Article Writing Homework Help

Create a 2 pages page paper that discusses case analysis, turnaround of jc penny. Running Head: TURNAROUND OF JCPENNEY: A CASE STUDY Turnaround of JCPenney: A Case Study In APA Style By

Problem: In the face of the increasing competition in the retail industry, what strategy should JCPenney utilize in order to command customer loyalty

Point of View: This case analysis will take the point of view of JCPenney’s new CEO Myron Ullman.

Areas of Consideration: In order to come up with good alternatives and the best recommendation for the retailer, it is important to conduct a SWOT analysis which looks at both the internal and external environment of JCPenney.

Strengths: The success of JCPenney in the retail industry is because of its strong brand equity, saturation of the market because of retail stores, and commitment in providing products to high value markets which are taken for granted by other competitors. As of 2004, the company is also in a strong financial position.

Weaknesses: JCPenney lags behind its competitor Kohl in terms of competitive pricing.

Opportunities: Various opportunities await JCPenney. With the merger of Kmart and Sears which is expected to eventually close other Sears’ outlets, JCPenney can move into offering the former competitor’s market. With the rapidly changing customer lifestyle and preference, the retailer can look into modifying its offerings like including more low-priced items in its merchandise. JCPenney can also take advantage of globalization by opening new stores in rapidly developing economies.

Threats: The retailer is threatened by the expected tougher competition from rivals especially Kohl.

Identification and Evaluation of Alternative Courses of Action:

1. Pursue relationship marketing. Relationship marketing is now becoming essential in recognition of the lifetime value that repeat transactions from a single customer can bring. Relationship marketing will help JCPenney by cultivating customer loyalty, lowering transaction costs, and more targeted marketing. However, this new strategy will be bringing in more costs. will necessitate the introduction of a new corporate culture. and training of human resource.

2. Additional financing services. In order to attract more customers and boosts, JCPenney can extend financing services. However, this will cause a diversion from the core business of retailing.

3. Improve pricing. Since customers are searching for trendy yet high value products, JCPenney should improve its pricing. Improved pricing will attract more customers, heighten demand, and gain their loyalty. However, price cuts might harm the company by reducing margins and erode company’s image.

Recommendation and implementation:

This case analysis recommends that the best strategy that JCPenney can pursue is relationship marketing. The company can implement this through its database of customers. By looking at their purchasing behavior, it will gain significant knowledge on how to satisfy them according to their preferences. JCPenney should also move to customize customer experience in order to address their specific needs. The company can do this by intensifying its effort of providing excellent before, during, and after sales service. In an industry where all products are becoming more homogenous, service will be a good differentiating factor.