Amazon launches in Australia, cranking up Christmas competition

Local retailers face stiffer competition as worldwide online retailer opens up its full service

Amazon has launched in Australia, ending months of speculation around the timing of when it would finally open its full offering Down Under and setting up a sales frenzy before Christmas.

The e-commerce giant has already been selling Kindle e-reader devices, audio books and content from its Australian website but it has now activated its full-service local offering, featuring its own products and items sold by small local retailers.