Superior Market free essay sample

Superior Supermarkets is a division of Hall Consolidated, a privately owned wholesale and retail food distributor. Hall distributes food and related products to some 150 company-owned supermarket units and about 1,100 independent grocery stores in the U. S. through 12 wholesale distribution centers. Hall’s sales in 2002 were $2. billion. Superior is the smallest of the three supermarket chains owned by Hall, with sales of $192. 2 million in 2002. Superior serves small towns in the South Central U. S. , and is number one or two by market share in each of its trade markets. Sales of the three Centralia stores were $14,326,700 in 2002. Their gross profit margin was 28. 8%, while the median for the U. S. grocery industry was 26. 4%. Randall Johnson, the District Manager for the Centralia stores, has recommended that they implement everyday low pricing (ELP). The reasoning behind his desire to implement the ELP strategy is that Superior’s prices are higher than the competition at a time of growing price consciousness, and that the price differential could cause them to lose market share. We will write a custom essay sample on Superior Market or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Superior President James Ellis suggests that their recent consumer research should be studied to assist in the pricing decision. If the research suggests that an ELP strategy should be used, it would then be applied to all three of the Centralia stores. One company official suggests that the pricing strategy should be part of a broader store positioning strategy, and it should be supported with advertising. It is known Superior is does have the highest prices in the area. To the extent that price knowledge exists, it is thought to be category dependent. This adds a dimension to the ELP implementation decision, specifically whether ELP should be applied across the board, or just for certain categories. If an ELP strategy is adopted, it is important that Superior decide how much prices should be lowered. Superior prices are estimated to be about 10% higher than Harrison’s, the current low price leader, and about 7% higher than the other major competitors. There is a consensus that they should not attempt to outprice Harrison’s. Problem Identification There are 2 major problems that have been uncovered by the company’s district manager. The first problem is the low sales in Centralia. The second problem is the extremely high prices that have been a source of complaints among Centralia customers. According to many studies by Superior Market, the company had the highest prices in Centralia. As a result, Superior Supermarkets must decide whether or not to pursue an everyday low pricing strategy in its three stores servicing grocery shoppers in the Centralia service area. Case Analysis Superior operates three stores in Centralia, MO, the primary trade area in Scott County. Food and beverage retail store sales in Centralia were $62. 3 million in 2002, a 4. 6% increase over 2001. Based on the 2000 U. S. Census, Centralia has 13,500 households and a total population of 41,000. The median age is 35, median household income is $36,000, and 85% of residents have at least a high school education. Just over half of Centralia residents are employed by manufacturing, retail trade, and education, health, and social services establishments. Focus group studies have identified various aspects of food store choice and patronage in Centralia. In descending order of importance to shoppers are: price; quality of meat; produce quality, variety, and display; and, shopping convenience. Focus group participants are generally pleased with their food shopping options. Superior has a great deal of shopper information from two studies it conducted. One establishes, by department, how $100 is spent in a typical Centralia supermarket. The other establishes, specifically for Superior supermarket shoppers, demographic information, frequency of store visits, and related shopper behavior data, including other stores shopped. The primary reason that potential customers do not shop at Superior is mainly due to price. Four grocery chain stores accounted for 85% of all food sales in Centralia in 2002. The remainder was shared primarily by two small independent grocery stores, several convenience stores, specialty food stores, and a seasonal Farmer’s Market. Three of the chains operate one store each in Centralia, while Superior has three. Each of Superior’s stores is smaller than the other chains’ stores. Harrison’s, a 50,000 square-foot store on W. Main St. , is acknowledged to have captured most of the business of the middle and upper income group in Centralia. Harrison’s Centralia store is one of the company’s 65 locations in Missouri and Illinois. The store is well-managed, clean and orderly. Harrison’s has a very favorable customer image, and uses an everyday low pricing strategy. Harrison’s market share of 22% ranks it third in the market, just behind Superior. Grand American (GA) operates a 39,800 square-foot store on W. Main and Fairfield. It is one of 148 GA stores serving the region. It is the most modern store in town. It serves the lower income demographic, the $20,000 to $35,000 range. GA, with a market share of 13%, is considered a secondary competitor by Hall officials. Hall officials believe GA lacks innovative merchandising appeal, and its only real strength is its dairy department. Missouri Mart (MM) operates a 120,000 square-foot store, 40% of which is dedicated to food items. MM’s customers are middle-aged and older families with incomes over $30,000. MM is the sales volume leader in Centralia, with a 27% market share, and is considered Superior’s principal competitor. About 32% of Superior’s customers shop MM regularly. MM’s primary strength is in groceries and special purchase displays, but the store seems to sacrifice quality and freshness for production. Superior Supermarkets has three stores in Centralia which are generally older than those of its major competitors. Each store anchors a strip shopping center owned by Hall. Each shopping center has additional shops which provide a lot of convenience to customers. Company officials believe that SS offers high-quality merchandise, but less variety than the other major competitors. Consumer acceptance of the major store departments varies between stores. SS features a value positioning in its advertising. It spends 0. 89% of sales on advertising, while it is estimated that Harrison’s and MM spend about 1%. GA is seen to invest considerably less than Superior. Market basket studies indicate that Superior is the highest-priced food store in the Centralia area. Superior advertises high-volume items at deep discounts, and features loss leaders. Superior’s N. Fairview store is less than two blocks from MM. The W. Main store is across the street from Harrison’s and GA. The S. Prospect store has no competitors in the immediate vicinity. It prepares baked goods for all of Superior’s Centralia stores. Market share for the three SS stores combined is 23%. Recommendation Superior Supermarkets should pursue an everyday low pricing strategy in both the grocery and general merchandise categories. Superior should reduce its prices in these categories, and increase its advertising as well; The price reduction will produce an increase in sales, and increase market share. References Kerin, R. A. Peterson, R. A. (2007). Strategic Marketing Problems. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. http://www. cob. sjsu. edu Strengths oSuperior Supermarkets has a market share of 23% in Centralia for 2002 oSuperior Supermarkets is the number 1 or 2 ranked supermarket chain in each of its trade markets in market share. oSales for the three stores in Centralia have increased over the past three years. Each store anchors a strip shopping center which is owned by the parent, Hall Consolidated. oSuperior carries high-quality merchandise, particularly in grocery items and fresh produce. oSuperior was ranked most convenient amongst its competitors in a telephone survey. oSuperior is considered a â€Å"good neighborhood store†. oBased on Superior’s shopper interview results, 77. 9% of thei r customers have been patrons for three or more years. oSuperior’s West Main store draws more customers from the area south of the store than their competitors. oSuperior’s South Prospect store has no major competitors in the immediate vicinity. Weaknesses oSuperior’s advertising costs comprise of . 89% of sales, while competitors’ advertising costs comprise of 1% of sales. oBased on Superior’s telephone survey, Superior was ranked the lowest amongst its competitors on most reasonable prices. oSuperior is ranked second to lowest on quality of meat based on Superior’s telephone survey. oThe three Centralia stores posted a 1% negative variance on sales. oThe three Centralia stores experienced a net profit margin slightly under 1%, which was shy of the budgeted 1% net profit margin for the first quarter of 2003. Approximately 32% of Superior customers also shop at Missouri Mart. oSuperior offers less variety of merchandise than its major competitors. Opportunities oThe food and beverage market in Centralia is growing. oSS could advertise on television. Threats oOur competitors may lower their prices. oNew competitors may enter the market. oOur competitors have locations in close proximity to some of our stores oPrice consciousness is growing among Centralia shoppers. oCompetitors may begin to advertise on television. oThere are twenty establishments in Centralia that sell food and beverages.

