Amazon originally sold books online.
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, and the company began operating as an online bookstore in 1995. Books were a practical starting category because a physical bookstore could not stock every available title, while an online catalogue could offer customers a much wider selection. The business was first called Cadabra, but Bezos changed the name to Amazon before launch.
Amazon expanded beyond books into music, video, electronics, household goods, clothing, groceries, and many other categories. Its marketplace model allowed independent sellers to offer products alongside Amazon's own inventory. The company also built major businesses in cloud computing through Amazon Web Services, advertising, logistics, and digital media.
Amazon's original book focus is sometimes obscured by its present-day identity as a broad technology and commerce company. The company did not begin as an online grocery or electronics retailer. Its early bookstore model created the customer base, logistics experience, and online retail infrastructure that supported its later expansion.