Amazon adds 5,000 jobs, hiring more than 7,000

Amazon announced plans today to add 5,000 full-time jobs at 17 facilities in the United States and to hire more than 7,000 workers as it beefs up its customer-service network.
The online retail giant is creating jobs as it expands its distribution network to speed up deliveries. The facilities in 10 states across the country, from South Carolina to California.
Amazon said that more than 5,000 jobs were now available across its warehouse network, touting pay that is 30 per cent higher than that of traditional retail stores.
"In the last year alone, Amazon opened eight fulfillment centers in the US, resulting in thousands of new jobs being added to communities nationwide," the company said in a statement.

The Seattle-based retailer also said it was currently hiring in four states for more than 2,000 jobs in its customer service network, which includes a mix of full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs.
Amazon shares fell 0.9 percent in morning trade in New York.