Tips on Identifying two common magnolias

Tips on Identifying two common magnolias The magnolia tree is a large genus of about 220 flowering plant species worldwide. Nine species are native to the United States and Canada and  the  tree commonly refers to trees of the genus Magnolia  that are a part of  the magnolia family  Magnoliaceae.  It is interesting to note that the tulip tree or yellow poplar is in the same family but in a  different genus called Liriodendron and I deal with it separately. ID Tips: The major identification markers of North American  magnolia during the spring/early summer growing season are big aromatic flowers with many parts including showy petals and sepals. Their leaves are alternate  in arrangement but can appear whorled at the branch tips. They tend to be large and often floppy with rolling to waving  edges The fruit of the magnolia is also a great way to identify the tree as it is relatively large and unique in shape.  Magnolias have large  seed pods that look like cones, which are unique when compared to most hardwood tree species. Depending on the species, the upright  cone will expand exposing  red berries which are a favorite food for wildlife.   Cucumber Tree Vs. Southern Magnolia The Southern magnolia is defined by its name - this magnolia lives in the deep part of the southeastern United States. Arthur Plotnik in his Urban Tree Book describes it as the anointed one and a pompous evergreen tree that perfumes the southern United States in early summer and planted in warm climates all over the world. It is the Louisiana state flower and Mississippis state tree. The cucumber tree and saucer magnolia are magnolias enjoyed by the northern states and Canada. The stately cucumber tree is the only magnolia that reaches Canada and is common in the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. Leaves: alternate, simple, persistent or deciduous, unlobedTwigs: aromatic,  bundle scars  conspicuous.Fruit: a conelike aggregate of seed.    The Common North American Magnolias Cucumber tree Southern magnolia    The Most Common North American Hardwood List ash  - Genus  Fraxinus  beech  - Genus  Fagus  basswood  - Genus Tilia  birch  - Genus  Betula  black cherry  Ã‚  - Genus  Prunus  black walnut/butternut  - Genus  Juglans  cottonwood  Ã‚  - Genus  Populus  elm  Ã‚  - Genus   Ulmus  hackberry  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Celtis  hickory  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Carya  holly  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  IIex  locust  - Genus  Robinia  and  Gleditsia  magnolia  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Magnolia  maple  - Genus  Acer  oak  - Genus  Quercus  poplar  Ã‚  - Genus  Populus  red alder  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Alnus  royal paulownia  Ã‚  - Genus  Paulownia  sassafras  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Sassafras  sweetgum  - Genus  Liquidambar  sycamore  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Platanus  tupelo  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Nyssa  willow  Ã‚  - Genus  Ã‚  Salix  yellow-poplar  - Genus  Liriodendron

Branding for Starbucks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Branding for Starbucks - Essay Example The need is to comprehend how Starbucks can reflect a positive demeanor about its own self and how this shall happen within the related settings, as are available to Starbucks at the present. Since I am heading the brand development concerns at Starbucks, I will make sure that the values upon which Starbucks was initially formed are adhered to at all times, and that there are no exceptions to this ideology under any circumstance or situation that arises whatsoever (Marques, 2008). I will ensure that its values are clearly spelled out to its employees, located all over the world so that their attitudes and actions are in line with what the business expects of them. Also, these will be communicated to the customers globally since Starbucks’ management regimes will keep on telling the world through their actions and behaviors. When these values will be communicated, a sense of optimism shall come about with Starbucks which remains a significant proposition, and more so within the changing dynamics of the business world today. The core messages that shall be sent from the realms of Starbucks remain strongly attached to its philosophy of coming about with something solid for the sake of the company. This means that the selling propositions will be based on what Starbucks is offering all over the world as a whole and the different regions in meticulous. It will give a good idea as to what the Starbucks’ customers can expect in the form of end user satisfaction (Rippin, 2007).

Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 119

Essay Example positive effect of such content can only be achieved if the teaching on the content is done by an informed individual, who is able to differentiate meanings of the words and images used. The studies by American Academy of Pediatrics have shown that music has relatively low influence on the behavior of children. The lack of observable influence simply results from the fact that little attention is paid o the lyrics of music, while at the same time; the level of understanding of such lyrics by children might be low. However, there is an open suggestion by researchers that music has an influence on the behavior of children. The isolation of an individual or that of children by their parents is not a solution to avoiding the evil that is rampant in the modern society. The plausible alternative is for individuals to educate each other regarding the consequences of certain thoughts and actions. This would be essential to avoid taking action that would harm the society, by simply paying attention to misleading actions or information. For example, it is very easy for people to misinterpret the revenge theme covered in Psalms 137, by holding that it is the right of the Jews to be revenge against harm. However, when the psalm is read carefully, it simply indicates the need for the Jews to adhere to good conduct, and allow another power beyond them to revenge for their harm. The content of this psalm reveals the Jewish belief in the golden rule that those who wrong others will also encounter just punishment. This understanding is instrumental in helping people avoid violent and evil behavior towards others. It is right that the Liturgy of the Hours needs to be included in at the end of psalms 137, only that it needs to be accompanied by positive interpretation like the one offered by St. Augustine, Ambrose or Oregon. There is a need t interpret the bible both figuratively and also literally, such that it might not end up being used the same way as modern music and lyrics,

Trifles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Trifles - Essay Example at times to keep the victim stay in the relationship because the latter may think that the abusive spouse has improved although it does not happen, and hatred and rebellion develops within the abused spouse. We can judge how that hatred developed within Minnie Wright’s heart, so much so that she was compelled to get rid of her cruel husband, once and for all. Your Highness! Have we ever pondered upon why mostly women are killers in homicides? The reason is the aforementioned fact that when husbands physically or mentally abuse their wives, the latter develop such mental problems and anxiety disorders that lead them to kill their husbands and get rid of the abuse once and for all. We can also assume, in Minnie Wright’s case, that she was so mentally disturbed due to the domestic abuse she was suffering at the hands of her husband, that she did not give the decision of killing him a second thought, and did what she thought was right for her at that moment. Minnie Wright had developed complete hatred for all men, as on one instance she said, â€Å"I’d hate to have men coming into my kitchen, snooping around and criticizing† (Glaspell). This statement shows that she has stereotyped men as beings who are always snooping around and criticizing, which might have been the traits of her husband too. This is the most critical aspect of domestic abuse, that is, the victim starts categorizing other people of the same gender or age as being the same as the abuser. So, Minnie Wright cannot be claimed as a guilty woman, as she was a victim of domestic abuse. Furthermore, there is much evidence that the women have found regarding the domestic abuse. The condition of the kitchen, the quilt, the broken door of the bird cage, and the dead canary, are enough to prove that the couple had had a sever fight before the incident occurred. The statement, â€Å"There was a man around last year selling canaries cheap, but I don’t know as she took one; maybe she did. She used to sing

