Customer and Kohl

With the down turn in the economy, many consumers have turned to Dollar General and Dollar stores; this has caused a decrease in Target’s revenue. Another threat is Wal-Mart and their ability to offer lower prices on their products compared to Target which makes them the low cost leader. (ehow.com)

Kroger’s corporate strategy consists of continuously innovating and creating new ways of bring value to the customer. They were pioneers for many of the things that we now consider norms in grocery stores. In the past, Kroger had rapidly expanded to many store locations to gain market share. This expansion strategy caused them to lose profits in

Stephen B. Huttie, president of Wooster-based Crown Retail Consultants, said nationally, the retail industry is “over-stored.” So, the news about Kohl’s closing stores is not surprising. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. closed 154 stores in the United States in

This chain is one of the 20 largest retail stores in the United States. Kohl’s is also listed in Fortune 500 in 2012. This retail store has more than 1100 locations around the globe. It also has a strong reputation and distribution. Also, their revenue performance and financial stability is high. Kohl’s also offers most of the essential products like clothing, furniture and etc.

From its humble beginnings as a single store in 1962, Kohl’s has quickly become one of the nation’s largest retailers. Based and headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Kohl 's is a family-focused, value-oriented, specialty department store offering quality exclusive and national brand merchandise to the customer in an environment that is convenient, friendly and exciting. Currently, Kohl 's operates stores and distribution centers in 49 states. Every year, we continue to build new stores and remodel existing locations to create an inspiring shopping experience. (Kohl’s Corporation, 2013, Press Room).

Target Corporation is known worldwide as a large retail chain that brings in millions of dollars each fiscal year. The ability to remain competitive in a saturated industry could prove difficult to some retailers, but Target remains one of the leaders in the retail market. With success comes risk. Target Corporation competes against online retailers as well as “big box” stores to remain competitive.

Kroger’s mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, health, personal care, and related consumable products and services. They envision the company will operate in a way that reflects their belief that the organization levels closest to the customer are best positioned to serve changing consumer needs. The mission and vision of Kroger is socialized and dependent on their employees (Retail Industry, 2012).

Kohl’s Corporation (Kohl’s) is the second largest specialty department store. It sells private la-bels, national brand items, footwear, accessories, beauty and home products. It even has many of their own labels. The company operates 1,162 department stores in 49 states of the U.S. It has a web site www.kohls.com where you can buy the same items they sell in the store or their online exclusives. It also operates a nationwide loyalty program called Yes2You rewards. Throughout the year it has promotions of percentages off and Kohl’s cash. Their headquarters is located in Milwaukee suburb of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Since its first public offering, Kohl’s Corporation has shown steady growth and strong profits and much of that is a result of exclusive and private brands, ability to embrace technological changes and carefully adjusting its business model to changing customer expectations.

The intensity of rivalry and the threat of substitutes are strong components for J.C. Penney to consider as they continue to strive for increased revenue and market share. Their two primary competitors are Macy’s and Kohl’s, both of whom have fiercely competitive strategies to be strong retail operations. For instance, while Macy’s offers a multitude of promotional deals and is working hard to choose products based upon demographics and geographic segmentation, Kohl’s is attempting to reduce their inventory levels and improve their marketing strategies in order to become a stronger competitor in the department store segment of the retail industry. In order to compete with their competitors, J.C. Penney aims to focus on their previously successful promotions and home department segmentations by bringing in new reputable designers in order to attract a larger customer base. Due to the fact that the intensity of rivalry and threat of substitutes are both moderately strong in the retail department store industry, J.C. Penney ought to be diligent in their implementation of strategies in order to achieve success in the retail business.

The Kroger Company uses the broad differentiation strategy. They have business in at least eight different market segments. They operate two thousand, two hundred and fifty-five stores across America and operate under twenty four banners. Their market position ranks among the highest in the nation. They also have a strong bargaining power because of their many endeavors into different market areas. Kroger supermarkets have been in business for one hundred thirty four years and have made a substantial contribution to the business world (Annual report, 2017).

The Kroger Company grew in 128 years from one store to over 3,500 stores of various banners and products. The Kroger Company is the largest food and drug retailer in the United States and is growing constantly with diversity in the retail market, dealing in food, pharmacies, apparel, jewelry and fuel. Kroger is governed by a 14 member Board of Directors including a Chief Executive Officer. Kroger is a leader in Corporate Social responsibility by maintaining environmental consciousness, social awareness and energy conservation awareness. Kroger is committed to customers, builds diversity and focuses on growth. The company operates a large part of it’s own manufacturing and distribution to increase profit

The one thing that Kmart did do was invest in redundancy. Unfortunately, their supply chain has always been behind the times, as its regular out-of-stock notices on hot items indicate, while causing an overflow of less popular products. The lack of real-time data access resulted in higher inventory carrying costs, poor buying decisions, and increased markdowns when products did not sell as anticipated. Financially, it has resulted in lower sales and lower profit margins per square foot. Kmart earns $245 whereas Target earns $275 and Wal-Mart $440. Kmart’s gross margins are 2.0 to 3.0 percent whereas Target’s are 5.5 to 7.0 percent and Wal-Mart’s are 5.5 to 6.5 percent (Atlas Partners & Watertown Capital, 2002).

Michael Kors is a worldwide luxury fashion brand from New York City, which established and owned by the famous American fashion designer Michael Kors. Initially, the company started with a collection of luxury women sportswear in 1981, which received the great success in Europe. Then, it expanded its product line to fragrances, watches, handbags and other accessories for both men and women. The brand products are perceived as high-grade and reasonable price to customers. In 2011, the company went public and its sale significantly soared up. In response to its high customer demand, the company decided to heavily open new domestic and international shops. Meanwhile, it was expanding its product categories at all price points in order to be

Nike, Inc. has been the world’s leading innovator and provider in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for 50 years. Their mission has been to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world; if you have a body, you are an athlete. Arguably one of the most innovative companies in the world, Nike has built its brand into an iconic world-class powerhouse that continues to dominate the market with no signs of slowing up. Nike’s marketing and advertising have been breakthrough, aspirational, and legendary over the years, featuring high-profile athletes and heroes.