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JCP’s, Wal-Mart’s, and Apple’s retail image today? Briefly outline each retailer

ID: 374160 • Letter: J

Question

JCP’s, Wal-Mart’s, and Apple’s retail image today? Briefly outline each retailer’s elements of retail.

a. JCP is rebuilding its retail image from an ailing departmental store chain to a diverse retail chain with multiple offerings in clothing and beauty apparels. Despite the downturn in the retail industry walmart has managed to retain its place as a succesful retail giant. Wal-mart stores have reached different geographies across the globe and have catered to middle-income segment of the population amongst others. Apple retail stores have been a pioneer in offering all the apple products and services under one roof. They have been a host to products in the premium segment. Apple stores are more of a showcase to Apple has in stores for customers. The different elements of each retailer are as follows:

Is each retailer being successful in creating and maintaining their retail image?

It appears that JCP is still struggling to rebuild its brand image. They had a significant unsold inventory of their women clothing and apparel offering which pushed them to offer huge discounts. Walmart and Apple have however been on the successful side, with Wal-mart being the largest retailer across the globe.

What does the future hold for each company for their retail image? Five years from now will that retail image still work and why?

Fo JCP, the future holds bright avenues as they are getting more strategic tie ups such as Sephora. This will help them improve their retail image in the long run. Wal-mart has had some legal struggles in entering newer locations but the future holds bright as they have managed to surpass tough times for the retail industry with effectiveness. Apple's strong USP is the brand that they have created and the loyal customer base which prefers apple as a repeat purchase for all its technology and gadget requirements. Apple retail stores however, seem to be little on innovation and do not have an independent standing without the Apple brand. Apple stores will have to revamp, and make new offerings to add value to the organization, lest they could be a financial burden on the company.

Given the dynamic business environment no retail image may hold true. With the surge in use of ecommerce platforms, retail might take a whole new shift and customer base for mall/departmental shopping may take a dig. For retailers to survive in the constantly chainging environment, they need to innovate, collaborate and continue to offer new product lines for all income segment. Retailers need to be careful about the political and legal environment when considering exapnsion to newer geographies

S.No. Retail Element JCP Walmart Apple 1 Location They 1095 stores across all 50 states in the U.S.A They have not expanded beyond America yet Wal-mart is spread acorss 28 different countries in different continents including America,Asia,Europe. They have 11,700 retail stores globally. There stores are located in or near urban areas Apple has stores in 22 different countries with store locations in USA, China, India, Japan, Australia, Italy amongst others 2 market JCP caters to the USA market only. In terms of customer focus, a significant chunk of its revenue(about 45%) is derived from millenial moms(mothers born between 1978-1994) Walmart caters to a wide customer base across the globe. Their USP is to offer lowest prices against its competitors and hence they cater to a wide base of consumers from all income groups Apple stores cater to a preimum income market segment. They target young population mostly within the age group of 15-25 years. 3 operations JCP is seeing a shift in its retail operations. They have closed two of their distribution facilities and 130-140 stores in the past one year. They plan to shift investment in new product lines and locations Wal-mart operations at store locations are run by efficient retail teams. They manage their operations in a cost effective way Apple operations follows are focused and controlled strategy. There is little or no outsorucing in Apple's operations. 4 facility JCP stores are well mainitained offering a host of products from clothing, footwear to furniture and more. The facilities are modestly designed to showcase multiple product lines Wal-mart facilities are built across huge spaces, offering a proper segmentation of products. Wal-mart also gives an option to its customers to shop online. Apple stores are designed beautifully, with a lot of manuvering spaces and glass buildings 5 merchandising They offer the following merchandise: Cloths, furniture, footwear, beauty products amongst other things Walmart offers merchandise related to electronics, food, clothing, home furniture, appliances, sports, fitness, pharmacy, health, beauty, infant and childcare Apple merchandise includes phones, laptops, watches, television, basically everything in electronics and technology category. 6 brand JCP's image is still very much of struggler in the retail industry. However, they offer a wide variety of cloths, apparels to their customers, and are trying become a one stop shop for all the apparel and cllothing needs of their customers Wal-mart has a much appreciated brand image amongst its customers. It enjoys a loyal customer base and has been a go-to store for all products in FMCG sector Apple stores have created a "try and buy" image for the company. This has been a well appreciaited practice across industry and has added value to the percieved image of Apple brand amongst the customers 7 price JCP has a mix of both premium as well as low priced products. Wal-mart caters to low and middle income groups. The products are offered on significant discounts. The price is lower than other retail counterparts Apple products are high-end, and are priced way above its competitors.

Explanation / Answer

What is JCP’s, Wal-Mart’s, and Apple’s retail image today? Briefly outline each retailer’s elements of retail.

Is each retailer being successful in creating and maintaining their retail image?

What does the future hold for each company for their retail image? Five years from now will that retail image still work and why