Explain the Key Functions in Merchandising, Referencing How They Relate to Key Market Levels

STRATEGIC LOCATION: When it comes to retail industry the selection of location plays a very important role. Ex. Initially when Wal-Mart was set up by Sam Walton they mainly got success due to their location strategy. They had set up stores i.e. discount centres in rural and small town areas; other reason was strategic placement of distribution centres.

This report will demonstrate, apply and evaluate knowledge and understanding of key managerial disciplines of the chosen high street retailer, Marks and Spencer, in different real-world global contexts. According to the report by Deloitte, the retail industry is undergoing immense changes and faces a tough competitive

That being said, suppliers can have some power in regards to choosing the number of stores where their product can be purchased at. This allows the suppliers to regulate their sales and stay away from the “red tape”. The bargaining power of customers impacts HBC as customers are able to influence pricing based on their buying habits. Of course, customers do not choose the retail prices offered to them, however, if inexpensive clothing were to lead the industry, retail stores would adapt to this consumer demand and offer an abundance of inexpensive clothing due to consumer preferences. These forces lead to rivalry among competitors due to the many options offered to consumers to grant their desires. These forces combine to cause strategic implications for HBC. HBC must differentiate itself from its competitors who, similar to HBC, have large annual revenue, strong and profitable supplier agreements and large amounts of capital. As well, due to competitors large sale volumes, competitive pricing is an implication which faces

The industry we have chosen is the department store-retail industry. Within this industry, we have chosen the department stores of JCPenney and Macy’s. We find this industry, as well as these two companies, interesting from a strategic perspective. JCPenney has recently undergone a massive strategic restructuring in regards to its pricing, brand offerings, and store layout, pushing it away from the typical department store strategy of discounts and coupons. Its new strategy has become much closer to Wal-Mart’s strategy of every day low prices. Macy’s, on the other hand, has restructured with a push from the economic

This report presents data describing the differences amongst the two department stores, their fundamental visions, and comparative statistics. Macy’s or Dillard’s: Differences amongst these competitors There are several aspects you can analyze from each department store. Major pieces do set each one apart from the other. Brand names carried by Macy’s and Dillard’s from an average shoppers point of view can go completely unnoticed unless price is involved. For trend shoppers brand names can either make or break a retail store. It can easily determine if he or she will walk to Macy’s or Dillard’s because they already know the store does or does not carry that brand. This is consistent with each department throughout both stores and

Comparative shopping is done in the industry constantly. But the point of the task is to identify strengths and weaknesses of your store’s merchandise mix in comparison to the competitors’. Are you offering the customer something unique in one segment of your business, but not in others? Are you just a poor second in comparison to a strong competitor? Are you under- or over-developed in certain classifications? Are your prices in line with the rest of your store? In relation to your

The apparel store industry within the USA is a highly competitive market, consisting of number of companies that are willing to fight for their share of the market. To remain afloat in this business, corporations must be highly innovative, price-conscious, knowing the trend, and with great responses to consumer needs. Each company within this industry must be aware of the competitors’ move, trying to match every trends and benefits offered by another, in order to steal the average consumers. Market-alertness is the key to survival; each company must balance marketing strategies and customer-service, responding to consumer demands within the shortest processing time

My two retailers that I have chosen are Primark, which are a department store, and JD sports which are a franchise. These two retailers have both their advantages and disadvantages individually as retailers and it is my task to explain and point out these advantages and disadvantages.

There is an ongoing debate on which store, Target or Walmart is the most ideal. This essay will compare their missions, product quality, customer service, and overall superiority. A mission statement can say a lot about a business, so we will analyze them both. Product quality isn’t about how sparkly the dress is, it’s about the fabrics lifetime and quality. Customer service could be the thing that keeps customers coming or drives them away. what I’m trying to solve is, which store has the best of which and what store will get the job done

You will provide your completed assessment for all of Part One in one document with cover page (included in this assessment tool on page 2). You are required to professionally format your document including spell-check and indicating each Task answer [e.g. Task 1 (a.) then the answer, Task 1 (b.) then the answer etc.] according to this Assessment Tool Task requirement. You may lose marks if you have not spell-checked your document (as this is a professional formatting requirement, a business skill). Whenever conducting a Presentation, you must always provide copies of MS PowerPoint slides as evidence for your Trainer/Assessor. Be sure to properly reference your sources of information using the Harvard referencing system. For more information go to:1. Student Handbook - latest version 2. AIPE Connect online resources; or 3. Ask your Trainer/Assessor to provide you with this information In order to determine if you are addressing this assessment adequately in terms of competency/comprehension (prior to due date) a draft copy of your assessment should be discussed during class time in consultation with your Trainer/Assessor. For this feedback/ support from your Trainer/Assessor, you will need to bring to class your “draft copy” with any evidence of the research you have conducted to produce the assessment. AIPE accommodates students with reasonable adjustments to training and assessment. This could include variations in course delivery or assessment methodology and it

It would only make sense that the company is paying attention to what their customers need, want, and think. If the company is up for it, they will create a loyal customer and a good sector in the marketplace in regards to their products.

Suppliers in the industry seek buyers who can move a lot of merchandise in a short period of time. The threat of substitution is a big deal in this industry. Most retail stores carry the same types of products with little differentiation. This makes it difficult for companies in this industry to keep customers coming back. This places an emphasis on the need to build a good reputation with customers.

Merchandising is define an activities involved in acquire particular goods and services and make them available at the given place, price, time and quantity to help retailer enable to reach their company goals. It is also can describe as activity for promoting to sales of goods at retail. The merchandise activities included free samples sales, on the spot demonstration, pricing, shelf talker and other point of sales method.

The marketing segmentation concept allows a company to focus on a specific group of customers that it is best prepared and suited to satisfy. Rather than trying to be all things to all people, selecting a target market enables a company to tailor its offerings to more specific customer needs and preferences (Schewe & Hiam, 1998, p. 200). When a company focuses its efforts and capital (both tangible and intangible) on a more narrowly defined set of needs, it is more likely that the customers will get the product they desire. Companies that use the marketing segmentation concept typically have a more intimate knowledge of the customers they target, and customers usually relate better with companies that understand their interests. As such a relationship is built.

Zara is a clothing and accessories retailer selling stylish apparel at affordable prices, and it is also the most profitable brand of the Spanish clothing retail group Inditex SA. Ortega planned for this new Zara outlet, located near his factory in La Coruna in northern Spain, to sell this overstock merchandise himself. Since then, Zara has expanded into 500 stores in 68 countries as of January 2007 and has become a leader in customized fashion retailing. This assignment presents core competencies to help Zara achieve competitive advantages in fashion industry. Besides, we also offer five competitive objectives about quality, speed, flexibility, dependability and cost to evaluate