Wal Mart Competitive Advantage Essay Example
Wal Mart Competitive Advantage Essay Example

Wal Mart Competitive Advantage Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (622 words)
  • Published: March 28, 2017
  • Type: Case Analysis
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To what extent is WM’s competitive advantage sustainable?  At the time discount stores were located within large towns, WM’s strategy was to put good-sized stores into little one-horse towns that everyone else was ignoring.  WM alternative was to build their own distribution centers so that they could buy in volume at attractive prices and store the merchandise.  WM earn the trust of their customers every day by providing a broad assortment of quality merchandise and services at everyday low prices (“EDLP”) so that their customers trust that the prices will not change under frequent activity.

WM introduced “Remix” system designed to reduce inventories, speed deliveries to stores, and eliminate stock-outs. WM ordered supplies on a 5-day rather than 4-week basis which would lead to lower inventories in distribution centers and retail stores.  Its “direct import” initiative involved, purchasing d

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irectly from overseas suppliers rather than through importers, and second, taking the control of import logistics.  In 2003 WM announced the adoption of radio frequency identification and became the leading pioneer of this technology.  Individual store managers were given considerable decision-making authority in relation to product range, product positioning within store, and pricing. Decisions over pricing and merchandising were made either at head office or at regional offices.

In 2008 WM changed their logo and redesigned their stores, the new logo looked organic, trying to say that they are an eco-aware company.  WM was a pioneer in applying information and communication technology. WM was among the first retailers to use computers fro inventory control, to initiate EDI with its vendors, and to introduce bar code scanning for point-of-sale and inventory control. WM was pioneering the use of data-mining for

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retail merchandising.  WM’s web of information system extends far beyond the walls of any one store.  The enthusiasm among employees supports a level of involvement and empowerment that is unique among large retail organizations.  It was able to combine folksy charm and home spun business wisdom with cutting edge information technology and supply chain management.

Expanding range of goods and services but keeping in mind the price policy. Random can be beaten on price.  Supercenter shops combining the European concept of discount with the hypermarket. 7. Why have other retailers had limited success in imitating WM’s strategy and duplicating its competitive advantage?  All negotiations are directly between manufacturers and Wal-Mart, WM refuses to do business with manufacturer’s representatives and agents. To avoid dependence on any supplier, WM limits the total purchases it obtains from any supplier.

Warehouse club accessed through membership. Items available in multiple packets and catering-size packs. Maximize purchase, minimize operation cost and passing the saving to the members through lower price.  Close collaboration with supplier. Exchanging data automatically, so supplier understood the needs for products faster.  WM’s marketing strategy was built upon its slogan “Everyday Low Prices”: WM’s customer appeal was as a price leader across its entire product range, all the time- it did not engage in promotional price cutting. WM was able to rely on word-of-mouth communication of its merits and was able to spend comparatively little on advertising and other forms of promotion.

Distribution schema and delivery in such way that the truck was load to pass supplies to many stores faster and cheaper.  Combining centralized and decentralized managements of stores. 8. What measures do you propose to WM to sustain its

recent performance and defend against competitive (and other) threats?  One of the main causes that WM wasn’t so successful on international market was the fact that it didn’t have a consistent approach to different national market. In order to achieve more success in this country in Europe or Asia it should pay more attention to what the clients ask to be different.

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