Amazon Enters Bulk Storage Market with AWD Service Expansion

Amazon has launched its bulk warehousing service, Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), in five major European markets. The service allows sellers to store bulk inventory outside normal Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) capacity limits.

The AWD service went live on August 20th and is currently available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Continental European inventory will initially be stored in Germany.

Sellers can place larger quantities of their products in upstream distribution centres for longer-term storage. Amazon can then transfer stock into its FBA network as demand changes, reducing the need for manual replenishment shipments.

Storage charges will be waived for eligible inventory held in European AWD centres between October 1st and December 31st this year. However, processing and transportation fees will still apply.