Amazon is an American multinational e-commerce company that was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994. It started as an online marketplace for books and eventually expanded its product offerings to include a wide range of goods, including electronics, clothing, furniture, and more. 

Today, Amazon is one of the largest online retailers in the world and operates in numerous countries, including the United States.

As an e-commerce business, Amazon allows customers to browse and purchase products through its website or mobile app. 

It offers a convenient and efficient shopping experience with features such as one-click ordering, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations.

Amazon also provides various shipping options, including Prime membership, which offers free two-day shipping on eligible items and access to additional services like streaming video and music.

In addition to being a retailer, Amazon also operates as a platform for third-party sellers. This means that independent sellers can list and sell their products on Amazon's marketplace, reaching a vast customer base. 

Amazon provides tools and services to assist sellers with inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service.

To support its vast operations, Amazon has built an extensive network of fulfillment centers and distribution hubs across the United States. 

Amazon has also invested heavily in technology, including robotics and artificial intelligence, to streamline its operations and enhance the customer experience.

Furthermore, Amazon offers additional services and products, such as Amazon Prime Video (a streaming service), Amazon Web Services (cloud computing infrastructure), Amazon Kindle (e-readers and e-books), and Amazon Echo (smart speakers powered by the virtual assistant Alexa).

Overall, Amazon has revolutionized the e-commerce industry and has become a dominant force in the United States and globally, shaping the way people shop online.