Case Analysis for North American Warehouse Clubs Essay

The competitive environment has changed drastically since the BSG case was originally written. The unite States (US) continues to decline in the market as opposed to several years ago, but due to certain qualities it continues to remain very competitive in the market. ane factor which gives the US a competitive edge is innovation. US companies are extravagantlyly sophisticated and innovative. For the purposes of this analysis, the focus pull up stakes be on innovation. Modern technology with information systems and applications with state of the art information and communication technologies are leading factors in the success of businesses today. Many rude(a)er businesses use e-technologies as a tool that non only improves efficiency, but gives them the competitive edge against those companies which are still running operations with outdated technology.Companies who have been around for decades are forced to implement new systems depending on their business needs. Changing tec hnology is an initiative that is generally high cost, taking time to implement. There are numerous options available today that if the effectuation of a new system is not strategically planned it could ultimately place a business in a financial deficit forcing businesses to get operations and sometimes shut down. It is important for businesses to invest in research and development (R&D) when deciding to develop new processes to maintain a competitive edge. spirit at the case, it is apparent that Costco was the leader in modern technology compared to the other two competitors.Costco began to grow its business with two websites in 2004 in the US and in Canada. Costcos e-commerce sales more than tripled over several years, reaching sales of over $1.2B in 2007. BJs began upgrading technology in 2007 which was fully implemented in 2009. Although net sales increase from $8,792M to $9,802M during the implementation years, net sales have seized to take an impressive incline with the new system. Net sales only increased $152M from 2009 to 2010. The case did not report on any innovations related to technology for Sams Club.Some of the problems Sams Club faces compared to the other competitors drop be directed at the location of warehouses, their competition with Wal-Mart and their low scale tail market. One way to improve would be to focus on their target market by offering upscale merchandise which will target upscale clientele. Sams Club could purchase BJs which already sells high quality brand merchandise. Merging with this competitor would tighten the market share even more. Focusing on members through this type of merchandising strategy will increase profitability. Another way to improve would be to reduce the amounts of international imports and focus on using American made products. Reducing import/ merchandise costs overall will increase revenue growth and financial performance.ReferencesWorld stinting Forum. 2012. The Global Competitiveness Report 2012-201 3. Geneva World Economic Forum. Available at www3.weforum.org//WEF_GlobalCompetitivenessReport_2012-13Wall Street Journal. Sams Club CEO Launches Charge on Rivals, Updated October 31, 2012, 144 p.m. ET http//online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203335504578089131653808580.html By SHELLY BANJO var. of this article appeared October 31, 2012, on page B7 in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline Sams Club CEO Launches Charge on Rivals.http//www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-43940823/sams-clubs-risky-move-into-sma