I also started in 2001 but it was mainly to get DVD’s from the US, there was so much more choice in Region 1 than any other region so I used to order from there. I still made a conscious effort to mostly buy books locally if possible.
I keep my usage of Amazon to a minimum these days, I’d rather pay a bit more and buy locally and keep the shops around for longer, even if it means that I have to wait for a few extra days to get my purchases.
