Retail Stores

Visit any retail establishment of your choice in order to gain specific knowledge about the marketing activities of the operation. Provide a 2-3 page report on your visit using at least two references (one reference to be the textbook) to support your analysis. Suggested areas to analyze include:

1. Kind of outlet (convenience, shopping specialty, etc.)

2. Location - Define reason for specific location.

3. Customer profile - Who shops there? Target market segments?

4. Unique competitive positioning - What separates them from competition?

5. Categories of products (quality, types, brand, non-brand and assortment)

6. High, medium, low prices (example- high quality-high price)

7. Can products be effortlessly competitively shopped at other retail stores?

8. How well is the store laid out - displays, etc.?

9. Are promotions consistent with image? Are special sales obvious?

10. Sales approach - aggressive, laid back, or in-between?

11. Is information obtainable to help you? Do they hide prices?

12. Can you get answers easily from clerks?

13. Do sales people seem well trained?

14. Return policies and warranties?