Amazon Has Record Holiday Sales Season, Reports Millions Of Prime Memberships

Amazon (AMZN) has reported record sales following the holiday season as well as increased Prime memberships. According to the company, tens of millions of people worldwide signed up for a Prime free trial or paid membership.

Prime members received free same day, one-day, or two-day shipping while free two-hour delivery is available with the Prime Now membership. The last Amazon Prime Now delivery was made Christmas Eve at 11:30 p.m. in Berkeley, California, Amazon said. It included a LEGO Super Heroes Captain American Building Kit, a Hallmark card, Greek yogurt, and shampoo.

The most last-minute deliveries as part of Amazon’s Prime Now membership went out on Christmas Eve to San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; Miami, Florida; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; and Springfield, Virginia, according to Amazon. The company also said that one billion items shipped for free with Prime memberships this holiday season.

According to Amazon, more items were ordered worldwide “than ever before” with record levels of shopping on the site. Topping the list as the most purchased items include the Echo Dot, L.O.L. Surprise! Glam Glitter Series Doll, Carhartt fashion items, and Bose QuietComfort wireless headphone, the company said.

Plus, Amazon reported that millions more Amazon devices were purchased compared to last year.

“This season was our best yet, and we look forward to continuing to bring our customers what they want, in ways most convenient for them in 2019,” Jeff Wilke, CEO Worldwide Consumer, said in a statement.

“We are thrilled that in the U.S. alone, more than one billion items shipped for free this holiday with Prime. Thank you to our employees all around the world who are committed to bringing our customers the widest selection of products with low prices and fast and free delivery options throughout the holidays and all year long.”

As of this afternoon, Amazon stock was up over 8.5 percent.