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.
The frequent shopper program can become an effective tool in the attraction and retention of loyal customers. Rewards that can be traded for luxury items will have a great influence in customer loyalty and attracting new customers. A positive response from the public is important and in order to ensure that response, Kudler Fine Foods must find and develop a proactive way to approach the public’s privacy concerns. Preventing conflict with consumers regarding personal data and how it will be used is simply fixed by keeping the consumers aware of just how it is being used. The number one concern for Kudler Fine Foods must be security and privacy of their consumers’ personal
The product departmentalization strategy of the grocery stores works to streamline the operation of each gourmet specialty department. It allows the top managers of each area to monitor productivity and make strategic adjustments that are beneficial for that department. The key here is specialization. This is a small business that needs to be very specific in its administration and product availability. The key positions that support the functional organizational structure are the President, the Store Managers, the Director of Finance, the Director of Human Resources, and the Director of Store Operations.
A potential opportunity that they could explore is to utilize self-checkout terminals in their locations. Self-checkout point of sale terminals could do many things to improve Kudler Fine Foods as a retail competitor. First, it would improve their customer service as many customers prefer to check themselves out rather than having a cashier. In today’s technology environment, “…systems can be tailored to better fit any retail environment and are more focused on improving customer service rather than cutting labor costs” (Murphey, 2009, p. 1) . Even though the prime focus of these systems is not necessarily to cut labor costs, often times they can improve efficiency.
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.
The process of attracting new customers can be an alarming duty for any business. The frequent shopper program can be a productive implementation for structuring a loyal consumer foundation at Kudler Fine Foods. Rewarding consumers with points to exchange for delightful items will hold customer loyalty. The direct approach developed by KFF should focus on the privacy concerns or legal issues will arise. Making sure that consumers are aware of how ones personal information will be used will keep confusion down.
Kudler provides surveys for the consumer’s on their shopping experience which is not nearly enough. They need to conduct surveys in English as well as in Asian languages to gather as much data needed. They can also promote brand awareness by offering some samples of the gourmet foods and fine wines offered. Sponsoring certain events will also help promote business and promote their products. FJR has discussed the research with management and highly recommends that they do not open any new locations until further research has been done in other areas.
This is also another way of attracting customers into the retail shop and also get them to book a holiday. Merchandising and point of sake can be done by having brochures, putting displays on windows and also displaying posters. The brochures have to be check on a regular basis to see that they have enough on the floor. The difference with call centres agent is that they are able to display their merchandise so they will have to do it whilst on the phone. Also retail agents change their displays so that they are able to sell different product and services.
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
This marketing initiative will track the customer’s buying habits and allow Kudler to target to specific customers. Looking at the current information technologies databases, Kudler foods has a system that tracks internal sales data but wants to enhance the system so they can track the demographic information and buying trends of each customer (Kudler Virtual Organization, 2010). Strategies and Tactics The company, Kudler Fine Foods, must insure that all marketing initiatives align with the company’s mission statement. When selling gourmet foods, it is more important to have the highest quality foods and customer service than it is to have low prices. Kudler must stay focused on this aspect at all times when developing new tactic and strategies as not to succumb to the pressures of the discount shopper.