---
title: "EP:77 How to Successfully Expand from Amazon US to Amazon UK with Matthew Howes"
date: 2026-03-18T05:01:42Z
modified: 2026-05-05T16:15:39Z
permalink: "https://amzoptimized.com/podcast/ep77-how-to-successfully-expand-from-amazon-us-to-amazon-uk/"
type: amz-podcast
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 7689
featured_image: "https://amzoptimized.com/wp-content/uploads/hqdefault-243.jpg"
author: Pasha Knish
timestamp: 2026-05-05T16:15:39Z
tags: []
---

Host speaks with Matthew, Media Strategy Director at Melody (part of SMP Group), about Melody’s evolution from SMP’s shopper marketing roots into a full-service Amazon growth agency now expanding into broader retail media and off-Amazon channels.

Matthew shares his 15-year e-commerce background and explains how shifting consumer behavior in the EU mirrors the US: Amazon is critical but only one part of the purchase journey, with research and discovery happening elsewhere and across other marketplaces.

They discuss supporting retailers like Bol and MediaMarkt via platforms such as CitrusAds and Criteo, and outline how Melody evaluates international expansion through transparent opportunity and margin analysis, factoring in hidden costs like VAT, EORI, and recycling/EPR-style fees, logistics considerations post-Brexit, and the need for long-term investment.

Matthew also mentions tools like Helium 10, Jungle Scout, Perpetua, Pacvue, and Teikametrics, and directs listeners to melody.com for a free performance audit.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:42 Matthew’s Ecommerce Origin Story

01:28 SMP to Melody Evolution

03:46 Beyond Amazon Growth

04:47 EU Shift and Marketplaces

06:27 Retail Media Outside Amazon

08:14 Expanding Internationally

09:50 Margins Fees and Reality

13:59 Tools and Data Stack

15:36 Brexit VAT and Compliance

17:46 Recycling Fees and EPR

20:44 How to Work With Melody

21:40 Wrap Up and Thanks

Listen on Spotify: