One expert in e-commerce said those who are already selling on Amazon’s UK platform could be particularly well-placed to take advantage.

Two local firms — He-shi Tan parent company 4Beauty Group and Electrical World —took part in an Amazon event in Dublin ahead of the website’s launch this week.

Kevin Traynor, founder of eComm Live and the Irish eCommerce Awards, said it presented opportunities to companies on this side of the border.

“The interesting thing about Northern Ireland businesses is that because they are deemed to be in the UK, a lot of them are ahead of the curve because they’ve already been selling on Amazon.co.uk, and then as a result of it they’re able to tap into selling into other European countries as well.

“I was at the Amazon.ie launch at the headquarters in Dublin and, funnily enough, the two people they had on the panel were experienced retailers, Shelley Martin from 4Beauty Group and John Coalter from Electrical World, who spoke about their experiences.”

He said the website’s launch was good news for consumers across the island.

He added: “It’s hard to beat the service that Amazon offers, its next day delivery.

“I ordered stuff at 10pm last night and it was here this afternoon. Amazon’s level of service, the speed at which they get stuff to people, as a consumer, it’s absolutely going to be a world-class experience.

“But the challenge is for the retailers. Some see it as a friend, and they’ve built their brands on it.

“But some see it as a foe, and see it as cannibalising what’s happening in their high street stores, taking away from sales on their own websites.

“It depends on your brand, product or service.

“From a consumer perspective, Amazon are very, very good at what they do.

“For Irish consumers it’s good, but it’s going to cause more of a problem potentially for Irish retailers, as they figure out whether it works for their business or not.”

Amazon.ie said: “Businesses in Northern Ireland have been able to register to sell for the Ireland store since late last year, and the launch of Amazon.ie will offer opportunities for them to reach more customers in Ireland.”

A quick comparison of some key products shows Amazon.co.uk appears to offer cheaper prices, particularly on bigger items.

A Samsung CU7020 Crystal UHD 4K 55in Smart TV is £369 on Amazon.co.uk and €507.23 (£424) on Amazon.ie.

A Kärcher K 5 Power Control Pressure Washer is £338 on the UK site but €451.99 (£378) on Amazon.ie.

The Ireland website says import charges are included in that price but notes the item is available at a lower price from other sellers — though free shipping through Amazon Prime membership would not be available.

Book prices are fairly level between both sites, with a paperback of Patrick Radden Keeffe’s Say Nothing costing €10.99 (£9.19) on Amazon.ie compared to £9.99 on Amazon.co.uk.

On the UK website’s Mother’s Day section, a Revlon Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser is £34.99 after a 30% discount, and €41.61 (£34.80) on the Ireland website.

Amazon is now encouraging online shoppers in the Republic to move their Prime membership, which offers free delivery on a range of products and also gives access to Amazon Prime Video, from Amazon.co.uk to Amazon.ie.

Prime membership costs €6.99 per month on Amazon.ie compared to £8.99 (€11) for the existing UK Prime membership, which does sound more attractive.

However, the new Irish Prime subscription on Amazon.ie doesn’t include family sharing.

eComm Live, an event for ecommerce retailers, takes place at The Assembly Buildings Conference Centre and surrounding venues in Belfast from April 30 to May 1.