Amazon Q2 worldwide sales up 41% over Q2 2007

Amazon.com second quarter net sales increased 41% to $4.06 billion, compared to $2.89 billion in second quarter 2007.

Net income increased 102% to $158 million in the second quarter, compared with a Q2 net income of $78 million in 2007.

The company also announced that its North American sales, representing its US and Canadian sites, were $2.17 billion, up 35% from Q2 2007.

International sales, representing the Company's UK, German, Japanese, French and Chinese sites, were $1.89 billion, up 47% from Q2 2007, and increased to 47% of worldwide net sales, compared with 45% last year.

The company indicated that the rising cost of fuel, coupled with the sluggish economy, led consumers to seek bargains on e-commerce sites like Amazon. It also said that more customers are joining Amazon Prime, a membership program where customers can pay $79 annually for upgraded shipping options.

“Amazon Prime membership costs less than a tank of gas — more and more customers are joining the program and enjoying its benefits,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com, in a statement.