Chapter 16: Marketing Strategy involves a self-analysis and a reflection of the strengths and weaknesses of the company as established by the dashboard indicators. This involves reflecting on possible changes to target segments, price, place, and promotion, with the ultimate goal of increasing profitability in the company (Iacobucci, 2018). One of those most important and relevant sections of this chapter was the methods of growing sales volume and increasing sales. During this pandemic many companies have taken substantial losses due to companies shutting down, and not being able to keep up with th supply and demand of various products. Supply chains have also been affected with many products taking longer to meet their distributors. Meat for instance, has seen a significant increase in price due to the demand and shortage. Other possible foods such as pork, chicken, and fish, have seen some prices lowered to attract new buyers and have effected consumer choices and strategies of marketing tactics. Limitations in marketing channels have made pricing products vital in cutting profit losses and increasing product sales.
Chapter 17: Marketing Plans recapped the 5Cs, STP, and 4 Ps. This ultimately leads to the goal of a marketing plan to achieve company goals. Marketing plans are continuously changing due to various factors, such as the economy, and is made from numerous details and decisions (Iacobucci, 2018). The most important section of this chapter was the managerial checklist and how all of this combined helps to create the overall marketing plan. Using the 5Cs, STP, and 4Ps to coordinate a tactical approach in writing and producing the overall marketing plan (Iacobucci, 2018). After researching and writing on my group project I could see all of this classes information becoming more practical and realizing how everything combines to create a marketing plan for a company or product. Once everything is ultimately combined and presented the marketing plan shows its importance in helping companies promote and sell their product while hopefully creating an increase in popularity and overall profit margins for the long term, which can be altered and fitted to react to changes or misses involved in the distribution and sales of the product and company.
1) Amazon
Cost leadership-Amazon produces more purchasing options, and the cost and delivery options of the company are unparalleled. While most companies have taken extreme losses during this pandemic, Amazon actually increased profits exceeding 3 billion dollars.
Differentiation-Amazon uses bundles, excellence in pricing, speed of delivery, and easy accessibility to set themselves apart from all forms of distribution methods.
Focused-Amazon also separates because they have branched into multiple streams of revenue and industries. Besides the service industry specifically, they have branched into musical and television markets that connect to the basis of product sales and promotions.
2) Under Armor
Company-the company has a strong brand recognition and is promoted by numerous celebrities and athletes.
Customer-consumers are usually into fitness, and professional athletes and teams.
Context-due to the pandemic the fitness and sports industries have created a massive loss in exposure as well as usage.
Collaborators-merchandising deals with various sports teams, as well as sporting goods stores helps in the promotion of the brand.
Competitors-there are multiple competitors in the sportswear industry with the mos prominent and powerful being the Nike brand.
I can not fault the direction that Under Armor has continuously moved towards over the years. They have broken into the show industry, toiletries, and recently produced a female line of products to go along with their expansive workout gear and seasonal options that already set them apart from other companies in the sports apparel industry. Sales are increasing yearly and the return of sports will only help to market and push their products accordingly.