Introduction The retail industry has always been a very competitive environment when dealing with sales and maintaining up to date with the current trends. Ross Stores has become one of the most successful companies in the apparel business since established in 1982 by Stuart Moldaw. (Ross Stores, Inc. History, n.d.). Although there is much competition out there, Ross is different from other retail stores. The reason for this is that Ross acquires most of their merchandise comes from their competitors, such as name brand department stores who ordered too much of an item and have decided not to sell it anymore. The overstock then results in in a loss of money for this company which in turn becomes a gain for Ross since the items are sold to Ross at a low price. By following these actions constantly, this is then the way that Ross has great prices for the name brand products sold at the location. Not only are their prices very affordable, but also customers get a chance to bargain hunt for treasures that they don’t even know they need. Ross Stores also owns another chain of stores launched in 2004 called DD’s Discounts, these stores are very similar to a Ross Store but this chain offers more moderate prices to This is how Ross Stores has maintained successful and has expanded their many stores throughout the states. Ross stores maintains successful by constantly targeting all potential customers who are savvy shopper and earn moderate salaries. This is the reason Ross Stores works hard on getting their commercials seen by adding various styles and products they have. Ross does not concentrate on only one group of people but they always have something for every group of people such as products for men, women, kids, and pets. With this many products to offer their customers, Ross is always looking to grow and open more stores near their
Macy’s intended to deliver enhanced shopping experiences to its consumers through dynamic department stores and online sites. In this regard, the company developed a North Star strategy that allows it to improve its sales growth and to develop its existing core activities. The company’s consumer research monitors, analyze and anticipate their needs and wants based on the changing market trends. This allows it to strengthen its customer base and also helps it in identifying new markets and customers. Macy’s also identifies different styles and designs based on various occasions and events that allow it to capture the changing preferences of its customers. The company also celebrates various iconic events to interact with its customers which
This nationally recognized mass merchandiser that stood as Kohl’s other leading adversary in the market has everyday low prices that were able to compete with Kohl’s promotional events. Wal-Mart also outdid their competition when it came to number of store locations around the country. The weaknesses of this reputable company come to light when shoppers are looking to buy clothes and are not presented with nearly the selection that the department store can offer. Also, their service is not considered to be as helpful as the department stores that can input more expertise when trying on
Along with this innovation of trying to drive sales, the Popular Club began to find its brand image. The company’s focus was leisurewear for upper-middleclass customers, seeking the Ralph Lauren look at a much lower price. The company’s merchandise style was a combination of Ralph Lauren, on the high end, and the Limited, on the lower end. Popular Club wanted to signify a “preppy spirit,” in doing so they renamed the operation J.Crew. In January 1983, the company mailed its first catalog to its customers (http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/j-crew-group-inc-history/). This will be the beginning of a thriving company.
The success of Wal-Mart is so great, that many people believe that Wal-Mart is becoming a monopsony . Suppliers are forced to deal with Wal-Mart because of the large percentage of sales at Wal-Mart cash registers. As such, Wal-Mart also has the ability to dictate prices of the goods it receives from the suppliers. Every day, more and more retail stores close their doors for good because Wal-Mart controls such a huge margin of the retail sector.
My company of choice for this report is Macy 's. 'The Magic of Macy 's ', as the company advertises it, has inspired me to shop there, take advantage of their incomparable discounts and great online shopping experience. Macy 's, Inc. is one of the largest department store chains in the United States of America. Macy 's manages stores under the Macy 's and Bloomingdale 's brands. I enjoy shopping at both of the company 's store brands, Macy 's and Bloomingdales. Bloomingdales provides a more personalized experience
Wal-Mart’s competitive environment is quite unique. Although Wal-Mart’s primary competition comes from general merchandise retailers, warehouse clubs and supermarket retailers also present competitive pressure. The discount retail industry is substantial in size and is constantly experiencing growth and change. The top competitors compete both nationally and internationally. There is extensive competition on pricing, location, store size, layout and environment, merchandise mix, technology and innovation, and overall image. The market is definitely characterized by economies of scale. Top retailers vertically integrate many functions, such as purchasing, manufacturing, advertising, and shipping. Large scale functions such as these give the top competitors a significant cost advantage over small-scale competition.
