Survey finds 79 per cent of Canadians want to avoid crowded shopping malls; 45 per cent turning to online shopping for holiday season

SEATTLE, Oct. 30, 2008 - With the holiday season just around the corner, Amazon.ca today launched its new Electronics Store, www.amazon.ca/electronics. In addition to browsing a vast selection of books, music, videos, DVDs, software and video games, Amazon.ca customers can now shop for a variety of electronic products, including cameras and accessories, GPS, MP3 and media players, office electronics, computer components and accessories.

This holiday shopping season, Canadians are increasingly turning to online shopping for better prices and a hassle-free experience. A new survey finds that 79 per cent of Canadians dislike crowded shopping malls during the holiday season, and try to avoid them. As a result, 57 per cent of younger Canadians ages 18 to 34 and 43 per cent of Canadians ages 35 to 54 will be looking to online retailers for the best deals and convenience this year: In particular, the survey finds 49 per cent of Canadians plan to buy CDs and DVDs; 47 per cent books; 31 per cent video games and equipment; and 23 per cent small consumer electronics such as MP3 players as holiday gifts. With thousands of these available products, Amazon.ca makes it easy to one-stop shop for the most popular gifts this season from the comfort of one's own home.

The survey of over 1,000 consumers across the country, conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Amazon.ca, finds that online shopping is viewed by 40 per cent of Canadians as easy, fast and convenient. Thirty-eight per cent believe it allows for easy access to a wide variety of gifts, and 32per cent say it's great for one-stop shopping at any time at their convenience. Eighty-two per cent of those surveyed are annoyed with the hassle of trying to find a parking spot at the shopping mall, while 74 per cent dislike going from store to store to find the hot holiday gifts. By shopping online at Amazon.ca, Canadians can avoid these headaches.

"We are excited to offer our customers the convenience of shopping on Amazon.ca to purchase not only books, music, DVDs, video games and software this holiday season, but also a variety of electronics from a single destination," said Julie Todaro, director of Amazon.ca. "With the launch of our Electronics Store, it's now easier than ever for customers to find and buy all the hot products they want to give as gifts this year from the comfort of their own homes."

The Amazon.ca Electronics Store carries a variety of leading brands, including Garmin, Canon, Microsoft and Kingston. The Electronics Store also features editorial reviews, customer reviews, system requirements and features, and content in English and French. Customers will also have access to bestseller lists, new and future product releases, and kids and family products.

Additionally, customers will continue to enjoy the convenience of shopping at Amazon.ca including FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $39, industry-leading prices and the convenience of shopping from home.

To browse Amazon.ca's selection of electronic products, visit www.amazon.ca/electronics.

The Holiday Shopping Survey findings are the results of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Amazon.ca from Oct. 20 to Oct. 24, 2008. This online survey of 1,012 adults was conducted via the Ipsos I-Say Online Panel, Ipsos Reid's national online panel. The findings have an estimated margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20..

About Amazon.ca

Amazon.ca (www.amazon.ca) is part of the global family of Amazon web sites that have become known for great prices, selection, and convenience. Amazon.ca customers can find and discover millions of English and French books, CDs, videos, DVDs and electronics, as well as a vast array of software, video games and consoles--all at everyday low prices. Amazon.ca also offers FREE Super Saver Shipping, available on orders of $39 or more delivered to a single Canadian address. Amazon.ca sources products directly from Canadian publishers and distributors, ensuring a rich offering of Canadian titles and content. Features such as original editorial reviews in English and French and product recommendations help Amazon.ca customers find the right products for them among the site's broad selection. Through Amazon Marketplace, Amazon.ca customers can conveniently buy and sell used, new, and collectible merchandise on the same pages where Amazon.ca sells those items new.

To ensure all orders are delivered to customers quickly and efficiently, Amazon.ca works with Canada Post, one of the world's most progressive postal companies. Orders placed at Amazon.ca are fulfilled and shipped from within Canada by Assured Logistics, a part of the Canada Post Group of Companies.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, significant amount of indebtedness, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. 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, 2007, and subsequent filings.

For more information contact:
Margaret Antkowski / Mark Van Tol
NATIONAL Public Relations
416-586-0180
mantkowski@national.ca / mvantol@national.ca