The Power Of Words In Influencing Attitudes

The Power Of Words In Influencing Attitudes To recognize how words have the power to create and affect attitudes, behavior, and perception one must first understand their own conscience and belief system. Words have meaning, but no power unless the perceived mental state of an individual gives power to the words spoken that have been heard. In another essay I authored in another class, which is most appropriate for this updated essay on the aspects of communication recognizing how words have the power to create and affect attitudes, behavior, and perception. The conscience is that inner voice that everyone has inside themselves. The voice inside has a set of critical thinking rules that are determined through a persons life experiences. Most people think about what they plan to do before they do it. People also respond to what other people say and do. It is the amount of power given to the words spoken that are perceived in the mental state of an individual that gives the power to the words spoken that have been heard acting o ut a plan that determines success or failure, even in communications. Our morals and values are the driving force behind our beliefs and how much power we give to another individuals words that are heard. If a person believes it is alright to steal to take care of their family, then the way they believe is the way they think resulting in the behaviors produced in that particular lifestyle. Example, lets say that there is a discussion between two people about, is it alright to steal? Our personal ethics that are perceived in how we as a people co-exist and communicate with each other stem from how we believe. This discussion is debated for whatever time frame and the one who thinks it is alright to steal convinces the other it is alright to steal as well. This is where words become powerful and perceptions are distorted. There are people in this world that would freely say things giving their life for another with no limitations on how to give positive feed back using words. There also people that go out of their way to say nice things at all costs knowing that words can hurt an individuals feelings. Then there are conditional communicators that will not say a particular word or words unless there is an exchange of a mutual agreement that has been reached so as not to offend any party involved. Most people believe there must be an exchange of some sort where both parties equally receive as much as that is given. There also are people in this world that would die to just prove a point in what they say they believe in. What defines a person is in their actions and their actions are brought about through choice in how they perceive reality. Is it justifiable to perform an evil act in order to achieve good consequences? This question has been used for centuries. As stated by Ruggiero (2008), humans have the capacity to choose how they respond to events (p. 118). For example, say someone makes a choice with a plan of action, but the plan devised was driven by negative emotions to where someone instigated controversy between individuals like the use of angry words, etc. Then the out come of this plan may have negative consequences that could change the course of a persons decision or lifestyle. This also applies to relationships with friends or family or both.The Boston Tea Party is an historical example of an evil act that changed history with many speculated communications between groups of people. There are several acts from Americas history that brought freedom when groups of people thought an evil act was evil and another thought not. New York city was built on such acts of evil tyranny and blood shed. The price for f reedom is Death. Life is full of choices, but which choice is the right one? People have contemplated this concept of choice for centuries. Negativity is a sad, but a real factor in society which is ever changing as each day passes by. Stealing has gone on for centuries and people have used words to justify their behaviors convincing others to believe the same way as themselves through communication. Survival is the driving force behind this sad fact. Thievery has not discriminated against race, religion or social status. Thievery has even in some circles been classified as an addiction or disease. Kleptomania is just one clinical term for such a behavior. .Kleptomania, the guilt-ridden, impulsive need of a impulsive urge to steal, commonly without any regard for the need or profit of unneeded items.. (Kleptomania, 2004, October, Biotech Business Week, 235). Pathological liars are another example of poor communicators that try to influence other to give power to their fantastic stories. Here is a good example of a person that exaggerates things that are ridiculous. If your employer asked you what time you arrived to work and your shift time started at 7:30 am. and you knew that you were late and said you arrived late because your dog ate up the couch and started at small fire in the living room, with no factual evidence to back it up, that would be a pathological lair. These people just lie, even when there is no good reason to do so not caring to gain anything and fearing nothing to lose, exaggerating the things that are ridiculous. This is due to some type of deeper mental and emotional state of a person which the individual is seeki ng