Ross May Be Immune from the Amazon Effect

The impending death of retail has been much-debated. The narrative that Amazon (in particular) will supplant brick and mortar stores confronts those who argue that retail is here to stay. Meanwhile, Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods has prompted another round of debate.

Here, Melissa Wylie compiles coverage of Ross Stores, a popular chain that might be immune to the Amazon effect. Wylie writes, "The company opened stores across 22 states and nearly half are located in the Midwest, Ross' newest market, per Chain Store Age. CEO Barbara Rentler led Ross Stores in adding 96 locations in 2017, bringing the company total to 1,412 stores in 37 states [...]"

One line of thinking ascribes Ross's success to the experience it provides: "the experience of shopping at Ross, which usually involves sorting through messy piles of clothes and household goods, is 'un-Amazonable.'"