Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why do movie theaters sell tickets for an afternoon showing of a movie at a lower price than the 7 p.m. showing of the same movie?
Why do movie theaters sell tickets for an afternoon showing of a movie at a lower price than the 7 p.m. showing of the same movie?
How can a service retailer best cope with the problems associated with the inconsistency of service?
How can a service retailer best cope with the problems associated with the inconsistency of service?
Which service characteristic is the doctor trying to handle with her office décor?
Which service characteristic is the doctor trying to handle with her office décor?
A massage parlor that requires its therapists to keep a customer database is trying to cope with which service characteristic?
A massage parlor that requires its therapists to keep a customer database is trying to cope with which service characteristic?
Signup and view all the answers
What format of ownership combines the advantages of owner-managed businesses with the efficiency of centralized decision making in chain store operations?
What format of ownership combines the advantages of owner-managed businesses with the efficiency of centralized decision making in chain store operations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes an advantage that independent, single-store establishments have over other forms of ownership?
Which of the following describes an advantage that independent, single-store establishments have over other forms of ownership?
Signup and view all the answers
A company that operates multiple retail units under common ownership is called a ________.
A company that operates multiple retail units under common ownership is called a ________.
Signup and view all the answers
Typically, large retail chains:
Typically, large retail chains:
Signup and view all the answers
In a franchise contract, the franchisor ________.
In a franchise contract, the franchisor ________.
Signup and view all the answers
In a franchise contract, the franchisee pays the franchisor a _______.
In a franchise contract, the franchisee pays the franchisor a _______.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT TRUE in describing characteristics of a franchise?
Which of the following is NOT TRUE in describing characteristics of a franchise?
Signup and view all the answers
Differentiate between retailer's breadth of merchandise and depth of merchandise.
Differentiate between retailer's breadth of merchandise and depth of merchandise.
Signup and view all the answers
Explain strategies that limited assortment supermarkets have used to provide customers with high quality merchandise at low prices.
Explain strategies that limited assortment supermarkets have used to provide customers with high quality merchandise at low prices.
Signup and view all the answers
How are department stores categorized into tiers? How do the tiers differ? Give examples of each.
How are department stores categorized into tiers? How do the tiers differ? Give examples of each.
Signup and view all the answers
Discuss the reasons that department stores are losing their market share to discount stores.
Discuss the reasons that department stores are losing their market share to discount stores.
Signup and view all the answers
Discuss what drugstores are doing to remain competitive in the marketplace.
Discuss what drugstores are doing to remain competitive in the marketplace.
Signup and view all the answers
Describe four differences between services and merchandise retailers.
Describe four differences between services and merchandise retailers.
Signup and view all the answers
What does a franchisor offer its franchisees?
What does a franchisor offer its franchisees?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the ways supermarkets in the United States have shifted their product offerings to cater to the growing Hispanic population.
Describe the ways supermarkets in the United States have shifted their product offerings to cater to the growing Hispanic population.
Signup and view all the answers
Discuss how off-price retailers opportunistically obtain their merchandise.
Discuss how off-price retailers opportunistically obtain their merchandise.
Signup and view all the answers
Discuss the practice of manufacturers opening their own specialty stores.
Discuss the practice of manufacturers opening their own specialty stores.
Signup and view all the answers
Prescription pharmaceuticals account for over half or more of drugstores annual sales.
Prescription pharmaceuticals account for over half or more of drugstores annual sales.
Signup and view all the answers
Walmart is classified as an off-price retailer.
Walmart is classified as an off-price retailer.
Signup and view all the answers
Supermarkets gain higher profit margins from private-label merchandise than national brands.
Supermarkets gain higher profit margins from private-label merchandise than national brands.
Signup and view all the answers
Hispanics have significantly different shopping and eating patterns from those of the general population in the United States.
Hispanics have significantly different shopping and eating patterns from those of the general population in the United States.
Signup and view all the answers
Subway is a franchise.
