Amazon Echo is a Trojan horse that threatens traditional retailers

As e-commerce goes mainstream, more product searches take place on Amazon every day than on Google or Facebook. The online economy is growing and growing but more evidence shows that Amazon's intricate engine, which now includes voice AI interfaces such as Echo, is threatening traditional retailers. The most recent study by digital marketing agency Wolfgang Digital has found that e-commerce transactions are up 32pc on last year and traffic is up 14pc. 'Amazon is now actively listening to you in your home so it can sell you more things next time you log on to Amazon on a screen. What's more, consumers are paying for the privilege of welcoming this 21st-century Trojan horse into their home' – ALAN COLEMAN It estimates that Ireland's online economy is worth €12.3bn, or 6pc of GDP in 2017.