Thursday, June 9, 2016

The Perfect Amazon-Proof Retail Trade Business Model

June 9, 2016
Barron's: Why TJX & Ross Stores are Amazon Proof

1. Brick and mortar.
2. Sells clothing.

Over the long-term, what more proof do you need?

Yes, Amazon.com (AMZN) and other online retailers are taking a bigger shares of the apparel business–but so far off-price retailers like TJX Cos (TJX), Burlington Stores (BURL), and Ross Stores (ROST) appear to be thriving.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure "so far" and "appear to be" qualify as proof. My bad. Sorry about that.

I'm determined to not leave you empty handed though. You came here looking for the perfect business model. I shall not disappoint!

Gasoline stations have fended off Amazon so far, and appear to be safe over the long-term.

Dammit. I did it too. It's just that I can envision Amazon drones spewing gasoline at my car someday, using advanced AI while attempting to fill my tank.

Barring that outcome, gasoline stations really have fended off Amazon so far, and appear to be safe over the long-term though.

Dammit. I did it again? Now I'm picturing less need to drive my car because Amazon's drones keep delivering goods to my home.

Is there nothing safe? What about books? People always like to read.

Help me! I'm really clutching at straws here!

2 comments:

dearieme said...

Shoes. All my attempts to buy shoes online have flopped. They don't fit. Clothes are bad enough, but shoes are hopeless.

Stagflationary Mark said...

dearieme,

Excellent!

I did buy some nice hiking shoes at Dick's Sporting Goods recently. Wouldn't think of buying without trying them on first. I'm not super picky about most things I wear, but I am with my feet.

That said, once I found the right shoes, I did do something naughty. I used my phone to check if I could order them a lot cheaper online. I couldn't so I made the purchase in the store. There is a risk there, even for shoe stores.

On the one hand, good customer service could stop that.

On the other hand, the only employee I talked to was the one who rang up my order.