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Caitríona Redmond: Is Irish Amazon Prime worth it?

Caitríona Redmond: Is Irish Amazon Prime worth it?

  • 19.03.2025 14:34
  • irishexaminer.com
  • Keywords: Amazon, Prime, eBooks, Streaming Services, Market Share, Employment

Caitríona Redmond evaluates if Irish Amazon Prime is worth it, highlighting that over 78% of Irish adults use Amazon. While the new service offers cheaper prices, it lacks features like Audible and Kindle benefits compared to the UK-based Prime.

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Estimated market influence

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The article discusses the launch of Amazon's Irish website and its impact on customers. Amazon is a major company in e-commerce with significant market share in Ireland.

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Mentioned as a former service used by Amazon customers, but it has ceased operations coinciding with Brexit.

Context

Caitríona Redmond: Is Irish Amazon Prime Worth It?

Overview

  • Caitríona Redmond discusses the launch of Amazon's Irish website and its implications for consumers and businesses in Ireland.

Key Statistics and Facts

Market Penetration

  • Over 78% of Irish adults have used Amazon, rising to 91% among 35-44 year-olds.
  • Amazon accounts for 12% of all online revenues in Ireland.

Employment Impact

  • Amazon employs 6,500 people across six sites in Cork, Dublin, and Drogheda.

Subscription Costs

  • UK-based Prime subscription: €11/month (~€132/year).
  • Irish Prime subscription: €6.99/month (~€84/year), saving €48 annually.

Benefits of the Irish Amazon Website

New Features for Irish Customers

  • Exclusive deals and free deliveries.
  • Access to Prime Video, Twitch subscriptions, and a "Brands of Ireland" showcase.
  • Support for local businesses through the "Brands of Ireland" page.

Music Advantage

  • Amazon Music is included in the subscription, previously difficult to access from UK services.

Drawbacks and Limitations

Inconveniences

  • Family sharing: Not available on the Irish site, unlike the UK service.
  • Audible subscriptions: Require a separate UK-based account.
  • eBook restrictions: No eBooks available on the Irish site; users must switch to UK for access.

Prime Reading

  • Loss of access to over 3,000 free titles available via UK Prime Reading.

Competitive Dynamics

Local vs. Global Competition

  • The launch of an Irish-specific website reflects Amazon's strategy to capture a larger share of the local market.
  • Potential competition with local businesses, but also opportunities for adaptation and growth.

Employment Impact

  • Amazon's significant presence in Ireland (6,500 employees) underscores its influence on the local economy and potential regulatory considerations.

Strategic Considerations

Consumer Behavior

  • The decision to switch to Irish Prime depends on usage patterns. Non-regular users may benefit, while heavy UK Prime users might remain loyal due to lost benefits.

Alternatives

  • BorrowBox offers free access to over 12 million books and movies via Libraries Ireland.
  • Encouraging spending in local stores supports community lifeblood.

Long-Term Effects

Market Shifts

  • The move could alter online spending patterns, with implications for both e-commerce and physical retail.
  • Local businesses may face increased competition but also have opportunities to innovate.

Regulatory Impact

  • Amazon's expansion in Ireland might influence future regulatory decisions on employment practices and market dominance.

Conclusion

The launch of the Irish Amazon website presents a mix of benefits and drawbacks. While it offers cost savings and new features, it also limits access to certain services. Consumers should weigh their usage habits against potential inconveniences. Meanwhile, Amazon's strategic move highlights its commitment to capturing the Irish market, with broader implications for local businesses and employment.