Houston’s Galleria Mall sees 35 million visitors every year, but nationwide, consumers are ditching brick-and-mortar for online offerings. Although it started out as a web alternative to physical bookstores, Amazon has made itself virtually indispensable to customers all around the world. Now, the retailer has plans to hire 2,000 New Yorkers over the next three years, mostly in web services, advertising, and fashion.
Back in 2011, $1.1 trillion in sales were web-influenced, and the revenue potential keeps on growing. The giant that is Amazon is nearly unrivaled in the industry, so it’s no surprise that they plan to expand their current 1,800-employee workforce in the Big Apple. Their new 360,000 square-foot office in the Manhattan West development will soon be home to software engineers, economists, and data scientists, as well as marketers, designers, web professionals, and those employed by Amazon Fashion. New hires could reportedly earn up to $100,000 per year.
Clearly, Amazon is a fan of the Empire State. Last month, the company announced they’ll be opening an 855,000-square-foot fulfillment center on Staten Island, which will require another 2,250 new hires. Amazon has pledged to create approximately 6,000 new jobs across New York State by the year 2019.
Governor Cuomo is certainly pleased with Amazon’s eagerness to expand in New York, as well. The company could receive up to $20 million in tax credits.
In a statement, Governor Cuomo said, “Amazon’s decision to expand in New York City is proof positive that the strong economic climate of this state, and New York’s diverse workforce and talent, are helping to attract top-notch companies from around the world. New York welcomes Amazon’s latest investment and expansion in New York, as we support the growth of our strong business sector and continue to create quality, high-paying jobs in the Empire State.”
Although Amazon officials clearly are in a New York state of mind, that doesn’t necessarily mean NYC will win the bid for Amazon’s second headquarters. That search is still ongoing, with more than 120 potential U.S. and Canadian cities throwing their hats in the ring. That second HQ campus will house around 50,000 employees, so the opportunity holds mass appeal for many municipalities. New York City has shown its interest in being considered, however, with a pitch that’s centered around diversity, achievement, and education.
Amazon will move into their two-story part of the Hudson Yards development as early as next year. Whole Foods Market, Amazon’s newest acquisition, will move into the ground-level space in that location.
Paul Kotas, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide advertising, noted in a statement, “We’re excited to expand our presence in New York — we have always found great talent here.”