Subway is a franchise.
Signup and view all the answers
The biggest difference between services and merchandise retailers is their profits.
The biggest difference between services and merchandise retailers is their profits.
Signup and view all the answers
Discount stores offer both hard and soft goods for sale.
Discount stores offer both hard and soft goods for sale.
Signup and view all the answers
Extreme-value retailers have a broad variety but shallow assortment of products offered at very low prices.
Extreme-value retailers have a broad variety but shallow assortment of products offered at very low prices.
Signup and view all the answers
An advantage of a large retail chain is that it can respond quickly to market changes and customer needs.
An advantage of a large retail chain is that it can respond quickly to market changes and customer needs.
Signup and view all the answers
To be competitive in today's marketplace, supermarkets are focusing on offering perishable products and meal solutions.
To be competitive in today's marketplace, supermarkets are focusing on offering perishable products and meal solutions.
Signup and view all the answers
New retail formats are created and evolve because ____________.
New retail formats are created and evolve because ____________.
Signup and view all the answers
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) __________.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about NAICS codes is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about NAICS codes is TRUE?
Signup and view all the answers
__________ refers to the number of different merchandise categories a retailer offers.
__________ refers to the number of different merchandise categories a retailer offers.
Signup and view all the answers
Because the only merchandise categories at the University Futon Shop are double-sized futons, the Futon Shop can be said to have no ____________.
Because the only merchandise categories at the University Futon Shop are double-sized futons, the Futon Shop can be said to have no ____________.
Signup and view all the answers
Each different item of merchandise in a retail store is called a(n) ____________.
Each different item of merchandise in a retail store is called a(n) ____________.
Signup and view all the answers
What does the acronym SKU stand for?
What does the acronym SKU stand for?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the word used to describe a retailer's merchandise 'breadth'?
What is the word used to describe a retailer's merchandise 'breadth'?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the word used to describe a retailer's merchandise 'depth'?
What is the word used to describe a retailer's merchandise 'depth'?
Signup and view all the answers
Variety is often referred to as the ____________.
Variety is often referred to as the ____________.
Signup and view all the answers
Assortment is often referred to as the ____________.
Assortment is often referred to as the ____________.
Signup and view all the answers
The Men's Wearhouse stocks over 350 different styles and colors of ties. This assortment of ties can be referred to as the store's _________.
The Men's Wearhouse stocks over 350 different styles and colors of ties. This assortment of ties can be referred to as the store's _________.
Signup and view all the answers
Office Depot offers customers a huge selection of office supply merchandise. As a result, inventory investment ____________.
Office Depot offers customers a huge selection of office supply merchandise. As a result, inventory investment ____________.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT TRUE in describing retailers who offer a deep and broad assortment?
Which of the following is NOT TRUE in describing retailers who offer a deep and broad assortment?
Signup and view all the answers
Stocking a deep and broad assortment is appealing to customers, but costly for retailers. What option does a small specialty store owner have to offset costs and make a profit?
Stocking a deep and broad assortment is appealing to customers, but costly for retailers. What option does a small specialty store owner have to offset costs and make a profit?
Signup and view all the answers
How can supermarkets differentiate themselves from other food retailing formats?
How can supermarkets differentiate themselves from other food retailing formats?
Signup and view all the answers
Whereas conventional supermarkets carry about 30,000 SKUs, limited assortment supermarkets or extreme value food retailers only stock 2000 SKUs. Which of the following is NOT the advantage of stocking lesser SKUs?
Whereas conventional supermarkets carry about 30,000 SKUs, limited assortment supermarkets or extreme value food retailers only stock 2000 SKUs. Which of the following is NOT the advantage of stocking lesser SKUs?
Signup and view all the answers
The outer walls of a supermarket that stocks fresh merchandise such as dairy, bakery, meat, produce, etc., are referred to as the ________.
The outer walls of a supermarket that stocks fresh merchandise such as dairy, bakery, meat, produce, etc., are referred to as the ________.
