Amazon recently announced that Amazon Business now powers 8 million organizations, and that business customers now have access to hundreds of millions of items, up 25 percent in selection compared to last year. Categories with significant growth include industrial and scientific supplies, professional-grade equipment, healthcare and laboratory materials, education resources and technology, and facility maintenance supplies.

The company also said that, as it continues its aim to support small business growth, Amazon Business has grown the number of items from small business sellers in its store by almost 80 percent globally year-over-year.

"When organizations partner with Amazon Business, they’re not just shopping—they’re streamlining their supply chain while saving time and money through powerful tools designed specifically for business needs," commented Shelley Salomon, global vice president for Amazon Business. "From local entrepreneurs to multinational companies, we deliver what matters most: access to hundreds of millions of items worldwide, significant cost savings year-round, and even more convenient delivery helping organizations save time and money, reduce complexity, and ultimately grow.”

During the first half of this year, the company said that quantity discounts from Amazon Business helped organizations in the United States save over $150 million, adding that small business customers have also benefited from quantity discounts, with global small business customers saving over $70 million, and U.S. small business customers saving over $25 million through bulk purchasing last year.

Amazon credits its expanding selection to a global network of millions of sellers, many of which are small and medium-sized businesses, which provide supply chain resilience and competitive pricing in addition to fast delivery.

"Through personalized recommendations and innovative search features, organizations of all sizes can quickly discover and purchase the products that matter most to them, streamlining their business buying while maintaining access to the broadest selection of business-relevant products available," Amazon said in a press release about its Amazon Business growth. "Recognizing that every organization has unique delivery requirements that vary from those of consumers, Amazon Business provides fast and flexible delivery solutions that put control in the customer’s hands. From selecting specific delivery windows that match business hours, to designating precise delivery points—be it loading docks, mailrooms, or other locations—businesses can tailor their delivery experience to what is best for their organization."

The company claims to be delivering at its fastest speeds yet thanks to strategic investments in delivery stations, sortation centers, and transportation hubs. It also says it is committed to reducing packaging waste and delivery trips, and has expanded direct delivery via pallets so that over 85 percent of U.S. business customers have access to this consolidated delivery option, reducing environmental impact.

Amazon Business launched in the U.S. ten years ago. It is now driving over $35 billion in annualized gross sales, operating in 11 countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Business customers can now shop over 160 million items from small business sellers worldwide.