Amazon expands private label offerings - enters CE with 'AmazonBasics'

Amazon announced and it was covered by the AP  that Amazon is expanding it's private label business with the introduction of AmazonBasics.  It appears there are 30 products being offered so far (something we'll track) and they fall into the Consumer Electronic  'accessories' category.

These look a little bit more branded than the private labels we've seen so far.  For example, check out the logo on this cable: (click to enlarge)

And even these DVD-R's are well branded:

This is a smart strategy for Amazon, but I know many sellers that compete in these categories (some are ChannelAdvisor customers) and this move highlights that Amazon is both a partner and competitor.  The lack of that conflict, or neutrality in other words, is eBay's biggest strategic advantage over Amazon.  It will be interesting to watch as the Amazon/eBay battle contineus if a) eBay is able to take advantage of this strength/Amazon weakness and b) if it is enough to slow down Amazon's awesome momentum right now.

What do you think? Chime in via comments!

SeekingAlpha Disclosure - I am long Amazon and Google. I am CEO of ChannelAdvisor where eBay is a strategic investor.

Comments

[twitter.com/colderICE]

The times are changing and changing fast. The economy has all players looking for more channels and more revenue. The flood gates are open and opportunity is being romanced.

The larger eTailers are testing the waters to see if what we have is really "that good". There are untold MILLIONS of people on the internet, BUT there are million more who are NOT.

So there is a two edged sword going on as big box stores move after online ventures. They may bring more buyer to our world. At the same time, the big boys are going to look for easy picks and many of the folks that have easy pic product are going to need to find a new angle.

Boy, it is an Amazing time of change. Brace yourself cause tomorrow will NEVER look like yesterday again. That is how I am feeling and I am both nervous and anticipating the changes at the same damn time...odd

john (ColderICE)
lets meet on twitter.com/colderICE