http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/victoriane
Summary:
It seems as though the largely known corporation, Wal-mart has been having trouble with theft lately. A Victoria man is facing a number of charges after he allegedly shoplifted from the town and country Wal-mart, carrying a large kitchen knife and a pair of scissors. Police were then called in at 8:40 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 to deal with the shoplifter. The man fled the store with $100 worth of merchandise and when stopped, he turned to the officers with the scissors clenched in his hand. Evidently, the man was being detained by the loss prevention officer and two off-duty security guards when the police arrived. When the suspect was searched, his clothing turned up a large kitchen knife. The man currently now faces charges of assault with a weapon and theft under $5000 as well as other charges of recognizance, undertaking, and probation.
Connections:
The issue of shoplifting, as described in the article, affects many retailers everyday. Clearly, even an extremely successful corporation such as Wal-mart deals with problems of shoplifting. Although Wal-mart took the right measures to deal with the shoplifter, it seems that they were not able to take the means to prevent the situation from occurring. As stated in the text, if employees at Wal-mart payed special attention to the man the situation may have been prevented. It is important to learn how to identify shoplifters and if the salespeople at Wal-mart were able to do that, the entire ordeal probably would not have happened. Fortunately, Wal-mart did take the appropriate steps to detaining the suspect, pressing charges, and arresting. For example, Wal-mart's security personnel detained the suspect instead of the store personnel. Wal-mart's careful steps towards detaining their suspect conformed to the Criminal Code described in the text. Furthermore, because the suspect had evidence of his crime on him such as the weapons and merchandise, the arrest was not false and avoided a potential lawsuit.
Reflection:
It is quite surprising how often shoplifting occurs in stores. I believe that Wal-mart could have been more careful by asking the suspect questions and paying more attention to him. Store employees are supposed to be trained in identifying potential shoplifters and in a case like this, it is probably even easier to identify the shoplifter. For example, the man carried a large kitchen knife and scissors; therefore he must have been wearing something large to hide his weapons. In my opinion, I think that he was likely to have been acting suspicious as well because he was in a large store with a lot of people. However, I do think that Wal-mart took the right means in dealing with the situation and it is an event that can be forgotten. All in all,I found this article to be a good example of the issue of shoplifting in stores.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bleak Friday
Summary:
As the holidays come around, American shoppers celebrate with a traditional shopping event named Black Friday. This year the event lands on Friday, November 27 and similarly to previous years, shoppers go wild for the discount prices. However, it appears as though Black Friday which is supposed to put shops into profit for the year, is losing its significance as more and more shoppers today turn to online retailing. Online retailing seems to appeal to consumers through a variety of ways. E-commerce enables people to compare retail prices quickly and easily. Consumers can also avoid local sales taxes and enjoy the benefits of free shipping. Evidently, online retailing seems to continue to grow in popularity as traditional store retailers decline. In 2008, retail sales only grew by 1% in America while online sales grew by 13%. Not only did online sales grow by a generous amount, but they are expected to continue to grow by 11% in 2009 while retail sales are expected to decline by more than 3% this year. It seems that online retailing now accounts for 6% of all retailing in America and it is expected to gain 3% by 2013. All in all, even though retail stores are trying to win back customers by innovative techniques such as free yoga classes from Lululemon athletica, online retailing will always remain a strong competitor in retailing.
Connections:
Clearly, online retailing is a type of non-store retailer that is rapidly gaining consumer loyalty. Although, online retailing is not mentioned as a type of non-store retailer in the text, it is hard to ignore the fact that consumers everywhere are switching from regular retail stores to online retail stores such as Amazon or eBay. With the many features of online retailing, the internet is quite comparable to mail-order selling. For example, once goods are ordered from the Internet or through mail-order selling, they are then delivered to the consumers' homes through mail or by courier. Also, no sales staff is required for online retailing or mail-order selling. Furthermore, both mail-order selling and online retailing can be specialty stores, selling a narrow range or products, or general stores. Amazon proves this by selling a variety of items such as groceries. Not only does Amazon sell an abundance of products, but Procter & Gamble - an example of integrated channel of distribution, is beginning to sell such things as diapers. In closing, online retailing has become a type of non-store retailer that is growing more in popularity each day.