attention. This type of mental illness should not be misconstrued with sociopaths, psychopaths and so on, who lie to gain a reward or benefit. A sociopath is a person who is affected with a disorder of their personality which is marked by antisocial behavior. A psychopath is a person with an antisocial personality disorder that is manifested in aggressive, perverted, criminal, or abnormal behavior without empathy or remorse. (Oxford Dictionary) The voice that all people hear is their conscience. Our conscience is what we humans use prior to making decisions or in what we would say to anyone in this world may it be good or bad. Our environment does play a part in perceiving how we humans think and how we speak. For example, if a child sees mom or dad do wrong and gets away with it then the child will comprehend that it is acceptable to behave as mom or dad. If mom or dad curse all the time then the child will perceive it is alright to say the F word, etc.. There are many other ways to steal from people even if it is not material. Example, say an employee takes a scheduled break every day for 15 minutes. This employee is a great worker, but everyday this guy uses 21 minutes on his break. That is 6 minutes every day that is unauthorized. Then at lunch time he does the same thing. That is another 6 minutes unauthorized. That is 12 minutes a day, 60 minutes per week in a 40 hour work week. This person just stole an hour worth of wages from his boss. Wouldnt you agree to this line of thinking? Whenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.not providing adequate adjustment to the environment or situation with a difference in condition, amount, or level, typically with certain limits..However, some kinds of proposed beliefs are weakly affected by a evolved particular attitude, or act in a particular way that can have strong effects on behavior. (Peter J. Richerson, Robert Boyd revised 8 July 1987). As stated above referring to effects on behavior (Peter J. Richerson, Robert Boyd revised 8 July 1987) perception is everything. This is a strong secular view of choices based on how one believes in cultural ethics. When a person is raised in an environment that perceives that destructive harmful behavior is the answer to solving problems the ethical view perceived is misappropriated morals and values. These views that are instilled in early childhood influences conscience decision making adaptive skills that create negative social issues throughout their whole adult life. Perception is tainted by a persons attitude. A persons attitude is the result of their perceptions. Two people with different perceptions look at the same thing and thus think about it differently, and end up with different attitudes. Both think they are right. This same concept applies to communications. Example, Lets line up ten people and tell the first one a phrase by whispering it in their ear. Then tell the first person to repeat the exact phrase whispering to the next person and the next person is to do the same thing and so on. By the time the phrase reaches the tenth person you ask the tenth person to write down exactly what was said. Statistic show that this phrase that was spoken will be distorted in some shape or fashion. The meaning will change too, 9 out of 10 times. The Army is probably the largest and most diverse organization in the country with an ethnic and racial makeup which mostly reflect over half of American society. Each individual brings a set of values and attitudes that have been cultivated over many years. Additionally, these values and attitudes are still being shaped and refined with each new experience. Many types of people have strong memories about recent events in their lives, such as promotion, schooling, a new baby, or a transfer etc.. These events and ones yet to come, serve to shape a persons values and attitude for the future. However, values and attitudes do not automatically change just because someone puts on an uniform or gains a new job. Some values and attitudes, are coupled with a lack of awareness, or insensitivity about others that are different from ourselves which can produce confrontations, anger issues, and even violence. It is imperative all of society working or not, recognize and manage their differences so they do not interfere with someone elses effectiveness or their ability to communicate. Values are attitudes about the worth or importance of people, concepts, or things. Values influence our behavior because we use them to decide between alternatives. Values, attitudes, behaviors and beliefs are cornerstones of who we are and how we do things. They form the basis of how we see ourselves as individuals, how we speak, how we see others, and how we interpret the world in general. Your values will influence your priorities. Strong values are what most people put first, defend most, and want least to sacrifice. Individual values can and will conflict at times. Example: If you incorrectly reported a car accident, do you have the moral courage to correct the original statement given even if you know the authorities will never discover what you said? In this situation, your values on truth and self-interest will collide. What you value the most will guide your actions. In this example, the proper course of action is obvious. There are times, however, when the right course of action is not so clear.

