Problems within the Company Columbia Sportswear has a few pressing problems that the entire company faces, but there is one area that stands out. During the course of our research, we have found that Columbia has encountered a huge customer service issue. Complaints about this department heavily outweigh their compliments. An interesting point to make is that the complaints aren’t directed solely at the product’s quality. Though this may be the initial issue that leads the customer to seek help from customer service, the other issues start shortly after. Within reading many of the complaints, one problem is that customers are not able to fully understand those working in this department. Numerous customers have made it very evident that some …show more content…
The return policy states that all items must be returned within 30 days of the purchase date in unworn and original condition. This means that if something happens to the product after thirty days, then you’ve just wasted your money. With that being said, the majority of return period could be spent on shipping and that’s not fair to the customer. The refund could take up to three days if paid with a credit/debit card, but if you paid with a gift card, then the credit could take up to 15 days to show up on the account. This concern must be ratified now if Columbia wants to stay in business. By extending this deadline or even omitting the time it takes to ship, would help in the customer satisfaction area. Though this may introduce a little more work, it would keep the customers relating to this problem much more …show more content…
According to the article we see that Columbia’s focus on the supply chain was based on an analytic software, which led to an increase in profit, but left out how customers feel about their product and service. Building a direct relationship with their customers will help solve most of the problems discussed, if not all. Columbia Sportswear is a company that can afford to better its customer service, shipping and return policy, by allocating funds that will set workshops with its board-members in finding strategies that will build a better relationship with their customers looking at the different problems identified, their income statement for previous years shows that there has been an increase in Net Income for the past two years, so money will not be an hindrance in tackling this problem. Columbia have shown they have the skills to boost profits, which is shown in the analytic system they implemented and these system cannot run without having experts that will be in charge, these same skills could be applied by their professionals to find strategies that will build a strong relationships with its customers. Their capability is certain because they have been taking steps in other to make more profit, an example will be selling products at the full price rather than the discounted price as discussed in the
Since 1998, Lululemon has transformed the way people dress to workout. Through innovative products and technical athletic fabrics, a brand was created to provide clothing for workouts such as yoga, running and cycling. Lululemon opened its first store in Vancouver in 2000 with the plan to have the store be a community hub for people to learn and discuss their physical fitness and overall health goals. As Lululemon was more than a store to provide products for consumers, their goal was to influence every person who walked into the store. A basic criterion for investment is Lululemon’s mission to create components for people to live longer, healthier, fun lives. All Lululemon locations maintain strong relationships with local communities and host in-store events such as complimentary yoga classes and goal-setting workshops.
Nordstrom is one of the top retailers in the United States. With a solid brand image and a sound financial situation, Nordstrom is relentless in their expansion in the US, and are beginning to expand into international markets. Nordstrom takes pleasure in providing state of the art client support and having experienced sales people. In order to hold their position as the most successful high-end retailer in the United States, Nordstrom must continue to figure out ways to improve their brand image and customer satisfaction. Nordstrom’s current business working strategy is successful but I believe there are a few ideal solutions that the organization could apply to further enhance the organization. Due to the aggressive characteristics of the fashion retail store market, it is crucial that Nordstrom preserves an aggressive advantage providing the highest level of customer support as possible.
Facts of the Case: In 2008, Samantha Elauf applied for a job at Abercrombie & Fitch, Inc., who as part of their “Look Policy” prohibit the use of caps. Elauf, as part of her religious practice, wore a headscarf to the interview. She was interviewed by assistant manager Heather Cooke, who gave her a score that qualified her to be hired. Cooke, however, was worried that Elauf’s headscarf was against the store’s policy and called her district manager Randall Johnson. She informed Johnson of her belief that Elauf wore her headscarf because of her religion, and Johnson replied that headwear whether it was religious or not violated the “Look Policy” of the store. Elauf with the help of the EEOC sued Abercrombie on the grounds of religious discrimination. The U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an agency established by the government of the United States that imposes federal laws that make it
interpret this the wrong way. I love my country and I do not blame the
Clothing manufacturer American Apparel has a long notorious history for pushing the limits with their 'risqué ad campaigns. Their advertisements has been condemned sexual exploiting women and essentially using pornography to sell its clothes. American Apparel has become one the most pornographic advertisers of all time.
