of their CDs. Launched in November of 1998, Amazon.com Advantage for music is free to join and allows independents to sell their CDs via the Amazon.com music store to more than 10.7 million customers worldwide. Each artist's CDs are featured on their own page in Amazon.com's music store, just like titles from major artists and labels.</p><p>"Our sales have quadrupled since joining Amazon.com Advantage six months ago," said Barbara Keith of the Stone Coyotes, a New Music Spotlight band. "Amazon.com is bringing our music directly to the people so it can be tried in the court of public opinion, not just in the office of a record executive." Keith added that "unlike top 40 radio, Amazon.com is putting independent artists in the same arena with major artists. You can have the best lemonade in the world, but in order to sell it, you need to be on the right corner with a lot of cars going by; Amazon.com is the right corner, and there are more than 10 million cars going by."</p><p>Independent artists and bands featured at the New Music Spotlight at launch:</p><table><tbody><tr><td>Ashcan School</td><td>Seattle, Washington</td></tr><tr><td>Ben Wa</td><td>California</td></tr><tr><td>Bird York</td><td>Los Angeles, California</td></tr><tr><td>Bottomland</td><td>Arlington, Virginia</td></tr><tr><td>Brenda Wong Aoki</td><td>San Francisco, California</td></tr><tr><td>Brent Burns</td><td>Gulf Shores, Alabama</td></tr><tr><td>Brilliant Trees</td><td>Dublin, Ireland</td></tr><tr><td>Brother</td><td>Australia</td></tr><tr><td>Deborah Harry &amp; Robert Jacks</td><td>New York, New York</td></tr><tr><td>Deborah Henson-Conant</td><td>Cambridge, Massachusetts</td></tr><tr><td>Deirdre Flint</td><td>Philadelphia, Pennsylvani</td></tr><tr><td>Fisher</td><td>California</td></tr><tr><td>Fr. Stan Fortuna</td><td>Pleasantville, New York</td></tr><tr><td>John Huling</td><td>Boulder, Colorado</td></tr><tr><td>LA Symphony</td><td>Los Angeles, California</td></tr><tr><td>Maroon Colon</td><td>Des Moines, Washington</td></tr><tr><td>Mary Prankster</td><td>Annapolis, Maryland</td></tr><tr><td>My Scarlet Life</td><td>Chicago, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>Nadine</td><td>St. Louis, Missouri</td></tr><tr><td>Nina Storey</td><td>Denver, Colorado</td></tr><tr><td>Ninian Hawick</td><td>Stillwater, Minnesota</td></tr><tr><td>Patrick O'Hearn</td><td>Bat Cave, North Carolina</td></tr><tr><td>Perla Batalla</td><td>Ojai, California</td></tr><tr><td>Peter Mayer</td><td>Palm City, Florida</td></tr><tr><td>Randy Garibay &amp; Cats Don't Sleep</td><td>San Antonio, Texas</td></tr><tr><td>SF Girls Chorus</td><td>California</td></tr><tr><td>Sanjay Mishra with Jerry Garci</td><td>Arlington, Virgini</td></tr><tr><td>Science Park</td><td>Boston, Massachusetts</td></tr><tr><td>Smoking Popes</td><td>Algonguin, Illinois</td></tr><tr><td>Soma Sonic</td><td>Ontario, Canada</td></tr><tr><td>The Stone Coyotes</td><td>Boston, Massachusetts</td></tr><tr><td>The High Tide Steel Drum Band</td><td>Elkridge, Maryland</td></tr><tr><td>The Mike Corrado Band</td><td>Jacksonville, North Carolina</td></tr><tr><td>The Puddle Jumpers</td><td>Seattle, Washington</td></tr><tr><td>The Shroud</td><td>Fresno, California</td></tr><tr><td>Tim Moyer</td><td>Villa Park, California</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Amazon.com's Free Downloads area was launched in June 1999. Currently, Amazon.com offers music fans 60 free full-length song downloads from 40 established recording artists and 36 tracks from 36 emerging artists, comprising the largest selection of free downloadable music of any major online music retailer.</p><p>New downloadable tracks will continually be added to the New Music Spotlight section as they are selected by Amazon.com's editorial staff. Amazon.com's Free Digital Downloads section can be accessed at: www.amazon.com/music-downloads; for information about Amazon.com's Advantage for music program, or to join, visit: www.amazon.com/advantage/music.</p><p>About Amazon.com's Music Store</p><p>Amazon.com's music store, which opened in June of 1998, is the No. 1 online music store, and offers shoppers more than 25 times the CD selection of the typical music store at everyday savings of up to 40 percent. The Amazon.com music store also features a free digital downloads area, reviews by Amazon.com staff editors and nationally known critics, song samples, artist interviews, lists of essential albums by genre, thousands of bestseller lists, music in the news, and personalized music recommendations.</p><p>About Amazon.com, Inc.</p><p>Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the Internet's No. 1 music, No. 1 video, and No. 1 book retailer, opened its virtual doors on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest SelectionTM with online auctions, toys, electronics, free electronic greeting cards, and more than 4.7 million book, music-CD, video, DVD, and computer-game titles. Amazon.com seeks to be the world's most customer-centric company, where people can find and discover anything they may want to buy online. As part of its efforts to provide the best shopping experience for customers, Amazon.com provides secure credit-card payment, personalized recommendations, streamlined ordering through 1-ClickSM technology, and hassle-free auction bidding with Bid-ClickSM.</p><p>Amazon.com operates two international Web sites:</p><p>www.amazon.co.uk in the United Kingdom and www.amazon.de in Germany. Amazon.com also operates PlanetAll (www.planetall.com), a Web-based address book, calendar, and reminder service. It also operates the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com), the Web's comprehensive and authoritative source of information on more than 150,000 movies and entertainment programs and 500,000 cast and crew members dating from the birth of film in 1892 to the present. Amazon.com also operates LiveBid.com (www.livebid.com), the sole provider of live-event auctions on the Internet.</p><p>In addition, Amazon.com has invested in leading Internet retailers that are improving the lives of customers by making shopping easier and more convenient: drugstore.com, an online retail and information source for health, beauty, wellness, personal care and pharmacy, at www.drugstore.com; Pets.com, the online leader for pet products, expert information, and services, at www.pets.com; HomeGrocer.com, the first fully integrated Internet grocery-shopping and home-delivery service, with operations in Seattle and Portland, Oregon, at www.homegrocer.com; and Gear.com, which offers brand name sporting goods at prices from 20 to 90 percent off retail, at www.gear.com.</p><p>This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, Amazon.com's limited operating history, anticipated losses, unpredictability of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, seasonality, consumer trends, competition, risks of system interruption, management of potential growth, risks related to auction services, and risks of new business areas, international expansion, business combinations, and strategic alliances. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1999 and June 30, 1999.</p><p>Amazon.com, Amazon.com Auctions, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Internet Movie Database, PlanetAll, Earth's Biggest Selection, Bid-Click, and 1-Click are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.</p>