Drip Sneakers is one of the success stories South African townships have ever produced. From NoShoes to building a fast-growing sneaker business in the competitive market of South Africa. Now, with over 12 stores across the country, bringing this modern and beautiful sneaker closer to you. Drip is a fast-growing brand that produces well-designed, attractive sneakers targeted at young people. It was founded in 2003 by Lekau Sehoana, a young leader from Ivory Park, Tembisa. Sehoana started the business with nothing but recycled materials. His first shoe was created from a torn Adidas sneaker and redesigned it using Denims and Polyurethane. His goal was to get out of poverty, not knowing his entrepreneurial journey is just getting started. +17 years later of making shoes, DRIP has its own offices and employees selling over 3000 sneakers in 6 months. Drip recently opened its new store at Vaal Mall. This adds to the list of 12 stores by Drip nationwide. 1. Pretoria CBD 012 Central 2. Joburg Newtown Junction 3. Mall of Tembisa 4. Springs Mall 5. Masingita Mall 6. Mall of the North 7. Thavhani Mall 8. Rustenburg Mall 20; 21; 22 2022 The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 2022 Page 7 of 15 It's also reported they'll opening yet another store in Polokwane, Mall of the North. The Drip footwear is now selling from R700.00 to R1,200.00 depending on the type, size, and color variations you'd like to purchase. Alternatively, you can still order your Drip sneaker online by visiting www.dripsa.co.za and clicking the shop menu tab. Select your preferred color and add it to the basket. Proceed to checkout and update your delivery details. Make payment and wait for your delivery. Free deliveries for orders around Ekhuruleni municipality. Because Sehoana built the business on the basis of recycled materials, he wouldn't want to lose its main element that started the business. Drip buys back old sneakers when they begin to tear and unwearable. The company gives way school shoes to young people that are from unprivileged family backgrounds, who were like Lekau 17 years ago.

Source: Hello Youth, 2021. DRIP Sneakers -The Township Dream. Hello Youth, 5 June 2021. [Online} Available at: https://helloyouth.co.za/hy/drip-sneakers-sa [Accessed 03 February 2022].

Question:

"Winning in the marketplace is, in most cases, a result if the actions an organisation takes to seek and secure a sustainable competitive advantage" (Louw & Venter, 2019:249). Analyse the business level strategy (low-cost leadership strategy, differentiation strategy, focused strategies or integrated cost leadership/differentiation strategies) employed by Drip Footwear.

Include in your analysis the following points:

Determine which business level strategy is followed by Drip Footwear and discuss how they are implementing the specific strategy.

Include in your discussion the advantages and disadvantages of the strategy.

Evaluate the business level strategy implemented by Drip Footwear.

In your opinion, does Drip Footwear's business level strategy suite their organisation? Provide support for your answer.