Reflection:
After reading the article, I am surprised to find that online retailing currently accounts for only 6% of all retail sales. With all of the news on online retailing, I would expect their sales to mean much more than it does now. Evidently, as a personal fan of online retailing, I am not surprised that many people are switching over to online retailing. In my opinion, I enjoy the benefits of online retailing such as avoiding aggressive crowds and long line ups. However, I must agree with the Macy's spokesman, as I will never spend more money online than I would in a traditional retail store. Honestly, my main purpose when I shop online is to look over the products and then visit the store where I can experience the "touch n' feel" factor that online retailers lack. In conclusion, even though online retailing is leaving a mark in retailing everywhere and will continue to excel, I have to say that I still prefer the traditional bricks-and-mortar shops.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
'Shockvertising' Spreads To Cut Through Media Clutter
http://www.vancouversun.com/Shockvertising+spreads+through+media+clutter/2145422/story.html
Summary:
The car manufacturer, Toyota, has been sued for a $10-million lawsuit by a woman for alleged stalking and harassment. The alleged harassment turned out to be a marketing campaign for Toyota which included various e-mails and videos that left the woman shaking and in tears. This was an example of 'shockvertising', which marketers now need to do to be cutting-edge, and different. According to a Simon Frasier University Professor, Lindsay Meredith, retailers now need to be different to be noticed by consumers because advertising is seen everywhere in today's world of technology. Many well known businesses demonstrated Lindsay's analysis with their use of 'shockvertising'. For example, Boost Mobile depicted pigs eating each other in an attempt to express their dislike for hidden cellphone fees. Also, a woman breastfeeding rotten meat was used by clothier Diesel to sell jeans. MTV also showed public urination to promote voting from young people. In addition, Aylmer advertised an angry chef appearing in people's homes, yelling at them to "try the sauce!". The vice-president, Oliver Gleeson, behind this Aylmer marketing campaign expresses his frustrations of advertising by wondering how a few people can prevent cutting-edge advertisement when 10,000 can enjoy the ad.
Connections:
By targeting the helpless woman described in the article, Toyota demonstrated the use of niche marketing. Niche marketing was a strategy used by specialty shops like Toyota, who sold personalized products and targeted narrow groups of people. Toyota did target a narrow group of people in their advertising campaign, particularly the woman in the article. However, Toyota violated another important factor in retailing and that was freedom. Freedom was being at liberty to do as you wish, as long as it didn't interfere with others doing as they wish. Also, Toyota and the many other businesses mentioned in the article considered demographics which refered to the numerical facts about a population. For example, MTV appealed to the demographics of young people when they advertised public urination to promote voting. Furthermore, Aylmer targeted the demographics of families, especially parents, because pasta sauce appealed to this demographic. These factors were used by several businesses and were further described in the textbook.
Reflection:
I find it to be truly amazing how far a business will go just to advertise their product. I do believe that the Simon Frasier University professor is completely accurate on her interpretation of 'shockvertising' because as a crucial consumer of products, I find certain products more appealing with unique advertisements. However, I feel that Toyota went too far in their campaign and the woman had every right to be upset. Being cutting-edge to attract consumers is a very clever business tactic but it is often very risky, and I think that Toyota took a major risk and suffered for it. Furthermore, I have to agree with the vice-president of Aylmer, Oliver Gleeson, because I don't see the harm in an advertisement if it does not offend anybody and I think a little bit of edge in an advertisement leaves an effective impression. Finally, I believe that 'shockvertising' is a wonderful method of retailing as long as it does not cause anyone harm and is not too inappropriate.
Summary:
The car manufacturer, Toyota, has been sued for a $10-million lawsuit by a woman for alleged stalking and harassment. The alleged harassment turned out to be a marketing campaign for Toyota which included various e-mails and videos that left the woman shaking and in tears. This was an example of 'shockvertising', which marketers now need to do to be cutting-edge, and different. According to a Simon Frasier University Professor, Lindsay Meredith, retailers now need to be different to be noticed by consumers because advertising is seen everywhere in today's world of technology. Many well known businesses demonstrated Lindsay's analysis with their use of 'shockvertising'. For example, Boost Mobile depicted pigs eating each other in an attempt to express their dislike for hidden cellphone fees. Also, a woman breastfeeding rotten meat was used by clothier Diesel to sell jeans. MTV also showed public urination to promote voting from young people. In addition, Aylmer advertised an angry chef appearing in people's homes, yelling at them to "try the sauce!". The vice-president, Oliver Gleeson, behind this Aylmer marketing campaign expresses his frustrations of advertising by wondering how a few people can prevent cutting-edge advertisement when 10,000 can enjoy the ad.
Connections:
By targeting the helpless woman described in the article, Toyota demonstrated the use of niche marketing. Niche marketing was a strategy used by specialty shops like Toyota, who sold personalized products and targeted narrow groups of people. Toyota did target a narrow group of people in their advertising campaign, particularly the woman in the article. However, Toyota violated another important factor in retailing and that was freedom. Freedom was being at liberty to do as you wish, as long as it didn't interfere with others doing as they wish. Also, Toyota and the many other businesses mentioned in the article considered demographics which refered to the numerical facts about a population. For example, MTV appealed to the demographics of young people when they advertised public urination to promote voting. Furthermore, Aylmer targeted the demographics of families, especially parents, because pasta sauce appealed to this demographic. These factors were used by several businesses and were further described in the textbook.
