Retailing Research Assignment

Select one of your favorite retailers. Research the following topics in detail with thoroughness and completion. Research should NOT be limited to the Internet, this should include field research as well.

Founder of the company (who, what, where, when, why, how, etc. not just someone's name)

Explain the history of company expansion

Types of inventory carried or produced (it's your favorite for a reason, so tell me what and why)

Pricing strategies

Promotional strategies and unique advertising or promotions (offer specifics, details of ads, even a copy of the ad in your paper works here, only if it adds value to your dialogue, not just filler)

Identify the target market for this retailer (demographics, VALS, psychographics, all in detail, go to the store, little field research and describe who these people are, etc.)

Why do you believe this retailer has been successful (offer "supported" opinion here, not just "they make a good burger!")

How do you personally feel toward this retailer (why do you shop here, why are you part of their target, or even if you are not part of their target, why you shop there anyway, why do you think other people shop there, those types of things)

What do you predict regarding the future success of this retailer (what are they doing right or wrong, where can they improve, does the business stay static or change or whole new consideration of who they are?)

Anything else that you find interesting about your favorite retailer! (This is where you give me interesting tidbits that many people may not know, that you think adds to your report)