I, myself go to CVS to fill all of my perscriptions. There are a few main reasons as to why, however, I never really noticed it before this assignment. I go to the CVS on Battleground because it is convienant and it is just what I am used to. The location is good because it is in the middle of Battleground, so many people pass it on their way to work, or on their way home. Because it is such a central location, it is easy for families or anyone on the go to just stop by and get what they need.
The inside layout is great because it is pretty much the same for each CVS you go to, which is always nice because it gets you in and out quicker. As many other retailers of this type, the checkout has many basic/staple things to make you linger, as well as help the impulse purchasing. It often has many magazines that you will read while you are in line, and then when it is your turn you want to finish the magazine so you will purchase it. The checkout is also where the impulse candy buying is done. It is a stress reliever for many, but many young kids nag their parents until they buy it for them.
I love CVS because it is convienant and a quick stop as mentioned before; however, the only downfall to this location is the parking and traffic. Yes, it is a good spot and everyone can see it while they are traveling to place to place, however it is a nightmare to get both in and out of the parking lot. There is a dip in one of the entrances, as well as is close to another turn lane which ive seen many close call accidents occur. If you exit at the other direction, there is a stop sign right by the pharmacy drive thru that you can't really see from the opposite direction. This is the only downfall to the store that ive seen, so if the parking area was different, that would be the only change I would make to hopefully increase customers. Otherwise, CVS is doing a great job with its service and layout!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Failed Retailers
As most everyone is aware of, many retailers have gone down hill recently, mainly due to our economic crisis right now. Some are in trouble, while others lost everything and went bankrupt. Most of this has just been in the past several months, which has shocked many people.
A main reason why all of the retailers that have failed in the past few months did not survive is said to be because they did not have an "adequate e-commerce system" in place. Executive Chairman at Regent Partners, Peter Rowell, agreed and said that this was "probably no surprise" that not a single one of the organizations had a decent online platform and is why they are struggling now, or failed completely. He also noted that many of the traditional retailers are doing well at the moment, but may have to tweak when necessary to keep up with the recession. Also, Tennon Recovery recently spoke out about this same issue. They recently claimed that retailers can risk failure if they do not have a good e-commerce website in place, because these days the medium offers lower costs and better customer reach than other channels. I totally agree with this because in the day and time we live in now, it is all about convenience and everyone is always with their computers. It also helps, especially the younger generation and the business world to have the updated websites because we are constantly on the go, but the one thing we always check is our computers. If we are not able to virtually see something these days, a lot of times we are not interested.
Another reason a retailer might go down is because since were all about saving time these days, and convenience is key, people like to go to a one stop shop to get essentials. This is not entirely the retailers fault if those are the products they are selling, but they can do other things such as advertising and keeping up with the e-commerce, as stated above, that could help them. A retailer that I am aware of that has recently gone bankrupt is Linens n Things. Because of the time crunch and also saving money, people have been shopping for their bedding at other places such as Target. There may not be as much of a selection choice, but it is cheaper and a quicker stop. Other bedding places are still doing fairly well, such as Bed, Bath, and Beyond; so whatever they are doing is obviously working. Even if you are a successful retailer, the overall population is drastically cutting back on everything. Though you may still have enough to survive, does not mean that you will gain much profit. During the holidays many retailers discounted their items to practically nothing and are doing ok, but at that rate will not continue for long.
At times like these if you are a retailer and want to succeed, you should always go above and beyond, even if you are well known, because you never know what can happen!
http://www.pureinnovation.com/view-news/2009-02-13/193/lack-of-ecommerce-at-failed-retailers-unsurprising/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/09/BUP2154PT3.DTL
A main reason why all of the retailers that have failed in the past few months did not survive is said to be because they did not have an "adequate e-commerce system" in place. Executive Chairman at Regent Partners, Peter Rowell, agreed and said that this was "probably no surprise" that not a single one of the organizations had a decent online platform and is why they are struggling now, or failed completely. He also noted that many of the traditional retailers are doing well at the moment, but may have to tweak when necessary to keep up with the recession. Also, Tennon Recovery recently spoke out about this same issue. They recently claimed that retailers can risk failure if they do not have a good e-commerce website in place, because these days the medium offers lower costs and better customer reach than other channels. I totally agree with this because in the day and time we live in now, it is all about convenience and everyone is always with their computers. It also helps, especially the younger generation and the business world to have the updated websites because we are constantly on the go, but the one thing we always check is our computers. If we are not able to virtually see something these days, a lot of times we are not interested.
Another reason a retailer might go down is because since were all about saving time these days, and convenience is key, people like to go to a one stop shop to get essentials. This is not entirely the retailers fault if those are the products they are selling, but they can do other things such as advertising and keeping up with the e-commerce, as stated above, that could help them. A retailer that I am aware of that has recently gone bankrupt is Linens n Things. Because of the time crunch and also saving money, people have been shopping for their bedding at other places such as Target. There may not be as much of a selection choice, but it is cheaper and a quicker stop. Other bedding places are still doing fairly well, such as Bed, Bath, and Beyond; so whatever they are doing is obviously working. Even if you are a successful retailer, the overall population is drastically cutting back on everything. Though you may still have enough to survive, does not mean that you will gain much profit. During the holidays many retailers discounted their items to practically nothing and are doing ok, but at that rate will not continue for long.
At times like these if you are a retailer and want to succeed, you should always go above and beyond, even if you are well known, because you never know what can happen!
http://www.pureinnovation.com/view-news/2009-02-13/193/lack-of-ecommerce-at-failed-retailers-unsurprising/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/09/BUP2154PT3.DTL
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Target Audience and VALS survey
I feel that the Target Audience of retail stores are very critical in the long term success, and even failure, of the store as a whole. This can be created in many different ways depending on what you are specifically looking for. The image can be collected by just a few simple characteristics, or even many attributes can be involved in the outcome. Some examples could be, if it is for a young and trendy audience, maybe use bright colors, good music, and an appropriate atmosphere for that particular group. This can be the same for even a more sophisticated, expensive store; just make sure it fits the needs in the right manner for the specific audience. A key component for the target audience that many have most likely heard before is: location, location, location!
By visiting the VALS website, along with the survey, I was able to read more in depth as to how and why people go about things, and purchase things the way they do. My specific survey outcome was pretty accurate with the discription I received afterward. It said that I was both an Achiever and an Experiencer. The Achiever, which was my top ranking, was correct because it stated that I was motivated by my achievement. As it also states, I am goal oriented and my life is structured around my family and friends, with my faith(worship) always there to guide me. My image is very important to me, not to be cool, however more in the lines of what it means to me and the more positive my image, the better I feel about myself and my confidence. My second ranking was an Experiencer. One way I am motived is by self expression. I tend to express myself through my clothing because it is a fun way to show who I am as a person, while feeling confident at the same time. I do spend quite a bit of my money on fashion, however If thats what makes me feel good, then that is how my money should be spent. Everyone should spend money/time on themselves however they choose because it is a stress reliever, and everyone needs that from time to time. I love being different and trying new things as it states, but I also like to be different with some of my choices. Of course I purchase some true classics which everyone should invest in, like staple wardrobe pieces. I also follow trends, but to an extent. I always put my own twist to it because I am my own person and my clothing style should show that.
I do feel that this website, at least for me, was accurate because most things it stated about me were true as a whole. This definately relates to our class discussions and activities done this week because it shows our personal goals from the categories talked about in class. We, as students and individuals, are part of target audiences so it is definantly relavent to us. The website was relavent because it shows us more distinctively how we as human beings, and consumers tend to shop.
By visiting the VALS website, along with the survey, I was able to read more in depth as to how and why people go about things, and purchase things the way they do. My specific survey outcome was pretty accurate with the discription I received afterward. It said that I was both an Achiever and an Experiencer. The Achiever, which was my top ranking, was correct because it stated that I was motivated by my achievement. As it also states, I am goal oriented and my life is structured around my family and friends, with my faith(worship) always there to guide me. My image is very important to me, not to be cool, however more in the lines of what it means to me and the more positive my image, the better I feel about myself and my confidence. My second ranking was an Experiencer. One way I am motived is by self expression. I tend to express myself through my clothing because it is a fun way to show who I am as a person, while feeling confident at the same time. I do spend quite a bit of my money on fashion, however If thats what makes me feel good, then that is how my money should be spent. Everyone should spend money/time on themselves however they choose because it is a stress reliever, and everyone needs that from time to time. I love being different and trying new things as it states, but I also like to be different with some of my choices. Of course I purchase some true classics which everyone should invest in, like staple wardrobe pieces. I also follow trends, but to an extent. I always put my own twist to it because I am my own person and my clothing style should show that.
I do feel that this website, at least for me, was accurate because most things it stated about me were true as a whole. This definately relates to our class discussions and activities done this week because it shows our personal goals from the categories talked about in class. We, as students and individuals, are part of target audiences so it is definantly relavent to us. The website was relavent because it shows us more distinctively how we as human beings, and consumers tend to shop.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Favorite Retailer's History: Banana Republic
Banana Republic and J. Crew are my two favorite retailers, as mentioned in my preveious blog. I decided to focus on Banana Republic for this blog because after researching I discovered its very interesting history, and its tremendous growth over the years.
Banana Republic orginally began in 1978, and was created by husband and wife Patricia and Mel Ziegler. Mel purchased a British Burma jacket, which Patricia wanted to put her own special twist on. She wanted to minimize its military look to inturn show off how sensible and comfortable it would be as an everyday garment. They recieved many complements from friends and family. This encouraged and inspired them to create the first Banana Republic in 1978, in San Fransisco, as a Travel and Safari Clothing Company. Banana Republic was mainly an outdoor store from 1978-1983, and mainly appealed to the 25-44 year old fashion community.
In 1983, Banana Republic and and Gap, which was originally founded in 1969, decided to combine forces and begin their "casual luxury" line and journey. In 1988, Gap got a new management team which changed the traditional khaki style, to include more casual, cruiseline, and bright colored apperal. In the early 1990s, the chain expanded to 162 stores nationwide. New lines were added to include variety such as sleepwear, accessories, and more men and women office options. Old Navy was added to this chain in 1994.
