Grocery stores are in competition with smaller markets like Kudlers and Whole Foods. If the brand name grocery stores like Ralphs and Vons did not offer organic and specialty items, the market structure of Kudler Fine Foods would differ. This market structure positively affected Kudler because there was no barrier to entrance within the quality foods market. What negatively affects the company with this market structure is that they are compared to big companies who are able to supply some of these rare items at a more competitive price. One of the marketing strategies that ensure the company of long-term profitability is the personal relationship built with the customer base.
An automated ordering system will help with this issue, as well. Having qualified people in positions such as the baker, wine steward and butcher, are essential to the core values of Kudler Fine Foods. Having to pay them, does make the payroll higher, but it is a cost, that this business will have to pay. Having these people is one reason customers shop there, for the advice, and interaction these people provide. Qualified in store experts, is something that sets this business apart from other stores.
Kudler Fine Foods also have various opportunities. First, the company has no direct competition they focus on attracting “discriminating gourmets who are looking for the more than organic foodstuffs, they want the best foods and excellent customer service” (Administration, Strategic Plan). Another opportunity is that
Kudler’s has an inventory that consists predominantly of perishable goods that require replacement often. Kudler’s could cut costs and leave items on the shelf a day or two longer, but that would call into question their very reason for existence in being known for fresh foods. Reputation with customers can be lost with one poor decision. One way to counter that is to provide exceptional customer service. Kudler’s means of differentiating itself from the competition is its ability to provide the best products and the best customer service.
When looking at the bottom line, this practice takes an employee away from working the register or counter as well as increases the costs associated with providing goods for no profit. As a manager, I support Kudler’s practice of offering the samples. I see that it makes the customers happy and our employees get to know members within the community. The event offers more social interaction than a traditional grocery store could offer. Although it may cost most to staff this event, my values and ethics tell me I should concentrate on what is most beneficial to my employees and my customers.
A company's inventory is a vital part towards its success. A company must have enough products in the inventory, to provide their customers with product in order to be successful. This affects a company's OMM operations because without the proper amount and type of inventory they will be unable to service their customers. The same goes for having too much inventory, when a company has too much inventory on hand it ties up its capital that could be spent on other things that would increase
Kudler Fine Foods has shown the upscale of products not is important that customers see the product as such. If the product is not marketing the upscale quality of the décor sales can decline for store locations. Importance of Competitive Intelligence Competitive intelligence is an area within the company that may pose a challenge. Competitive intelligence is imported to Kudler Fine Foods to help show what will keep the company successful. It doesn’t appear that there is many other upscale specialty food stores in the areas, Kudler would have to look in other regions.
The strengths of the company are beneficial for sustenance; however, the weaknesses could pose a threat to the company’s long-term viability and its desire to remain a leader in the region. The structure of Kudler is a monopolistic market structure because there are many stores offering similar products, but differentiated. If Kudler Fine Foods implements the recommendations, it can continue the substantial lead it has in the market as well as expand to become a nationally recognized
The owner will use her resources in order to supply the shoppers with products that are popular or a brand that is being requested. It is hard for local companies that are not a chain to stay in business so being a respectful store with courteous employees, can help to run a store that will make a profit and want their customers to come
Boots have to make sure that they are able to meet customer expectations P4 - Identify the competitive factors in the retail environment a selected organization faces Bargaining power of buyers: Customers are powerful potential buyers as they can switch easily and doesn’t cost them much as they have stores in easy locations. However supermarkets will have to reduce prices in order to attract customers. There are a lot of small sellers and few large buyers as the buyers buy in large quantities which show that they are powerful. A single buyer is a large customer to a firm as they buy more. Buyers purchase from multiple sellers at once, such as customer stores.