AMZN distrupts grocers

Article Excerpt

AMAZON.COM $1,690.81 (Nasdaq symbol AMZN; TSINetwork Rating: Average) (206-266-1000; www.amazon.com; Shares outstanding: 491.2 million; Market cap: $821.8 billion; No dividends paid) continues to disrupt a range of industries. The latest move centres on its reported plan to open dozens of grocery stores in several major U.S. cities. The company aims to open its first outlet in Los Angeles, as early as the end of the year, according to industry reports. Apart from opening new stores, it might also purchase small regional chains. Amazon will likely try and use its market power to get prime locations. It’s uncertain if the stores will be cashierless, but they almost certainly will let online customers pick up in-store and so combine e-commerce with brick-and-mortar retailing. Amazon.com is still a hold. hold. …