THE PROCUREMENT INTERVIEW
“ Over the 10 years we’ ve existed, we’ ve built on that. We’ ve added more innovative capabilities in order to serve larger customers, transformed things like our invoicing capabilities and other solutions, and introduced new innovations that deliver control, scale and intelligence.”
The role of a diverse supplier base In the current climate these capabilities are a critical lifeline to procurement teams. Amazon Business works with millions of customers worldwide, from small businesses, schools, hospitals and nonprofits through to government agencies and global enterprises. Each benefits from tailored technologies and solutions, but also its vast supplier base.
Strategically managing supplier strategies and implementing a diversified approach to sourcing is crucial for organisations looking to enhance supply chain resilience, reduce risks and foster innovation. By sourcing from multiple suppliers across regions and industries, businesses can mitigate disruption more effectively and drive greater agility in operations.
“ We spend a lot of time thinking about how we can maximise how our customers operate and gain value, while designing the right solutions,” Shelley says.“ The scale and diversity of our supplier base is a real asset in times of economic turmoil. We have hundreds of thousands of suppliers, and that gives us a degree of resilience and diversification to offer our customers.”
Having this kind of supplier diversity also allows Amazon Business to help procurement teams source more sustainably and responsibly –
“ The scale and diversity of our supplier base is a real asset in times of economic turmoil”
SHELLEY SALOMON, VP, GLOBAL AMAZON BUSINESS, AMAZON
a growing trend among businesses. Data from the organisation’ s 2025 State of Procurement Report shows that responsible purchasing is a key consideration for leaders, with 80 % saying their organisations have mandates or goals to work with certified suppliers. A large supplier network is essential for delivering on this ambition.
During ABX 2025, Shelley highlighted Amazon Business’ s Socially Responsible Programme, which includes a focus on local seller purchasing and sustainability certifications for enhanced supplier transparency. Also offering guided buyer policies and greater seller visibility, the programme helps businesses to align their purchasing with social responsibility and supplier sustainability ratings.
Amazon Business can, at scale, connect customers with diverse suppliers. A significant number of its sales are done through its third-party seller community, which includes locally-owned or small businesses. This is an increasingly popular choice for customers, which are buying items from locally sourced
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