Multi-Channel Retailing Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Multi-Channel Retailing - Speech or Presentation Example The global retail operations of Costco can be primarily classified into four major segments such as: Discount and Variety Retail – Warehouse Clubs and Superstores 2. Grocery Retail 3. Gasoline Retailers and, 4. Online Retailing Source: (Costco Wholesale Corporation, 2012) Advantages Offered by Costco’s Each Distribution Channel The distribution facilities offered by Costco incorporate a large number of potential buyers from different demographic backgrounds that are segregated based on family or business, income-level, age and gender. According to the present revolutionary transformations in the retail format, customers are highly focused on purchasing goods through online or catalog shopping. Therefore, the distribution process of Costco highly utilizes the benefits provided by the online format in order to provide adequate support to each group of customers. The company, in this regard, is highly focused on targeting the customers within the age group of 18 to 45 year s who generally prefer to purchase goods through online retailing format (Costco Wholesale Corporation, 2012). In relation to the similar retailers such as Wal-Mart, the organization has been identified as one of the major competitor for Costco. However, the organization is more competent than its competitors regardless catalogue/online shopping or store retail operations. Differentiating Buying Process of the Customers In relation to the distribution process of products, the operational process of Costco incorporates an effective strategy that ensures to provide various advantages to the organization. Therefore, the major advantageous factors that Costco avail from its exceptional distribution channels including brick and mortar store and catalogue or e-commerce format are depicted hereunder: The ‘shopping in person’ customers of Costco generally tend to purchase their preferred products through a modest online or catalogue format. In this context, the steps of online or catalogue shopping have been discussed hereunder. Identifying Needs: Identifying needs of the products is the initial step where the in-person customers tend to recognize merchandise(s) in accordance with their taste and preference. Searching and Obtaining Information: In this step, the in person customers are focused on searching information about the online store or catalogue regarding the availability, buying terms and condition, payment option and shipping facility among others. Evaluating and Selecting Retailers/Channels: After obtaining information about online/catalogue, the customers evaluate and select appropriate retailer or distribution channel. Visiting Online Shopping Website/ Catalogue: Visiting online shopping website/catalogue is the final step customers wherein the in person customers purchase their preferred or desired products via complying each term and condition of the retailer. In the due course of time, after a consumer starts to continuously visit an onlin e website for purchase his/her loyalty towards the retailer increases. Source: (Costco Wholesale Corporation, 2012) Retail Strategy: Focusing on Retail-Mix Elements Location: Location can be considered as one of the primary elements for any retail organization to efficiently perform its various distributional activities. In the context of the