Today, Banana Republic is known as an innovater for specialty merchandise, and a marketer of a lifestyle. The company now operates almost 400 Banana Republic stores in the US, and almost 25 stores in Canada. Petite sizes have also been added to increase sales so that more of their target customers could adequatly start shopping in this chain.
http://students.kennesaw.edu/~dap1183/History.html
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Banana-Republic-Inc-Company-History.html
Banana Republic orginally began in 1978, and was created by husband and wife Patricia and Mel Ziegler. Mel purchased a British Burma jacket, which Patricia wanted to put her own special twist on. She wanted to minimize its military look to inturn show off how sensible and comfortable it would be as an everyday garment. They recieved many complements from friends and family. This encouraged and inspired them to create the first Banana Republic in 1978, in San Fransisco, as a Travel and Safari Clothing Company. Banana Republic was mainly an outdoor store from 1978-1983, and mainly appealed to the 25-44 year old fashion community.
In 1983, Banana Republic and and Gap, which was originally founded in 1969, decided to combine forces and begin their "casual luxury" line and journey. In 1988, Gap got a new management team which changed the traditional khaki style, to include more casual, cruiseline, and bright colored apperal. In the early 1990s, the chain expanded to 162 stores nationwide. New lines were added to include variety such as sleepwear, accessories, and more men and women office options. Old Navy was added to this chain in 1994.
Today, Banana Republic is known as an innovater for specialty merchandise, and a marketer of a lifestyle. The company now operates almost 400 Banana Republic stores in the US, and almost 25 stores in Canada. Petite sizes have also been added to increase sales so that more of their target customers could adequatly start shopping in this chain.
http://students.kennesaw.edu/~dap1183/History.html
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Banana-Republic-Inc-Company-History.html
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Favorite Retailer
As many of the students in the CARS department, I as well love to shop! I have two favorite ratailer's imparticular that I shop in pretty regularly, or whenever I have some extra money. These retailing stores are Banana Republic and J. Crew. I love these stores for many reasons, but goes beyond just because of the clothes and shopping in general!
I like both Banana Republic and J. Crew for many of the same reasons. I like the stores in general because they both are very fashion forward, and always in with the trends for each particular season. The apparel is always very clean cut and sophisticated, but also fun and youthful. I love the fact that the stores are both so in touch with many different groups of people. Whether you are young or old, work in a business, or just a stylish woman on the go, there seems to be something at each store for everyone. I also love the fact that each store is so welcoming and treat you as family from the minute you walk into the door, all the way through check out and the departure. Neither store tends to bombard you, but workers are always willing to help when needed. The layouts of the stores are also very welcoming. Each store is organized with the customers in mind, having specific sections layed out for bright colors, casual, evening, accessories, and clearance. This is so when a customer comes in and is looking for a specific occasion they know where to go if they are a frequent shopper, but if not the worker can easily show them the correct direction. I also like the fact that both stores really look out for all types of people. When you hear these names you automatically may think its for the upper class, but with the sale and clearance racks you can always find a good deal.
Hands down, these two stores personally are my favorite not only because of my sophisticated style, but because of my experience in these stores! By the time I leave either one of these stores with something I always feel confident in myself because of the clothes I have selected, but also because of the positive experience in the store. This could be with finding what I needed quickly, getting a good deal, or even just dealing with nice staff. I hope this encourages you to try these stores if you have not already done so, because they have changed my life with both the style I have created with myself, as well as shown me what a good retailer is and what they do. This especially inspires me because I would like to one day open up a store, and this shows me positive examples of things I can incorporate into my own store!
I like both Banana Republic and J. Crew for many of the same reasons. I like the stores in general because they both are very fashion forward, and always in with the trends for each particular season. The apparel is always very clean cut and sophisticated, but also fun and youthful. I love the fact that the stores are both so in touch with many different groups of people. Whether you are young or old, work in a business, or just a stylish woman on the go, there seems to be something at each store for everyone. I also love the fact that each store is so welcoming and treat you as family from the minute you walk into the door, all the way through check out and the departure. Neither store tends to bombard you, but workers are always willing to help when needed. The layouts of the stores are also very welcoming. Each store is organized with the customers in mind, having specific sections layed out for bright colors, casual, evening, accessories, and clearance. This is so when a customer comes in and is looking for a specific occasion they know where to go if they are a frequent shopper, but if not the worker can easily show them the correct direction. I also like the fact that both stores really look out for all types of people. When you hear these names you automatically may think its for the upper class, but with the sale and clearance racks you can always find a good deal.
Hands down, these two stores personally are my favorite not only because of my sophisticated style, but because of my experience in these stores! By the time I leave either one of these stores with something I always feel confident in myself because of the clothes I have selected, but also because of the positive experience in the store. This could be with finding what I needed quickly, getting a good deal, or even just dealing with nice staff. I hope this encourages you to try these stores if you have not already done so, because they have changed my life with both the style I have created with myself, as well as shown me what a good retailer is and what they do. This especially inspires me because I would like to one day open up a store, and this shows me positive examples of things I can incorporate into my own store!
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