What core competencies do you think the company has and what is needed to exploit opportunity and counter threats.
The retail industry is continuously growing. There are many successful companies and entrepreneurs in this industry. One successful entrepreneur is Dennis Wilson, also known as Chip Wilson.
JCPenney is a chain of American mid-range department stores that is based out of Texas that started over 100 years ago. JCPenny has been successful for most of its time up until the last three to four years. The company is trying relentlessly to overcome the lingering effects of the makeover that former CEO, Ron Johnson, had implemented in order for the company to take a new direction in hopes of increasing sales. The new CEO, Myron Ullman, has taken a close look into the markets demographic segmentation along with the income segmentation in order to attempt to return the retailer back to its old self, which is to appeal to middle-market customers. A couple issues of major concern for the company are the dissolving of Johnson’s Boutiques, the price of their products, and overall revenue.
Wal-Mart as we know it today evolved from Sam Walton’s goals for great value and great customer service. Mr. Walton’s competitors thought his idea that a successful business could be built around offering lower prices and great service would never work. Mr. Walton also credited the rapid growth of Wal-Mart not just to the low costs that attracted his customers, but also to his associates. He relied on them to give customers the great shopping experience that would keep them coming back. Sam shared his vision for the company with associates in a way that was nearly unheard of in the industry. He made them partners in the success of the company, and firmly believed that this partnership was what made Walmart great.
Nordstrom’s product offerings are not only of the best quality available, but are also presented in a fashion appealing to customers. The reputation Nordstrom has built in the industry has sustained their success for over a century. Nordstrom’s further expects to enhance their company philosophy in the future by implementing additional differentiation tactics that will continue their market dominance in highly volatile economy.
When you walk into a discount store such as Ross, you will notice rows and rows of clothing racks. If you look down you will see tile floors. Ross has several different sections. They have a men’s, sports ware, women’s, juniors, children’s, under garments, electronics, luggage, kitchen accessories, shoes, accessories, bed and bath, and seasonal. These sections are all scattered through out the store. When you walk into a section, you will notice the aisles are very close not allowing carts east access between them. If you are looking for a specific item be prepared to search for it. Since all their clothing is on rows of racks all the different types of brands and styles are all together, not allows a quick walk in grab what you want and leave type of deal. All of Ross’s registers are in the front of the store. So if you in the back of the store and ready to check out you must first walk to the front of the store. If you want to try something on before you purchase it you must walk to the back of the store where the fitting room and bathrooms are.
When Sam Walton died in 1992, some industry insiders doubted that the Wal – Mart chain that he had founded some 30 years earlier would retain its prominence as a discount retailer. Lost for good they feared, would be the “magic spark” that Walton used to light fires under the chain’s 1.3 million associates. And, as Wal – Mart stock failed to enjoy the same bull – market growth as many other companies in the mid – 1990s, the pundits appeared to be correct. Today, however, with stores in all 50 U.S. states and nine other countries, Wal – mart has rebounded, leading the pack of discount stores with record earnings. In fact, with $218 billion in annual sales and 100 million customers per week, Wal – Mart is the world’s largest retailer and was named “Retailer of the Century” by Discount Store News.
Department stores do not manufacture products nor create their own brands of merchandise, their products are not differentiated. As a result, consumers have low switching costs, customer loyalty is low, as they can easily purchase similar products elsewhere. These lower the barriers to entry, allowing new entrants a chance to gain customers.
We always make sure that when they come to our stores they experience the best shopping and that they find what they want to buy and we have a reason for them to buy. We make sure that our merchandising is up to standards and it motivates the customers to shop in our stores.