Essay --

I am interested in pursuing graduate studies in petroleum engineering because of my keen interest in research and development of Algorithms/Softwares that we as a reservoir engineer use for reservoir characterization, Upscaling and Simulation. I am interested in understanding and development of new techniques in reservoir simulators which would help to model complex process of hydrocarbon flow in subsurface more accurately and efficiently. Having worked with reservoir simulation software I strongly believe that a graduate program would not only complement my four years of undergraduate studies and four years of experience in petroleum industry as a reservoir engineer but would also help me contribute significantly to the field of petroleum engineering. All through in high school, I was a consistent performer in academics as well as in extra co-curricular activities. In addition, I have always been interested in science projects. In my high school, I got a chance to be among top ten meritious students selected from state for â€Å"Youth Leadership Program in Science†. It was this interest in science and mathematics which helped me clear one of the toughest engineering entrance examinations in India, when I qualified through All India Engineering Entrance Exam and opted for petroleum engineering at the University of Petroleum And Energy Studies, Dehradun , as it offered an interesting blend of earth sciences with mathematical analysis. My curiosity about petroleum engineering further increased in my first year of undergraduation when I first came to know about the process of hydrocarbon formation and migration until it reaches the reservoir rock with a trap .At that time, I was really keen to know about the physics governing the multi-... ... acquired necessary skills and strong fascination for methods involved in geostatistical reservoir characterization and Upscaling techniques. In this process, I have also realized the importance of averaging of Input data in the petroleum prospect development. After having relevant experience in this field I am convinced that graduate program is the next logical step to acquire insight and research capabilities to contribute in this field. Thereafter with application of these concepts, I would work towards further refining these acquired skills and would eventually like to do thorough research in bettering the process of reservoir modeling and simulation. An M.S. program would surely be an asset to my career, and would provide me with greater opportunities in research. With all my sincerity and aspirations, I submit my application for your valuable consideration.