Amazon.com Inc will only receive vital supplies at its US and UK and other European warehouses until 5 April, the retail giant's latest move to free up inventory space for medical and household goods in high demand as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The change does not mean that Amazon will stop selling non-essential items like phone cases and toys for now, only that products may be more likely to run out of stock in the next few weeks or sellers have to ship the products directly to consumers.
In a note sent to sellers on Tuesday, Amazon said it is seeing increasing online shopping demand from consumers. As its household staples and medical supplies are running out of stock, it will prioritise certain categories in order to "quickly receive, restock, and ship these products to customers."
A file photo from an Amazon warehouse in the US. Source: AAP
Amazon defined several categories as essential products that can continue shipping, including baby products; health and household items; beauty and personal care; grocery; industrial and scientific; and pet supplies. Books are included as well.
"We understand this is a change for our selling partners and appreciate their understanding as we temporarily prioritise these products for customers," Amazon said in a statement.
The company said the new protocol applies to both first-party vendors and third-party sellers. That suggests that the company is not protecting its own products.
The move follows Amazon's announcement it will hire 100,000 workers for its American warehouses on Monday, as the giant is trying to meet growing online shopping need from people who stay home amid the coronavirus outbreak.
SBS News has contacted Amazon to see if the changes will impact consumers in Australia.
