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.
From the complied information the decision making process begins. Marketing Strategy is defined by businessdictionary.com as an organizations strategy that combines all of its marketing goals into one comprehensive plan. A good marketing strategy should be drawn from market research and focus on the right product mix in order to achieve the maximum profit potential and sustain the business (BusinessDictionary.com, 2012). The marketing strategies and tactics of Kudler Fine Foods are preceding in the right direction and with minor adjustments and increased marketing research the goals of increased revenue and cost reduction will be met. In conclusion, marketing research is an essential part of Kudler Fine Foods’ ongoing success.
Kundler Fine Foods The purpose of this paper is to display and justify the importance given to marketing by an investigation in the development of Kudler Fine Foods marketing tactics and strategy. Elements will be identified for additional areas where an increase in market research is needed. By looking at competitive intelligence and analysis to carefully consider the development of Kudler Fine Foods marketing strategy and tactics. The development of the marketing strategy and tactics and how important each of them relates to the company, the analysis and overall competitive intelligence. Also how these areas will play an important role and if any additional area of research is needed.
Kudler should invest a significant amount of research on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of Whole Foods Market and how they can capitalize on those weaknesses. Focusing primarily on the costs of similar products to ensure that they will be able to remain competitive are indeed truly offering quality product at affordable prices. Saving money is a primary concern for most consumers and Kudler needs to invest in research tactics in this area to address that consumer
If the company wants to be successful, the store must decide what market the product will thrive in, what the competition is and how to market the product given the retailer’s available resources (Marketing considerations for small-scale specialty food producers, 2007). With Kudler Fine Foods’ emphasis on gourmet items, they have created a niche market for their products. Niche marketing allows companies to target a very specific audience and to give them exactly what they want or need (Levinson & Lautenslager, 2005). By conducting market research, Kudler Fine Foods can narrow in on the wants and needs of its customers. Market research is not something a company should do on its own.
Drawing on the Resources and Capabilities literature, evaluate whether and how Canon generates sustainable competitive advantage. Canon is an exceptional case of a firm that connected its resources and capabilities to the strategic objective in order to sustain competitive advantage. Via a dominant strategy of innovation, Canon provoked a generation of technological, manufacturing and marketing competencies. ‘A company’s resources and capabilities are increasingly considered as [a] fundamental source of competitive advantage’ (Abubakar, H.L. (2011) P.1), this process has enabled Canon to become a market leader.
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.
Each team member will include one alternative and recommend a single strategy that Kudler Fine Foods may implement. The alternatives discussed will be (1) expansion by horizontal integration (2) expansion by adopting generic competitive strategies (3) expansion by product development (4) expansion by recruiting new management team, and (5) expansion by identifying a specific plan for new location. Expansion by Horizontal Integration To maintain and increase its competitive edge, an alternative strategy KFF will consider is to realize growth and increase productivity through horizontal integration. Horizontal integration will increase KFF’s economies of scale and scope, marketing power and reduce the cost of international trade when this opportunity arises (University of Phoenix, 2007). To increase its scale and scope, KFF will expand geographicaly first through acquiring similar stores so as to sell more of the same product.
Maintaining a competitive advantage or the ability to create a competitive advantage will help ensure the long term success of a firm. Creating a competitive advantage is impacted by the effectiveness of the company’s strategic decisions. Absorptive capacity is the ability of the firm to recognize the value of new technology and apply it. It follows that the higher a firm’s absorptive capacity, the more effective strategic decisions will be. Therefore, there should be a focused effort to find ways to improve absorptive capacity through effective strategic initiatives.
The company has developed a strategic plan which enables the company to relocate the store shelves of Best Buy based on the behavior of the market. Best Buy has created niche segmentation to each store making the profit of the company grow bigger because of diverse target markets in each location. The company has also developed a reward zone program which allows the customers to earn points and receive gift certificate for future purchase (Pride, 2008). Resources and capabilities that allow the firm to complete important tasks are one of the strengths of the company. Best Buy is able to effectively manage the flow of its inventory that helps them complete the important task of having the right merchandise on its shelves for customers to buy.