Signup and view all the answers
Building on their strength, supermarkets are offering fresh meal solutions for _________________ consumers.
Building on their strength, supermarkets are offering fresh meal solutions for _________________ consumers.
Signup and view all the answers
The _____________ focuses on reducing the carbon footprint caused by the transportation of food throughout the world.
The _____________ focuses on reducing the carbon footprint caused by the transportation of food throughout the world.
Signup and view all the answers
Purchasing from factories that pay workers a living wage (more than the minimum wage) and offer other benefits to the employees is called __________.
Purchasing from factories that pay workers a living wage (more than the minimum wage) and offer other benefits to the employees is called __________.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the challenge big box stores face while developing locations in Europe and Japan?
What is the challenge big box stores face while developing locations in Europe and Japan?
Signup and view all the answers
Warehouse clubs:
Warehouse clubs:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about warehouse clubs is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about warehouse clubs is TRUE?
Signup and view all the answers
Angelo manages a local convenience store that sells gasoline. When gas prices are high, his sales increase, but gas margins are low. So, depending upon gas sales for the success of the business can be a problem for him. What should Angelo do?
Angelo manages a local convenience store that sells gasoline. When gas prices are high, his sales increase, but gas margins are low. So, depending upon gas sales for the success of the business can be a problem for him. What should Angelo do?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is the biggest threat to convenience stores?
Which of the following is the biggest threat to convenience stores?
Signup and view all the answers
Why do category specialists call themselves 'category killers'?
Why do category specialists call themselves 'category killers'?
Signup and view all the answers
A retailer that carries a broad variety and deep assortment offers customer services and is organized into separate departments for displaying merchandise is called a _______.
A retailer that carries a broad variety and deep assortment offers customer services and is organized into separate departments for displaying merchandise is called a _______.
Signup and view all the answers
_________________ offer an inconsistent assortment of brand-name, fashion-oriented soft goods at low prices.
_________________ offer an inconsistent assortment of brand-name, fashion-oriented soft goods at low prices.
Signup and view all the answers
What type of store is Kohl's considered?
What type of store is Kohl's considered?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of store is Target considered?
What type of store is Target considered?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of store is Dollar-General considered to be?
What type of store is Dollar-General considered to be?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of store is T.J.Maxx considered to be?
What type of store is T.J.Maxx considered to be?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a first tier department store?
Which of the following is a first tier department store?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a second tier department store?
Which of the following is a second tier department store?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a third tier department store?
Which of the following is a third tier department store?
Signup and view all the answers
What can department stores do to differentiate their merchandise offering AND strengthen their image?
What can department stores do to differentiate their merchandise offering AND strengthen their image?
Signup and view all the answers
Attempting to combat losing market share, department stores are ____________.
Attempting to combat losing market share, department stores are ____________.
Signup and view all the answers
Department stores have placed an emphasis on their own private branded merchandise to _______________.
Department stores have placed an emphasis on their own private branded merchandise to _______________.
Signup and view all the answers
To respond to a competitive discount environment, Walmart is fighting back by __.
To respond to a competitive discount environment, Walmart is fighting back by __.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about full-line discount stores is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about full-line discount stores is TRUE?
Signup and view all the answers
Specialty stores that focus on specific market segments are vulnerable to _____.
Specialty stores that focus on specific market segments are vulnerable to _____.
Signup and view all the answers
Why are category specialists sometimes called category killers?
Why are category specialists sometimes called category killers?
Signup and view all the answers
Best Buy is a category specialist for the electronics industry. This means the stores ___________.
Best Buy is a category specialist for the electronics industry. This means the stores ___________.
Signup and view all the answers
Off-price retailers ________.
Off-price retailers ________.
Signup and view all the answers
Specialty stores have recently seen a trend of cheap and chic 'fast fashion'. The fast-fashion concept introduces new products in a store _________.
