You would be forgiven to believe that Amazon dominates the global online retail market. In reality, they are only prominent in 12 countries.
Remember that setting up an online retail presence in a country is not as simple as just opening up a website like some of the other software giants. Amazon has to establish logistics channels and massive distribution centres, as well as source reliable products. It is a big job and very capital intensive.
What they have been doing on the side which is a little simpler but possibly more expensive is to buy stakes in existing online retailers. It was recently announced that they will be buying a 30% stake in 11Street, a South Korean online shop, majority owned by SK Telecom. The deal is worth $300m and will give Amazon a foot in the door in a very technologically advanced country.
Amazon is spreading its tentacles far and wide - I wonder if Takealot (majority owned by Naspers) is on their radar?