US retail giant Amazon could launch in Australia within the next 60 days if feedback from suppliers proves correct, according to Citi analysts, upping the pressure on struggling retailers in the all-important lead-up to Christmas.

Amazon confirmed in April its plans to bring a retail offering to Australia and has since signed a lease on a 24,387 square metre former Bunnings warehouse on the outskirts of Melbourne and appointed one of its top German executives to run its local operations.

While the exact timing of its launch remains uncertain, Citi analysts said on Thursday they expected Amazon's local website to go live sometime next month, ahead of Black Friday on November 24, which is regarded as the start of Christmas shopping season in the US and is fast catching on here.

Amazon had set buying terms with suppliers and placed first orders in recent weeks, Citi said in a note to clients.