Online retailer predicts its biggest-ever celebrity Christmas
November 2 2005: Christmas 2005 will be dominated by celebrity-influenced Christmas gifts, according to new research from Amazon.co.uk as it launches its dedicated Christmas store today (November 2).
By tracking the most popular search terms on site, the leading online retailer’s experts are anticipating gifts endorsed by big-name celebrities to be 2005’s best sellers in what promises to be Amazon.co.uk’s biggest Christmas ever.
Examples include Carol Vorderman’s Touch Screen Sudoku, an electronic version of the popular puzzle, and Jamie Oliver’s Flavour Shaker, hotly tipped to be the site’s best-selling kitchen gadget.
It’s not only Jamie Oliver’s kitchenware that’s predicted to do well this holiday, with his book Jamie’s Italy likely to be a best-seller. Fashion policewomen Trinny and Susannah are also expected to be at the top of Amazon.co.uk’s book charts this year with Look Different, Feel Different, Act Different.
There’s also expected to be a lot of interest in this Christmas’ must-have electronics products now selling for under £100. Amazon.co.uk is seeing lots of demand for its £99.99 Olympus X705 5 Megapixel digital camera as well as the LiteOn LVW-5002B DVD Recorder for just £94.99.
As well as the Top Ten Christmas gifts, Amazon’s Christmas store features an all-new Christmas Stars campaign – following on from the success of last years - with exclusive festive content from some of Britain’s biggest celebrities, plus gift recommendations and free delivery in the UK for any order of £15 or more.
‘The influence of the celebrity is spreading beyond their traditional arena of books, CDs and films into newer areas on Amazon.co.uk’, says Rakhi Parekh, Amazon.co.uk’s Group Product Manager. ‘For example, Jamie Oliver is making waves in kitchenware while Carol Vorderman is big in Toys and Games’
AMAZON.CO.UK TOP TEN GIFT PREDICTIONS
- Roboraptor – Toys and Games Store
- Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker – Home and Garden Store
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) – DVD Store
- Jamie’s Italy (Jamie Oliver) – Books Store
- Carol Vorderman’s Touch Screen Sudoku – Toys and Games Store
- Intensive Care (Robbie Williams) – Music Store
- Olympus X705 5 MegaPixel Digital Camera– Consumer Electronics Store
- Pro Evolution Soccer 5 – PC and Video Games Store
- Look Different, Act Different, Feel Different (Trinny and Susannah) – Books Store
- Confessions on a Dancefloor (Madonna) – Music Store
AMAZON.CO.UK CHRISTMAS STARS CAMPAIGN
In keeping with this trend, Amazon.co.uk is also launching today its second annual Christmas Stars campaign – an online showcase of exclusive celebrity-created content running from now until Christmas.
Over 40 top stars from the world of music, film, TV, sport, comedy, media and literature – Including Lynne Truss, Max Clifford, Piers Morgan, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Ricky Gervais, McFly, John Terry, Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver to name but a few– will showcase never-before-seen material exclusively on Amazon.co.uk’s dedicated Christmas page every weekday throughout the festive season.
Millions of Amazon.co.uk visitors will be able to view a different Christmas Star each weekday – including candid interviews; exclusive unreleased music tracks; short stories; tips and advice and fabulous prizes – in what promises to be the starriest celebration of Christmas this season.
“As the festive season officially launches today on Amazon.co.uk, we’re gearing up for our biggest Christmas ever,” comments Ryan Regan, Managing Director of Amazon.co.uk. “Customers can take advantage of our great selection and low prices, plus free super saver delivery on qualifying orders over ₤15, whilst discovering more about their favourite celebrities exclusively at Amazon.co.uk.”
For more details on Free Super Saver Delivery, go to www.amazon.co.uk/supersaverdelivery.
For further information please contact the Amazon.co.uk press office on 020 8636 9280.
About Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.co.uk opened its virtual doors in October 1998, and strives to be the world's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online. Amazon.co.uk and sellers list millions of new and used items in categories such as Books, Music, Video, DVD, Software, PC & Video Games, Electronics & Photo, Home & Garden, and Toys & Games!. Through Amazon Marketplace, zShops and Auctions any business or individual can sell virtually anything to Amazon.co.uk's millions of customers. Amazon.co.uk customers enjoy the benefits of industry-leading online-shopping technology, such as secure credit-card payment, personalised recommendations, streamlined, 1-Click® ordering and hassle-free Bid-Click® auction bidding. Through Amazon Anywhere, Amazon.co.uk is also available on mobile phones with WAP technology--see www.amazon.co.uk/anywhere for details.
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As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Forward-looking Statement
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 potential future losses, significant amount of indebtedness, competition, management of growth, potential fluctuations in operating results, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions, and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, international expansion, consumer trends, inventory, limited operating history, government regulation and taxation, fraud, and new business areas. 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, 2003, and all subsequent filings.