Motley Fool Money Amazon Unbound
May 14, 2021
Brad Stone, a Bloomberg senior editor and author of "Amazon Unbound," dives into the surprising secrets behind Amazon's groundbreaking innovations. He reveals how the Echo was secretly developed, shedding light on Amazon's strategic evolution beyond Jeff Bezos's daily involvement. Stone also discusses the intense competition for HQ2 locations, illustrating the challenges Amazon faced in its expansion. Additionally, he offers insights into the future direction of Amazon’s advertising revenue and its implications for customer experience.
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Alexa's Secret Development
- Amazon secretly tested Alexa in rented apartments filled with contractors.
- Neighbors called the police, suspecting something sketchy was happening.
Bezos' Focus on Advertising
- Jeff Bezos prioritized Amazon's advertising business despite potential negative impacts on customer experience.
- He recognized advertising revenue fueled retail growth, but underlying profitability was declining.
HQ2 Selection Surprise
- Amazon's site selection team initially recommended Chicago, Philadelphia, and Raleigh for HQ2.
- Bezos ultimately chose New York City and Arlington, Virginia, prioritizing access to talent and proximity to his homes.