Reflection:
I find it to be truly amazing how far a business will go just to advertise their product. I do believe that the Simon Frasier University professor is completely accurate on her interpretation of 'shockvertising' because as a crucial consumer of products, I find certain products more appealing with unique advertisements. However, I feel that Toyota went too far in their campaign and the woman had every right to be upset. Being cutting-edge to attract consumers is a very clever business tactic but it is often very risky, and I think that Toyota took a major risk and suffered for it. Furthermore, I have to agree with the vice-president of Aylmer, Oliver Gleeson, because I don't see the harm in an advertisement if it does not offend anybody and I think a little bit of edge in an advertisement leaves an effective impression. Finally, I believe that 'shockvertising' is a wonderful method of retailing as long as it does not cause anyone harm and is not too inappropriate.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Amazon Slaps It's Brand On Some Consumer Electronics
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/amazon-slaps-its-brand-on-some-consumer-electronics/index.html?ref=technology
Summary:
The widely popular online store (Amazon) is becoming the retailer of almost every other kind of product. Similarly to Safeway cereal, RadioShack batteries, and even Wal-Mart diapers, Amazon is launching out their own brand name of products such as Pinzon bath towels and sheets, Strathwood patio furniture, and Denali power tools. This way Amazon can gain a larger percent of retail profits and expand their name and popularity. Evidently, Amazon is starting their expansion in their own private-label line with Amazon Basics which is a collection of consumer electronics items. Amazon's vice president, Paul Ryder explains that Amazon hopes to source products directly and cut out the intermediary. In this way, Amazon is able to pass discounts directly to customers. Although, the items sold on Amazon Basics are not all that exciting, it is clear that the items will eventually gain excitement. However, it is doubtful that Amazon will be offering any HDTV's any time soon.
Connections:
This article explains Amazon's hope of becoming a retailer of more than just online items. In this way and with the business of Amazon Basics, Amazon will become apart of the normal channel of distribution. Consumers can find electronic items such as CDs and DVDs through this channel of distribution which are the majority of items sold on Amazon Basics. Also, it seems that Amazon hopes to be apart of the direct channel of distribution because Amazon hopes to pass discounts to customers directly. This channel of distribution returns to the original roots of Amazon; selling goods online to customers directly. Amazon is a prime example of an industrial user that buys products from secondary manufacturers to sell to consumers like ourselves. Finally, chapter 1 mainly highlights the field of retailing and by slapping their brand on various items, Amazon has entered an entire new area of retailing.
Reflection:
As a frequent consumer of Amazon, I am thrilled that Amazon is expanding their label. I found Amazon's business ethics described in the article to be very clever. For example, sourcing out products and cutting the intermediary to pass discounts directly is a convenient and easy way to gain good reputation and loyal customers. Although, the products available to consumers could be a bit more exciting, I am still very happy with a simple way to buy electronic goods. Fortunately, Amazon provides this and possibly, in time, more. With a smart and reliable business plan such as the one Amazon contains, I am certain that Amazon Basics will do wonders in the world of retailing.
Summary:
The widely popular online store (Amazon) is becoming the retailer of almost every other kind of product. Similarly to Safeway cereal, RadioShack batteries, and even Wal-Mart diapers, Amazon is launching out their own brand name of products such as Pinzon bath towels and sheets, Strathwood patio furniture, and Denali power tools. This way Amazon can gain a larger percent of retail profits and expand their name and popularity. Evidently, Amazon is starting their expansion in their own private-label line with Amazon Basics which is a collection of consumer electronics items. Amazon's vice president, Paul Ryder explains that Amazon hopes to source products directly and cut out the intermediary. In this way, Amazon is able to pass discounts directly to customers. Although, the items sold on Amazon Basics are not all that exciting, it is clear that the items will eventually gain excitement. However, it is doubtful that Amazon will be offering any HDTV's any time soon.
Connections:
This article explains Amazon's hope of becoming a retailer of more than just online items. In this way and with the business of Amazon Basics, Amazon will become apart of the normal channel of distribution. Consumers can find electronic items such as CDs and DVDs through this channel of distribution which are the majority of items sold on Amazon Basics. Also, it seems that Amazon hopes to be apart of the direct channel of distribution because Amazon hopes to pass discounts to customers directly. This channel of distribution returns to the original roots of Amazon; selling goods online to customers directly. Amazon is a prime example of an industrial user that buys products from secondary manufacturers to sell to consumers like ourselves. Finally, chapter 1 mainly highlights the field of retailing and by slapping their brand on various items, Amazon has entered an entire new area of retailing.
Reflection:
As a frequent consumer of Amazon, I am thrilled that Amazon is expanding their label. I found Amazon's business ethics described in the article to be very clever. For example, sourcing out products and cutting the intermediary to pass discounts directly is a convenient and easy way to gain good reputation and loyal customers. Although, the products available to consumers could be a bit more exciting, I am still very happy with a simple way to buy electronic goods. Fortunately, Amazon provides this and possibly, in time, more. With a smart and reliable business plan such as the one Amazon contains, I am certain that Amazon Basics will do wonders in the world of retailing.
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