Amazon is setting up its first Indian fulfilment centre in Mumbai, according to job listings on Amazon's Indian careers website. Amazon "has an immediate opening for an IT manager in our first fulfilment centre based out in Mumbai, India," one recent listing said.

The company spent heavily last year setting up more than 10 new fulfilment centres in the United States. The company also lists centres in China, Germany, Japan and the UK on its website, but currently lists none in India.

Fulfilment centres cost a lot to set up, so Amazon's efforts to start one in India signal that the company is serious about getting into the country's £353 billion retail market.

Seamus Whittingham, MD EMEA at ChannelAdvisor, believes this presents a great opportunity for UK retailers. However, in order to make the most of this opportunity, it is important for retailers to do their homework and tailor their offerings specifically to the new target market in India.

Seamus says: “Whilst Amazon is yet to confirm rumours of an expansion into India, it is clear that the opening of a new online retail channel like this could provide a great opportunity for UK retailers. There is undoubtedly an interesting picture now evolving around emerging e-commerce markets such as India.

"However, one thing is for sure, emerging markets are not a case of one size fits all and it shouldn’t be regarded as an online equivalent of a gold rush. Relevance is key as emerging markets represent opportunity for a cross section of UK brands and retailers. For others, it is definitely a case of keeping a watching brief as the global e-commerce market continues to evolve.

"As with any cross-border venture, businesses who succeed in India will have considered local elements, such as languages, currency, local payment methods and culture. History tells us that as or when Amazon expands to this region, they will execute well and have considered the vast market opportunity for online retailers.”

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