Nike's Lance Armstrong, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brandi Chastain and Freddy Adu Share Thoughts on Revolutionary Nike FREE Shoes PR Newswire US
Under Armour’s target market is consumers that are involved in physical activities. The demographic age groups that they cater to varies from youth to adults. Their products can with stand any weather condition from cold weather to warm weather, which means their product can be used in any geographic location. These consumers can be either light user like walkers or heavy users like football players.
In the 1960s through the 1970s, companies realized strong engineering, design, and manufacturing functions were strong market strategy keys to create and capture customer loyalty. As the demand for new products rose in the 1980s, these market requirements were to increase their flexibility and responsiveness to adapt existing products and processes or to develop new ones in order to meet customer needs. As manufacturing improved in the 1990s, managers began noticing material and service inputs involving suppliers and their major impact on an organization’s ability to meet customer needs. As a result of these changes, organizations now find that it difficult to manage their own organizations. First, they must be involved in the management of their network of all upstream firms that provide directly or indirectly, as well as the network of downstream firms, which are responsible for delivery and market service of the product to the end customer. In order to succeed, managers have to realize that they cannot do it alone and they must work together on a daily basis with the whole organizations in their supply chains. Because supply chain management involves all functions within an organization, managers need to know what a supply chain is, why it is important, and the impact of supply chain management on the success and profitability of their organization. Today, Wal-Mart topped the list of the America’s biggest companies on the Fortune 500 list, “with sales of almost $345 billion — more than a quarter of a trillion dollars” (Forbs). Wal-Mart’s supply chain management is becoming recognized as a core competitive strategy.
Kevin Plank is the President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, Wayne Marion is the Chief Operating Officer and Bard Dickerson is the Chief Financial Officer. Ninety-four percent of Under Armour’s revenue is generated from the U.S. and Canada. Under Armour employs 3000 non-unionized employees with eight executives being in top management. Under Armour sales in three different categories which include apparel, footwear, and accessories.
American Eagle Outfitters is corporation. There are multiple owners that specifically own the company through purchase of stock.American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO Inc.), incorporated on January 26, 1972, is a specialty retailer that operates over 1,000 retail stores and online at ae.com and aerie.com in the United States and internationally.
Advantage: Expanding the sale of products in foreign countries will help UA to become a global competitor in the world market for sport apparel and performance products; enhancing the global awareness of UA brand name and strengthening the appeal of UA products worldwide.
In this Case Study Analyses, an objective SWOT Analyses will be done to help identify potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the Nike Corporation.
Consumers are concerned not only about a product breaking down but also about the time before service is restored, the timeliness with which service appointments are kept, the nature of dealings with service personnel, and the frequency with which service calls or repairs fail to correct outstanding problems. In those cases where problems are not immediately resolved and complaints are filed, a company’s complaint-handling procedures are also likely to affect customers’ ultimate evaluation of product and service quality.
In reviewing the case of New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. it is clear that there are a few major problems that the company is facing. First of all, New Balance falls behind its other major competitors, Nike, Adidas and Reebok, in the area of marketing. Unlike its competitors, New Balance does not undertake celebrity endorsements. This puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to brand building. This also causes the company to lose out somewhat on gaining awareness on a global scale as it lacks endorsements in major sporting events. Most global brand names generate strong brand recognition through celebrity endorsements in sporting events that would give them the needed momentum to carry their brand name further into the global market.
Nike is the number one innovator in the world in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. This worldwide company operates in an extremely different organizational structure than other companies, such as Reebok and Adidas. Nike operates tremendous marketing strategies and develops inventive designs to inspire athletes around the world. This company is one of the largest suppliers in the world in athletic footwear and apparel, main producer of sports equipment, and making Nike the most valuable brand among sports companies. The task for Nike is to join diversity and inclusion to encourage ideas and innovation. Around the world, this company is a popular brand.