Urban Outfitters Continuing Case Study Part 4: Marketing a Business, Essay Example

Explain why Sears or Walmart cannot effectively create a trendy counterculture image.

In comparison to specialty stores, Sears and Walmart cannot effectively compete with a trendy counterculture image because they are considered to be big box retailers that are designed to sell thousands of products in different areas, rather than to specialize in clothing, shoes and accessories that accommodate different trends. These alternatives are typically provided in specialty retailers that support any and all emerging trends. Stores such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters possess a strategy that is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of trendy shoppers with an urban flair for design, style and value. Sears and Walmart are not in the business of offering these products, and possess a more general approach to providing products that attract a wider segment of the market. This enables these retailers to sell much larger quantities of products at reduced prices.

Could the big box stores sell merchandise identical to Urban Outfitters? Explain your answer.

Under the appropriate circumstances, it is possible that big box retailers could sell unique and trendy merchandise similar to that offered by Urban Outfitters, but preferably in smaller quantities, with a few products at a time. If these retailers took a step towards this trend as some have done in offering limited edition products by exclusive brands, this strategy must be pursued with caution so as not to alienate those customers that shop big box stores for the value pricing that they provide. This is an important opportunity for these organizations to pursue alternatives in small quantities that are not typically part of their traditional strategies, while also demonstrating that they are capable of selling these products in their retail stores with special promotions and signage within these locations. If big box retailers pursue these alternatives, they must do so with an understanding that their strengths do not lie in providing these types of products. These types of alternatives should be pursued on a trial basis in order to determine the level of customer response to these alternatives. Therefore, if these items are successful, it is possible that these retailers may pursue an expansion of effort in selling these products in their stores.

Identify at least three reasons why exclusivity is valuable.

Exclusivity is a valuable concept because it demonstrates that there are many different preferences in the consumer-buying population that are based upon a variety of personal experiences and cultures, and that products that cater to these individual tastes are likely to be successful when introduced to the marketplace. There are many manufacturers that cater to exclusivity through their level of high quality, which is designed to accommodate consumer demand for products of this nature. It is very important for manufacturers and retailers to take notice of this level of demand in order to attract consumers that possess unique and distinct tastes in regards to their product needs. The concept of exclusivity has been in existence for decades in the retail environment, and is also dependent upon such factors as income levels, location of residence, and cultural diversity, amongst other criteria. These elements are effective contributors to the development of products that cater to exclusive tastes and preferences.

Senk says that shopping is largely entertainment. Do you agree or disagree with him? Explain your answer.

In many ways, shopping is largely an entertainment experience that provides a significant level of entertainment or value. In this context, it is important to convey the elements that are most important to consumers, including price, value, visual effects, and quality, amongst others. These elements play an important role in shaping the retail environment in highly specific ways, and they also determine how to best approach consumers through eye-catching displays and other important visuals that enable them to view products in a new light. These characteristics convey the importance of different values in the eyes of consumers, and also determine how retailers approach different trends and demands within the consumer marketplace. There are significant factors that are associated with effective growth and development within the consumer marketplace, and these represent opportunities to explore shopping as a multi-dimensional experience, one that reflects the value of products in the minds of consumers. When these criteria are in place, it is possible for consumers to witness a rich and fruitful entertainment experience that provides maximum value. Therefore, many retailers strive to develop these outcomes in order to maximize the customer experience through value, visual effects and displays are of critical importance in attracting consumers to observe different details and pricing strategies in a new light. This is an effective approach to encouraging consumers to view these elements in a way that supports their needs and tastes with the appropriate approaches and services in mind. Consumers that view these elements for their entertainment value are likely to obtain a more effective experience than those that do not view these elements in this manner.