The online retail giant, Amazon, has placed a hold on its Canadian Prime Day in respect for those affected by COVID-19. Amazon’s annual Prime Day was canceled throughout the world in 2020 because of the widespread nature of the pandemic. The company is expected to return to its annual summer sale in 2021 as it looks to take advantage of the widespread vaccination process in the U.S. In contrast, the Canadian Government has been struggling to roll out its vaccination program, with some estimates stating only three percent of the population has been vaccinated.
Another Canceled Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is one of the most important to the long-term success of the online retail giant. The annual summer sale is used to attract customers to the business and provides a subscription boost each year. The cancellation of Prime Day around the world in 2020 was a major financial loss for Amazon at a time of financial distress. The global cancelation of the 2020 Prime Day has been placed in the rearview mirror as Amazon prepares for its annual U.S. sale. A date in June or July is the most likely to be used for the U.S. version of the sale.
Canada’s COVID Crisis Continues
The COVID-19 pandemic will force Amazon to cancel another Canadian Prime Day as the crisis continues. The contrast between the North American vaccination rates could not be starker, with Canada extending the time between the first and second shot to four months. Amazon believes the continuing stay-at-home orders in Ontario are making the financial situation in Canada too difficult to justify its Prime Day sale.
Employee Safety is Important
Amazon is reported to have sent an email to its sellers and employees revealing the Prime Day cancelation. The main reason given for the cancelation is the health and safety of its sellers and employees as Canada’s infection rates remain high. Driving more business to the distribution centers of Amazon would require extra staff to work and limit the opportunity to social distance. Amazon believes the main concern should remain the health of the people of Canada until the majority of the population receives a second vaccination.