Specialty stores have recently seen a trend of cheap and chic 'fast fashion'. The fast-fashion concept introduces new products in a store _________.
Signup and view all the answers
Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid see the largest portion of their sales results from ____.
Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid see the largest portion of their sales results from ____.
Signup and view all the answers
The drugstore industry has seen a decrease in their annual sales mainly due to ____.
The drugstore industry has seen a decrease in their annual sales mainly due to ____.
Signup and view all the answers
Off-price retailers will often sell merchandise less than the MSRP which means:
Off-price retailers will often sell merchandise less than the MSRP which means:
Signup and view all the answers
An off-price store that is owned by manufacturers or retailers is called a/an _______.
An off-price store that is owned by manufacturers or retailers is called a/an _______.
Signup and view all the answers
______________ are products that have minor blemishes to the fabric or errors in the construction.
______________ are products that have minor blemishes to the fabric or errors in the construction.
Signup and view all the answers
_____________ are end of season merchandise that will NOT be in the manufacturer's offerings going forward.
_____________ are end of season merchandise that will NOT be in the manufacturer's offerings going forward.
Signup and view all the answers
What do Delta, Marriott, and Century 21 have in common?
What do Delta, Marriott, and Century 21 have in common?
Signup and view all the answers
Services are difficult to be evaluated before customers buy, or even after they buy and consume them. What characteristic of service causes this challenge for service retailers?
Services are difficult to be evaluated before customers buy, or even after they buy and consume them. What characteristic of service causes this challenge for service retailers?
Signup and view all the answers
How can a service retailer best cope with the problems associated with the intangibility of service?
How can a service retailer best cope with the problems associated with the intangibility of service?
Signup and view all the answers
Due to the perishability of services, service retailers like Universal Studios Theme Parks, Delta and Applebee's restaurants sometimes find it difficult to match supply and demand.
Due to the perishability of services, service retailers like Universal Studios Theme Parks, Delta and Applebee's restaurants sometimes find it difficult to match supply and demand.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Retail Strategy Key Concepts
- Prescription pharmaceuticals represent over 50% of annual sales in drugstores.
- Walmart is classified as a traditional retailer, not an off-price retailer.
- Supermarkets tend to achieve higher profit margins with private-label goods compared to national brands.
- Shopping habits among Hispanics differ significantly from the general U.S. population.
- Subway operates as a franchise business model.
- The primary distinction between service and merchandise retailers is not solely based on profits.
- Discount stores sell a mix of hard and soft goods.
- Extreme-value retailers provide a wide range of products at very low prices, though selection may be limited.
Retail Formats and Strategies
- Large retail chains may struggle to adapt quickly to market changes due to bureaucratic structures.
- Supermarkets increasingly focus on perishables and meal solutions to stay competitive.
- New retail formats emerge due to changing consumer needs and heightened competition.
Industry Classification Systems
- The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is developed to organize data on business activities in North America and employs an 8-digit classification scheme.
- Retailers in the same NAICS category often compete against each other.
Merchandise Concepts
- Variety in retail refers to the number of different product categories offered; ‘depth’ describes the number of items within a single category.
- A retailer with limited categories, such as the University Futon Shop, may lack variety.
- Each unique item of merchandise is referred to as a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU).
- Inventory management is critical; extensive product assortments increase holding costs.
Challenges and Market Trends
- Supermarkets face the challenge of differentiating through fresh perishables, health-focused items, and better shopping experiences.
- Warehouse clubs operate with a no-frills approach and typically have low inventory holding costs.
- Specialty stores can be vulnerable to shifts in consumer preferences and strong competition.
Pricing and Profitability Strategies
- Off-price retailers sell brand-name products at reduced prices while maintaining volume through larger inventory.
- Discounts and pricing strategies help retailers manage competition and customer demand.
Department Store Dynamics
- Tier classification among department stores ranges from first tier (high-end) to third tier (low-end), allowing for market segmentation strategies.
