• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Bars, bowling alleys and movie theaters cost too much to run and visit. Americans have run out of places to hang out and we're paying with our health

2

The labor market could become so backward that the economy will have to shed jobs to keep unemployment steady

3

Jensen Huang says ‘a lot’ of six-figure jobs in plumbing and construction will soon be unlocked because someone needs to build new AI centers

1

Bars, bowling alleys and movie theaters cost too much to run and visit. Americans have run out of places to hang out and we're paying with our health

2

The labor market could become so backward that the economy will have to shed jobs to keep unemployment steady

3

Jensen Huang says ‘a lot’ of six-figure jobs in plumbing and construction will soon be unlocked because someone needs to build new AI centers
FinanceAmazon

These May Be the Only Industries Safe From Amazon’s Quest for Dominance

By
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
Down Arrow Button Icon
August 2, 2017, 3:09 PM ET
Amazon.com Inc. Storage Facility Tour
An employee pushes a cart between aisles of merchandise while collecting items for customers' delivery orders inside an Amazon.com Inc. fulfillment center in Koblenz, Germany, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016. E-commerce sales in November and December will grow 17.2 percent to $94.7 billion, more than five times the pace of total retail sales growth of 3.3 percent, according to EMarketer. Photographer: Martin Leissl/BloombergMartin Leissl Bloomberg
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Almost nothing seems out of reach for Amazon.com Inc. these days. Grocery stocks crumbled when the company bid for Whole Foods Market Inc. in June. Blue Apron Holdings Inc. slumped after Amazon got into prepared food kits. Sports chains slipped when Nike Inc. agreed to sell its wares on the e-commerce giant’s website.

But Amazon can’t disrupt everything, at least according to Morgan Stanley analysts led by Brian Nowak. They researched what attributes make for an Amazon-proof industry and introduced a framework on Wednesday so investors can gauge how susceptible companies are to Jeff Bezos’ corporate wanderlust.

Here’s a look at the five guidelines Morgan Stanley said are most important.

Be Unique

The first hurdle is tailored goods. One-of-a-kind items are less likely to be at risk from Amazon. “Commodity products are more susceptible to Amazon disruption,” the analysts wrote. “While unique and bespoke items are less likely to be purchased through Amazon’s marketplace.” Areas of travel such as hotels and vacation packages, formal apparel, and luxury goods are examples, they noted.

Regulation

The more onerous a sector’s rules are, the more costly it is and the bigger the payoff would have to be for Amazon to consider moving into the space, the Morgan Stanley analysts said. Health care, auto manufacturing, financial services and telecom are examples, they added.

Business Models

Products that are less profitable, less frequently ordered and heavier aren’t as attractive to Amazon’s main e-commerce business. So do-it-yourself auto parts, dollar stores, and home furnishings should be more immune to competition from the company, the analysts wrote. However, Amazon’s recent deal to acquire Whole Foods shows the internet retailer is willing to take on tough product categories, they added.

Talking to Customers

If there is a large amount of customer interaction required following the sale of an item, Morgan Stanley said Amazon is less likely to be interested. Those safest in this regard include health care, home improvement and specialty construction goods.

Contract Negotiations

The more time consuming the purchase is, the less likely Amazon is to want a piece of the action, the analysts wrote. One example: Large industrial contracts that can take months rather than days or weeks to negotiate. Sectors covered include pharmaceuticals, real estate and auto manufacturing.

About the Author
By Bloomberg
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Finance

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • TikTok icon
  • YouTube icon

Latest in Finance

Markets signal investors are back in buying mode again after Kospi’s record surge while Trump gives peace a chance with latest Iran reversal
InvestingStock
Markets signal investors are back in buying mode again after Kospi’s record surge while Trump gives peace a chance with latest Iran reversal
By Jason MaAugust 2, 2026
7 hours ago
Here’s how Trump has zig zagged with on-again, off-again strikes throughout the Iran war
EnergyIran
Here’s how Trump has zig zagged with on-again, off-again strikes throughout the Iran war
By Melanie Lidman and The Associated PressAugust 2, 2026
9 hours ago
As AI creates more entrepreneurs and a skills mismatch, Gen Z faces the choice of being a specialist or a ‘general-purpose nerd’
Successthe future of work
As AI creates more entrepreneurs and a skills mismatch, Gen Z faces the choice of being a specialist or a ‘general-purpose nerd’
By Jason MaAugust 2, 2026
10 hours ago
As Trump balks again at escalating war, Iran smells ‘blood in the water’ and looks to exploit its newfound strategic advantage, experts say
Middle EastIran
As Trump balks again at escalating war, Iran smells ‘blood in the water’ and looks to exploit its newfound strategic advantage, experts say
By Jason MaAugust 2, 2026
12 hours ago
Wall Street’s favorite bet comes undone as chips whipsaw market
InvestingChips
Wall Street’s favorite bet comes undone as chips whipsaw market
By Ryan Vlastelica and BloombergAugust 2, 2026
15 hours ago
Jefferies analyst calls out ‘simple-minded’ criticism of SpaceX’s governance
InvestingCorporate Governance
Jefferies analyst calls out ‘simple-minded’ criticism of SpaceX’s governance
By Alastair Marsh and BloombergAugust 2, 2026
15 hours ago

Most Popular

Bars, bowling alleys and movie theaters cost too much to run and visit. Americans have run out of places to hang out and we're paying with our health
North America
Bars, bowling alleys and movie theaters cost too much to run and visit. Americans have run out of places to hang out and we're paying with our health
By Catherina GioinoAugust 2, 2026
21 hours ago
The labor market could become so backward that the economy will have to shed jobs to keep unemployment steady
Economy
The labor market could become so backward that the economy will have to shed jobs to keep unemployment steady
By Jason MaAugust 1, 2026
1 day ago
Jensen Huang says ‘a lot’ of six-figure jobs in plumbing and construction will soon be unlocked because someone needs to build new AI centers
Success
Jensen Huang says ‘a lot’ of six-figure jobs in plumbing and construction will soon be unlocked because someone needs to build new AI centers
By Preston ForeAugust 1, 2026
2 days ago
Trump just invoked a 1930 tariff law no president has ever used — against Canada
Commentary
Trump just invoked a 1930 tariff law no president has ever used — against Canada
By Caleb PetittAugust 2, 2026
18 hours ago
Most billionaires are stuck in 'slow philanthropy.' MacKenzie Scott gave away $26 billion and won't stop until 'the safe is empty'
Success
Most billionaires are stuck in 'slow philanthropy.' MacKenzie Scott gave away $26 billion and won't stop until 'the safe is empty'
By Sydney LakeAugust 2, 2026
21 hours ago
As Trump balks again at escalating war, Iran smells 'blood in the water' and looks to exploit its newfound strategic advantage, experts say
Middle East
As Trump balks again at escalating war, Iran smells 'blood in the water' and looks to exploit its newfound strategic advantage, experts say
By Jason MaAugust 2, 2026
12 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.