Problematic Business Models and Bankruptcy

Amazon.com operates in the Online Retail Industry. The sector is one of the fastest growing globally and is outperforming the ordinary retail marketplace. It was created after 1995 and it was only the Internet that made it possible for such an industry not only to be established but to become one of the most flourishing sectors in the business environment. What is interesting is that Amazon.com, together with eBay is the pioneer in the field. Both companies were launched in 1995 and are still extremely successful. The creation of e-mail in 1996 had a huge impact on the development of online retail by introducing a fast and easy way to communicate with customers. For this two-year period Internet usage

With respect to the product launch at Toys R Us with the exclusive toy set, there are risk factors that need to be understood to ensure they are cost effective and operationally sound

The 1990s, however, have been characterized by increased competition and an erosion of the company's market share. This has been reflected in the stock's performance, which has been lackluster during the early and mid-1990s. Toys R Us began to struggle with fierce competition. The discounters had made it a price game which Toys R Us could not compete in. Other large toy chains have suffered even more. FAO Schwartz Inc. and KB Toys Inc. have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, both citing competition from discounters. Toys R US came to the realization that it may have to sell off its toy business.

Amazon.com has successfully managed to make its customers to feel that anything they could possibly want could be found on their website. Additionally, its products are marketed at a competitive price. Another important factor is their speedy delivery with their usage of UPS and FedEx (United States) and Royal Mail (United Kingdom). The company also caters for people that prefer online shopping with extra services such as Amazon Prime - a service with a yearly payment, customers are eligible for free next day delivery. Even though Amazon.com is known to be an online seller of most things, it still excels in its original market of book selling. Evidence of such is

The company hired a law firm named Kirkland and Ellis to handle their case because they have expertise in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The company will be reorganizing its $400 million-dollar debt. (Wahba p. 1) Toy R Us was involved in an antitrust settle with attorney generals from 43 different states. The company conspired with a couple of toy manufacturers to restrict the supply of desirable toys to warehouses and price clubs. Toys R Us was aiming to put these other warehouses at a competitive disadvantage (Mikhiber, p. 29). According to the Federal Trade Commission “the company had monopoly power in many local markets and used its dominant position as a toy distributor to extract agreements from and among toy manufactures to stop selling to warehouse clubs the same toys that they sold to other toy distributors” (Investor’s Business Daily, p. 1)

1. From early 1990s to 2004, the Lego Group, a long successful toymaker with a world-renowned brand, fell into the edge of bankruptcy. Compared with the highest revenue in 1999, the revenue in 2014 decreased by 35.6% while the net profit was negative, seven times less than that in 1999, the lowest in the past ten years. Its net profit margin and ROE were also the lowest. The gross margin and inventory turnover were all lower than its competitors. The strategic moves in the two main periods “growth period that wasn’t” (1993-1998) and the “fix that wasn’t” (1999-2004) lead to its poor performance.

If management paid attention to the customer they might still be in operation. Many current small toy stores give the customer a one of a kind experience. A free small toy could bring about a revelation of what a parent needs to get a child. The employees might offer to wrap the presents for free. Some products could be opened for the adult and kid to see if they actually enjoy it. After all what kid really keeps the packaging. Assembly of the product could be another offer since numerous components are complicated to erect (Legos comes to

This product seems to be OK, but still the advertising strategies need back up features to well promote the product. Free wireless 3G comes with the Kindle DX. People can browse the internet and buy books anywhere and anytime, but assuming you’re within range of a tower. The biggest complaint in regards to the DX’s internet capabilities are that the DX does not come with Wi-Fi, and it is also been mentioned that browsing the internet is slow. We believe no one would interest in poor services.

Through studying the entire retail toy industry, we have been able to understand the complexity of the industry in which Toys "R" Us operates. Upon completion of the analysis, we realized that the industry is growing stably,

Since its 1942 incorporation date, Paradigm Toys has been employee owned and operated in the United States. All team members share in the enterprise performance through profit sharing. Paradigm has been fortunate to avoid negative press due in part to the commitment of its team members that until now have brought issues to the table voluntarily. The toy industry has

Mr. Brandon, CEO of Toys R Us, Inc. stated “There is simply no reason to go somewhere else-our focus is kids and families every day of the year-unlike some of our competitors who only play (pun-intended) a few weeks a year” Toys “R” Us Inc.,2017, Oct 24). Another innovative way the company has gained competitive advantage recently is by introducing Play Labs nationwide. Play Labs are a free reality application which includes AR games and play experiences that children can play on their smartphone or tablet devices while they are in the stores shopping. Toys R Us is now more than just a place to shop, they have created experiences which bring their stores to life with their interactive games that the kids highly enjoy playing (Toys “R” Us Inc, 2017).

More young children prefer the game in Ipad video game and online game rather than traditional toys; therefore Toys R Us is facing on high threat of substitution.

Retailing the right product at the right season, like outdoor games in the spring, is important to maximize sales. The continual display and presentation of new toys, games and crafts will attract customers and generate higher sales. Looking into expanding operations and product lines towards video games and other growth segments (e.g. Building sets and action figures). Building up a well-designed online marketing channel can promote efficiency and cost savings. Expanding the international market to avoid the intense competition in the U.S. Retail Toy Industry. Closing underperforming stores to improve liquidity through the expertise of Vornado Realty Trust and reinvest the money back into the operation.

Amazon is a company that sells many open product categories online by allowing customers to take the time to search and shop through the product offerings. Many product categories that are offered on Amazon may include device accessories, kindle devices, beauty, books, electronics, health & personal care, etc. The foremost product category that can offer the greatest advantage compared with a retail store chain is most definitely the books category. Reason to this is that the company has expanded the customer’s online shopping experience by offering such a wide range of physical and electronic books, depending on the preference of the customers. They are able to search for the top-rated selling

Conclusion: The entry of Toys “R” Us would shake the traditional Japanese toy business, however the cracks appearing in the retail structure points towards the need for transformation in the Japanese market. Hence Toys “R” Us potentially is a good prospect for the Japanese markets.