Case Study: Reviving a Neighborhood Coffee Shop: The Brew Haven Challenge

Background:

In this case, you'll be addressing the struggles of a local neighborhood coffee shop called "Brew Haven," which has been experiencing a decline in customers and revenue amidst growing competition from large chain cafes and remote work trends.

Problem Statement:

Brew Haven, a cozy and inviting coffee shop that has been a staple in the community for over a decade, is facing declining foot traffic and sales. With the rise of remote work and the proliferation of coffee chains, the owners are concerned about Brew Haven's long$-$term viability. They are seeking innovative solutions to revitalize the business and re$-$engage with customers.

Exercise:

Task $1$: Customer Needs Assessment

Each group will conduct a brainstorming session to identify and prioritize the primary needs and preferences of Brew Haven's target customers. Consider factors such as quality of coffee, ambiance, menu variety, pricing, convenience, and community involvement. Present your findings to the class.

Task $2$: Digital Integration Strategy

Given the changing landscape of consumer behavior, each group will develop a digital integration strategy for Brew Haven to enhance its online presence and attract new customers while retaining loyal ones. Propose ideas such as launching a mobile ordering app, implementing loyalty programs, hosting virtual coffee tastings or workshops, or leveraging social media for promotions. Present your digital integration proposal to the class, emphasizing its potential impact on Brew Haven's business.

Task $3$: Elevating the Customer Experience

In this exercise, each group will brainstorm ways to elevate the customer experience at Brew Haven to differentiate it from larger coffee chains and create a sense of community. Consider options such as redesigning the interior for better flow and comfort, introducing specialty coffee blends or seasonal offerings, hosting live music or art events, or providing personalized service like coffee subscriptions or custom blends. Develop a plan outlining the proposed enhancements and how they align with Brew Haven's brand identity. Present your plan to the class, highlighting the value it adds to the overall customer experience.

Task $4$: Marketing and Community Engagement

Finally, each group will devise a marketing and community engagement plan to increase visibility and attract foot traffic to Brew Haven. Explore tactics such as social media campaigns, email newsletters, local partnerships with nearby businesses or organizations, hosting neighborhood events or fundraisers, and implementing loyalty programs or referral incentives. Create a timeline for executing these initiatives and metrics for evaluating their success. Present your marketing plan to the class, explaining how it will help Brew Haven connect with its target audience and build a loyal