Sunday, October 27, 2013

Retail Strategy

QUIZLET!!!

 

Retail Positioning:

relates to where a retailer situates itself in the consumer market - how it satisfies its customers and differentiates itself from competitors.

• identify the competition
• understand strengths and weaknesses
• understand macro-factors

Macro factors are wider external forces - political upheaval, recession, etc.

SWOT analysis - strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities

Porter's 5 forces

PESTEL Diagram

Implementing a strategy

• Every retail strategy must engage with the company or the brand



This is done with the MARKETING MIX - blending the variables of Product,  Price, Place and Promotion. (+ 2 - Position and People!)


ADDITIONAL P's - Position and People

Targeting a specific market - Position

merchandising policies - guidelines to keep inventory on track
operational policies - make customer feel good about shopping with a retailer

Understanding buying motives

rational behavior<--------------------->emotional behavior



Product Motives

Patronage Motives
 - both are based on a combination of rational and emotional buying behavior

Differentiating from Competitors

 

DIFFERENTIATORS - Those factors that distinguish a business from its' competitors.

Merchandise - unique merchandise, targeted products
Value - best merchandise for least money
Convenience - extended hours, one stop shopping, accessible location
Services - personal attention, lay away, bridal registries
Store Atmosphere - pleasant, clean, cool, fun, upscale
Others - meeting changing consumer needs

 Presenting an Image

 

A retailer's image is how the public perceives the company.  It's like a personality, and can be very influential in attracting and satisfying customers.

Merchandise fashion level - (high end offer items earlier in their fashion cycle, discounters later)
Services
Physical environment
Employees - appearance and attitude

Promotion should put forth the image.

Sometimes it is necessary to change the image.

Targeted policies build the correct image.

Product Strategy


Merchandise Selection:

Assortment breadth - the number of different catagories of merchandise
Assortment depth - the quantity of items offered.
 • broad and shallow
• narrow and deep
• moderate breadth and depth

Service Selection

PRICING - price strategy

A retailer's pricing policy must be in tune with their image.
The right price brings about the sale, generates a profit, satisfies customer expectations and meets competitive situations.

Price/Quality Relationship

Quality and price usually, but not always, correlate.
•Prestige pricing - setting a high price for consumes that want quality or the status of owning expensive and exclusive merchandise
• Price promoting - advertising price reductions to bring in shoppers. Can be "loss leaders," but increase traffic

Specific Pricing Approaches

Most retailers seek high markups on low volume, or low markups on high volumes
• Value pricing - pricing below price suggested by vendors
• Everyday Low Pricing (EDLP) - few promotions, low price guarantee. Security over excitement as the draw for the consumer

Place Strategy

Site Location 

Should reach target market, be convenient and accessible

Store Clusters

• Central Business Districts - traditional, town-center type of areas. Appeal to city consumers, workers on break, tourists and business visitors.
• Neighborhood Shopping Centers - 5-15 businesses in a building cluster. Strip malls are a variety.
• Community Shopping Centers - 5-50 stores, usually anchored by a primary store (department store or supermarket) Designed for convenience.
• Regional Shopping Centers - Malls
• Super-Regional Centers - really big malls, that attract customers from up to 25 miles away

Market Coverage in Site Selection

• Intensive
• Selective
• Exclusive

Facilities Design

The visual identity of a store should support its' image.
• Exterior
• Interior

Promotion Strategy


People 

The role of the buyer

Buyers are expected to be a step ahead of the market - constantly seeking out "newness." While there are elements of creativity, it is important to think commercially.

The role of the merchandiser

Brings the "science to match the art." Analytical and numbers oriented. They work with buyers, designers and product developers to implement the correct marketing mix.

HOMEWORK: Bring in 4 designs based on your mood boards by Wednesday. They need to be finished and colored, but not mounted on boards.

READ: Chapter 3 - Fashion Merchandising

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