Final Consulting Report
What You Will Hear Today Problem Definition/Project Scope - Amy Industry/Competitive Analysis - Ryan Manufacturers - Christine Channels – Julie General Recommendations- Amy
How Whirlpool Measures Up Home appliances research and the internet Does website serve its purpose? Website=target market? Channel partners= target market? Whirlpool vs. Competitors’ websites
Out of Scope In Scope Manufacturers & channels website benchmark/SWOT Ease of customer website navigation Product positioning relative to competition/branded impressions Customer service analysis Consumer product education and appropriate content Recommendations for change improvement Web design Companies outside provided manufacturer & channel list B2B relations Non-US markets Product line analysis
Industry and Market Analysis
General Market Characteristics “White box” appliances are a mature market. Demand has shifted away from mid-priced models. Manufacturer is gaining communication opportunities with their end consumers. Marketing Partnerships exist between manufacturers and retailers.
Supply Chain for New Appliances A classic “pull” model of demand: Manufacturer Independent Distributors Independent Retailers Chain Retailers
Supply Chain for New Appliances E-commerce does not significantly affect this channel. Manufacturer Independent Distributors Independent Retailers Chain Retailers Online Retailers
The Major Players Whirlpool Maytag GE Electrolux
Market Share Breakdown
Home Appliance Manufacturers
Segmentation and Positioning Whirlpool Kenmore KitchenAid GE Appliances LG Appliances Frigidaire Maytag
Benchmarking Study
Benchmarking Study Summary
Recommendations for Whirlpool Personalized search method Provide more product pictures Consider login capabilities
Recommendations for KitchenAid Consider lifestyle-based questions Additional information on product innovations Consider moving promotion information
Recommendations for Kenmore Ranking criteria based on price or options Consistent web design with Sears Offer Q & A section on website
Retail Channel Websites
Segmentation and Positioning ABT Electronics Best Buy Costco HH Gregg Home Depot Lowe’s Sears
Benchmarking Study
Benchmarking Study Summary
Selected Recommendations for Lowe’s Zoom and angle product views Expanded product selection tool Improved feature comparison
Selected Recommendations for Sears Organized product specifications Downloadable rebate forms Live customer help
General Recommendations Promote brand with consistent Look Feel Experience Visual Standards Coherent message to consumers