- Exclusive arrangements with vendors can strengthen a department store's market image and differentiate product offerings.
Service Retails and Characteristics
- Services are inherently intangible and difficult to evaluate, leading retailers to utilize strategies like quality control and customer feedback.
- Service perishability involves the challenge of matching supply with fluctuating demand.
- Movie theaters use differential pricing to manage the perishable nature of their offerings.
Ownership Models and Their Implications
- Franchising combines independent management with centralized decision-making efficiency, offering distinct advantages over some other retail formats.
- Independent stores maintain advantages in customer service and niche marketing despite lacking the economies of scale of larger chains.### Market Adaptability and Business Models
- Companies must react quickly to market changes to remain competitive.
- Bureaucratic operations can hinder agility and quick decision-making processes.
- Very low set-up costs can attract new retailers and increase competition.
- Distribution efficiency is crucial for optimizing supply chains and reducing costs.
Retail Structures
- Retail chains operate multiple stores under common ownership with centralized decision-making.
- Common types of retail structures include franchises, retail chains, full-line discount stores, single-store establishments, and wholesale-sponsored voluntary cooperative chains.
Characteristics of Large Retail Chains
- Large retail chains are typically centralized and leverage their buying power to negotiate lower prices.
- They may not be as flexible in responding to local market needs compared to smaller businesses.
Franchise Agreements
- Franchisors are responsible for ensuring consistency in service quality across franchise outlets.
- Franchisees pay a lump sum plus royalties to franchisors, incentivizing both parties' success.
Retail Merchandise Breadth and Depth
- Breadth of merchandise: The variety of different merchandise categories offered by a retailer.
- Depth of merchandise: The quantity of different items available within a specific category.
Limited Assortment Supermarkets
- Limited assortment supermarkets focus on a select few brands and sizes, typically including a store brand.
- For cost efficiency, these stores operate in lower-rent areas and aim to keep fewer employees.
- Examples include Save-a-Lot and ALDI, offering high-quality products at lower prices than traditional supermarkets.
Department Store Tiers
- Department stores are categorized into three tiers based on luxury and pricing strategies:
- First tier: Upscale high-fashion stores (e.g., Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom).
- Second tier: Traditional mid-range stores (e.g., Macy’s, Dillard's).
- Third tier: Value-oriented stores for budget-conscious consumers (e.g., Sears, JCPenney).
Department Store Challenges and Adaptations
- Challenges include decreased convenience, diminished customer service, and struggles to reduce costs compared to discount stores.
- Strategies for regaining customers include hosting special events, opening in non-mall locations, enhancing exclusive merchandise, and improving the omnichannel shopping experience.
Drugstore Competitiveness
- Drugstores remain competitive by diversifying offerings to include food items, providing drive-up windows, incorporating in-store medical clinics, and expanding pharmacist roles to provide health care advice.
Service vs. Merchandise Retailing
- Key differences include intangibility, simultaneous production and consumption, perishability, and inconsistency in service delivery.
- Service retailers use tangible symbols, investment in training, pricing strategies during low demand, and standard procedures to overcome challenges.
Supermarkets and Ethnic Demographics
- Supermarkets are adapting to the growing Hispanic population by hiring bilingual staff, emphasizing fresh food items, and expanding Latin American product offerings.
Off-Price Retailing
- Off-price retailers obtain merchandise from retailers with excess inventory and manufacturers with overproduction or close-outs.
- Types of merchandise include irregulars, which are items with minor manufacturing faults.
Manufacturer-Owned Specialty Stores
- Manufacturers are increasingly opening their own specialty stores to control branding and presentation of their products.
- Benefits include better product display, full assortments, and pricing control but may create tensions with traditional retailers who sell their products.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of retail strategies with this quiz focused on Chapter 2. Answer true or false questions about drugstore sales, retailer classifications, and profit margins in supermarkets. Perfect for exam preparation and understanding key concepts in retail management.