Company and Marketing Strategy Analysis: Pancake House

Targeting is a method of examining the market segments and follow all or any of the following 3 types: undifferentiated, multisegment (differentiated) and concentration (niche) (Palmer, 2009). Selfridges’ products diversity means its target include both men and women aged >25 years belonging to the high-income group whose interest is fashion and luxury. Thus, Selfridges’ targeting can be said to be concentration (niche); however, due to its prime locations, Selfridges also attracts general public including families, singles and tourist. Therefore, in that aspect, its targeting strategy is differentiated.

As mentioned in the case study, Panera Bread Company is known to be one of the leading bakery/café that offers freshly baked pastries and French inspired entrées across various states in the US. However in the recent years, Panera Bread faced a decrease in their usual high growth rate from 9.1% and 12.0% in the year 2000 to merely 0.2% and 0.5% of comparable sales and annualized unit volumes respectively.

The target market is easily seen as young kids because of the adventurous flavours they have. However, anyone can easily be a part of their market, anyone who has a sweet tooth for ice cream.

The potential consumer target markets fall into two categories; the segments will be referred to as “Suburban Select” and “Young & Active”.

A target market denotes a section of customers that a business aims at selling its products and services to. Markets can be segmented on basis of geogrphical area, the demographic factors, the psychographic factors, and the behavioral factors of the target population. Demographic market segmentation is determined on factors such as age, sex, occupation, religion, the level of education, and generation it determines the perceived benefits of the product. Based on the demographic features, Harkins Theatres majorly targets parents and children.

The target market is generally the most lucrative choice from among different market segments – each segment being identifiable, measurable, sizable, reachable. For best results, include a fair amount of demographic information (income range, education level, family situation, etc.).

The focal point of this is essay is none other than Panera Bread. Louis Kane and Ron Shaich established a bread kitchen bistro called Au Bon Pain Company Inc. in 1981. The organization developed and succeeded through the 1980's and 90's. Saint Louis Bread Company was purchased in 1993 by the association the company already had 20 different locations that covered vast areas of Saint Louis in the first place. Saint Louis Bread Company was at first established by Ken Rosenthal. In May 1999 Panera Bread ventured into a national eatery, Au Bon Pain Co. sold their different chains including Au Bon Pain, which is currently claimed by Compass Group North America. Panera moved its central command to another area in Richmond, Heights Missouri in 2000.

A target market is a group of customers a company has decided to ultimately aim its marketing efforts towards. Whole Foods has two different target market groups that regularly shop at their establishments. The first is the primary group that ranges in age between 22-40 years old men and women with college educations who care deeply about the sustainability of the earth and favor all-natural goods. These people truly believe in the entire brand experience and make shopping at a health food store a lifestyle decision.

The first P of marketing is product, or in this case service, the commercial was about Taco Bell’s breakfast service. The service is about giving people another fast food breakfast option. Taco Bell offers some novel concepts and familiar favorites to typical fast food breakfast options. I do not feel that there is a specific demographic or group of people that the service is for. I think it is just for the general public. It’s a convenience service where they offer breakfast food fast that is easy to eat. If I had to choose a target consumer group for the service it would be people that already eat fast food breakfast elsewhere.

Panera Bread has established itself as one of the most popular, fast growing “bakery-café” restaurants in the United States as well as in Canada. With 1,800 locations in 45 states, the franchise appears to be unstoppable. This in part is due to the superior customer service experience that keeps customers coming back time and time again. Just to give you an example, in 2012; the most recent year that data is available, Panera Bread brought in an astounding $2.13 billion in revenue, about $1 billion more than its revenue in 2008.

The Panera Bread Company is starting 2007 with unfinished goals and missed targets previously set and a review of their strategy is in order to continue their ongoing success. The company has grown substantially since its inception in the competitive restaurant industry; however, an aggressive target of 2,000 Panera Bread bakery-cafes will require a focused strategic plan. The company has a strong base with loyal customers who appreciate Panera’s unique dining atmosphere with a focus on quality products at a reasonable price. Panera will need to continue its market research and focus on environmental issues, which are an important core value. The opportunity for

Panera Bread’s intention is “to make Panera Bread a nationally recognized brand name and to be the dominant restaurant operator in the specialty bakery-café segment.” Panera experienced competition from many numerous sources in its trade areas. Their competition was with specialty food, casual dining and quick service cafes, bakeries, and restaurant retailers, including national, regional, and locally owned. The competitive factors included location, environment, customer service, price, and quality of products. Panera learned from its competitors, none of its competitors had yet

An important aspect of Panera Bread’s business is its product niche—artisan fast food, also termed “fast casual”. This niche protects the company from direct competition in the fast food industry as well as the casual

1. TARGET MARKET: As discussed, target market is a group of potential customers in which a company directs its marketing efforts. A company should always anticipate consumers’ needs and work towards fulfilling these needs. It is one thing to identify your “target market” and another to satisfy them. Walmart’s credo is, “save money, live better” this summaries their target market, the lower-middle class and the poorer. (Low income consumers). Walmart is the only retail

After segmenting the market there is a need to narrow down to a specific target, this achieved through target marketing, which breaks down the clientele into primary, secondary and tertiary categories (Dibb & Simkin 1996). From the empty seats in the restaurant it could be true that City Grill employs niche marketing to reach its target group. Niche market in simple terms is selecting a small group within a large group. By offering steak as their main delicacy they have specialized in a small group or a niche in the extensive restaurant industry.