Amazon has finally launched retail operations in Mexico, allowing consumers to buy millions of items ranging from consumer electronics to video games and software. Up until now, the Seattle-based e-commerce giant has only been operating a Kindle e-book store in the country, which opened in 2013.
The company is calling today’s launch its biggest ever internationally. In addition to opening the Spanish-language storefront online, it’s rolling out apps for both Android and iPhone and fulfillment services, which will allow third-party sellers to reach the new marketplace with Amazon’s assistance.
Amazon currently operates in far flung nations such as India, Japan, France, Germany and China, so it’s hard to believe it’s finally getting around to serving a neighboring country. But online shopping in Mexico has been slow to take off because of unreliable postal service and the lack of available credit.
Amazon believes it has solutions for both of those problems.
In a release, it said customers in Mexico also have the option of picking up their purchases from hundreds of locations across the country. A spokesman clarified that the pickup point will be operated in conjunction with business partners, and will not be Amazon Lockers. Additionally, it will also provide several payment methods, and shortly will be offering monthly payments.
Amazon said on items that are fulfilled by Amazon shipping will be free on orders above MXN 599, or roughly $38.
“The expansion of Amazon.com.mx represents Amazon’s biggest international launch ever,” said Juan Carlos García, Amazon’s Country Manager for Amazon Mexico. “With convenient and secure payment options and fast delivery, our goal is to deliver a world-class shopping experience for customers in Mexico.”
As part of today’s launch, it will be offering three e-readers for sale, which can be purchased directly from Amazon.com.mx.
In sticking with tradition, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wrote a letter to customers today (in Spanish) that is posted on the homepage. Here’s a portion of it below:
