Kudler's Strategy Essay

In order for Kudler Fine Foods to continue being successful, our technology should be constantly updated to keep up with our competitors and stay in line with upgrades.  The company must modernize the ways in which consumers identify and differentiate with the Kudler Fine Foods brand.  Investing and developing a strong marketing plan using impeccable photography will help increase our retail, online, and direct marketing sales (MindFireInc, 2013).  To capitalize on our marketing efforts it is imperative to analyze both the advantages and disadvantages of creating an in-house photography infrastructure versus outsourcing the

convey the information to the sales and marketing division to provide an opportunity to plan future marketing strategy. The ability for Kudler Fine Food to expand its business is part of the successful implementation plan with the potential of adding software and hardware as the need arises.

Although Kudler Fine Foods has chosen two very specific markets to target, a more thorough understanding of those target markets is needed to deliver what they want. One of KFF’s target markets is gourmands. KFF’s research focus in this area has been primarily on the supply side: Kathy monitors what products the competition is offering, what products are advertised in gourmet magazines, and what products are shown at gourmet conventions and websites. To discover what gourmands want, KFF also needs to research the demand side. Mining on-line blogs and gourmet food forums are two ways KFF can increase its understanding of what gourmands want. Customer surveys, such as the ones KFF currently uses in-store, can also be revised and used both in-store and on-line. Specific areas to be researched include:

Next the evaluation of current and future opportunities available to Kudler Fine Foods would want to be evaluated. These opportunities could include technology upgrades, market positioning, diversification, or any other related areas. During this evaluation it might be useful to gather information from industry experts or consultants (MacVicar, 1996).

Kudler Fine Foods website needs a redesign. The website has no real good information other than directions to their stores, and while this information includes maps, it lacks store hours. Based on designs of other food stores like AJ’s Fine Foods (AJ's Fine Foods, 2012) , Sprouts Farmers Market (Sprouts Farmers Market, 2012) and Whole Foods (Whole Foods Market, 2012) , the website is lacking in many areas that would lead customers from website to brick and mortar store. One of the key areas of the current site that needs to be addressed is the very

A frequent shopper program can be a successful tool is used correctly by a company. The difficult task will always be bringing in new costumers. This program should allow for the retention of existing customers with Kudler Fine Foods. A rewards points system should be used for the exchange of

Kudler plans to expand these areas in the future, providing a multitude of specialized classes to its loyal customers. Offering cooking classes in many areas of the store makes customers more interested in shopping the store and learning new techniques in cooking healthy fares for their families. In addition to offering these classes, the employees are to be cross trained in many areas to provide a pleasant shopping experience for Kulder 's customers. The customers will also be provided with brochures of the dishes they will learn in the store that will provide the recipe and food suggestions that will go with the main dishes taught in the class. This suggestive information has been proven effective in marketing strategies; therefore, Kudler will use this suggestive marketing technique to increase the buying desires of the customers.

Consumers are more mindful of how their dollar is spent, and want to obtain the best bank for their buck. With general grocery stores located in La Jolla surrounding Kudler, Kudler must find innovative ways to compete and get customers into its stores. Marketing research for competitive intelligence is importance because the local grocery stores offer differentiated options to reach new customers. For example, generic stores are beginning to offer natural and organic foods, buyer programs, cooking demonstrations and slashed prices just as Kudler does and for a fraction of the cost. One can compare this to Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks; some folks want the experience and that is what Kudler must do; make it an experience for the consumer and potentially bring in products they do not current stock such as beauty products, vitamins and supplements, or other common grocery store items.

Kudler is planning to have an annual revenue increase by 5% within 12 months breaking it down to four categories. A quarter percent gain is anticipated in the projects launch as well as the training of employees’. Profits will increase by a half of a percent during the assessment and alteration of the project with the promotion of the Frequent Shopper Program taking place at this time as well. In each phase of the development customer satisfaction will increase so will revenue, which will lead to an overall increase of 4.75% (Kudler Fine Foods. (2004). Apollo.).

Kudler needs additional market research in the control, monitoring, feedback to evaluate the plan. The marketing strategy will prove success if the company finds new ways for consumers to think of Kudler first when it comes to gourmet and fine foods. Kudler’s products have to stand apart from its competitors to appeal to people. The right price, placement and promotions for the gourmet grocery store will give the stores an advantage over its competition.

During week two, Learning Team B will take a thorough look at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant chain. Team B has decided that a new appetizer item should be added to the restaurant menu. The appetizer item being considered is cheese filled breadsticks served with Marinara sauce. The team will begin this marketing plan by giving an overview of the Olive Garden Restaurant, along with a detailed description of the new menu item being considered. They will also explain why marketing plays an important role in the restaurants success. A SWOTT analysis will be given to introduce all the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends that should be considered prior to

Kudler Fine Foods has several issues that can be analyzed and broken down regarding how the problem started. From finding the root of the problem, the gourmet market now has several issues to debate. The issues, with clearly stated situations above, can be directed into positive goals with a problem-solving approach for each. These goals are all attainable to move the company forward in a positive tier for financial success.

As listed in Kudler's 2003 Strategic Plan, SWOT identifies Kudler's strengths are small organization, minimal competition, variety, Kathy's relations with staff, and repeat business. Weaknesses are that primary dealing is in perishables and high pay-roll. Opportunities are in areas for catering, increase in product line, and opportunity to be acquired. Threats are from gourmet shops and economical affects, (Strategic Objective, n.d., page 8).

Since price is not a determining factor with most of Kudler’s customers, this is focused on finding specialized items. “Therefore, rather than providing everyday discounts to the customers for their purchase frequency like lower end markets, Kudler has partnered with a loyalty points program to provide customers with points which can be redeemed for high end gift items, airline first-class upgrades, or other specialty foods” (Kudler 's Fine Foods).

Zappos’ management, has expressed to me, its desire to expand the company’s portfolio into hard goods. Nonetheless, I felt the need to inform them that this strategy will directly compete with both Amazon and IKEA. Regardless of this fact, management vehemently requested my suggestions. Therefore, I will compile and present a list of options for their considerations. Companies, can spend millions of dollars to expand or launch new products. Consequently, Zappos must consider whether the new product will offer any advantages to the business or customers. Furthermore, the product must also be competitive in the respective fields (Ferrell & Hartline 2014).