Mamma Mia, online retailer Amazon defies downturn

Published on Friday 26 December 2008 20:04

ONLINE retail heavyweight Amazon yesterday said that this year's festive season had been its "best ever," with some 6.3 million items ordered and 5.6 million units shipped during its peak day on 15 December.

The upbeat numbers for the world's biggest web-based bookseller contrast with the fortunes of many leading high street names which have seen festive takings tumble.

Pre-Christmas sales can account for as much as 30 to 50 per cent of a retailer's total annual takings, but the credit squeeze and rising unemployment have led many consumers to slash their shopping this year.

Earlier this month, Barclays Capital analyst Douglas Anmuth said Amazon's competitive position has actually strengthened during the downturn, as bricks-and-mortar retailers were forced to close stores and had difficulty obtaining stock.

Based on the number of items ordered, Amazon said holiday bestsellers included the Nintendo Wii and Apple iPod Touch. The UK arm of the business, with two warehouses in Scotland, said hit Abba musical Mamma Mia! had been its biggest-selling DVD ever this Christmas.

UK managing director Brian McBride said: "We are planning for growth. The challenge will continue to be warehouse capacity. We are not recession-proof but as a recession bites people will still be looking for value."