Amazon is finding itself in a new role in the coronavirus crisis as hunkered-down consumers increasingly turn to the tech giant for anything from toilet tissue to streaming television.

The massive infrastructure Amazon has spent years building n warehouses, distribution, delivery and cloud computing has vaulted the company into a critical role in the crisis.

In a time when many are confined to their homes, consumers will have high expectations that Amazon will come though to meet their needs and demands.Amazon, which has expanded its food operations with the acquisition of the Whole Foods grocery chain, has shifted its priorities in recent days to help people get needed household basics and medical supplies.

“There’s enormous pressure on Amazon to meet these increased expectations,” said Technalysis Research analyst Bob O’Donnell.”Fairly or unfairly, people will expect that Amazon will always have some things, like toilet paper. If not, they’re going to catch more grief than if a local grocery store is out.”

Source: Amazon faces new role in virus crisis: lifeline – Japan Today