Multichannel Retailing Assignment 1 Ashley Gann

Store Channel A location where consumers can literally walk in, see the product, and purchase it right then and there. –Immediate Gratification – No waiting time –Touching and Feeling Products – Using all 5 senses to examine a product –Personal Service – Salespeople can provide meaningful, personalized info Department Stores –JCPenny, TJ Maxx Convenience Stores –Common Cents Grocery Stores –Safeway, Family Thrift Center

Internet Channel Consumers can view products via the Internet –Deeper and Broader Selection – Extreme variety and assortment from a huge selection of retailers –More Info Evaluating Merchandise – Vast amount of info available online including reviews or recalls to easily compare –Personalization – Web pages collect info you provide to market to your taste as well as provide live chats to talk to customer service Amazon Online Auctions –Ebay Most retail stores have a website to order off of as well

Catalog Channel Printed catalog mailed to consumers displaying products sold –Safety – Ability to shop wherever you feel most safe –Convenience – Ability to choose your shopping location –Easy to Use – Index for easy navigation Avon Some Department Stores –JCPenny

Automated Channel Products are displayed in machines that dispense directly to consumers –Convenient – Located in high traffic areas –Payment Method – Cash, Credit or Debit Cards –Variety – Nearly anything small can be placed in a vending machine –Food, Drink, Movies, Tobacco, First Aid, Hygiene products Movie Rentals –Redbox Hotels –Hygiene products (Combs, Razors, etc) Drink Companies –Coke, Pepsi, Powerade

Store vs. Internet Store Pros Touching and Feeling Personal Service Risk Reduction Immediate Gratification Entertainment/Social Browsing Cash Payment Internet Pros Safety Convenience Broad and Deep Assortment Extensive and Timely Information Personalization

Store vs. Internet Store Cons High Traffic Smaller Variety and Assortment Limited Product Information No Personalization Less Safe Internet Cons No Physical Touch and Feel Product Waiting Time No Cash Payment Limited Customer Service

Store + Direct-Selling Both methods display the act of a salesperson and consumer meeting face-to-face to conduct a business transaction –This would improve newer businesses that don’t have their name out yet –Expand market reach –Sell to less developed countries –Handicapped or disabled that are unable to go directly to store or shop online –Create a more personal, friendly feel to shopping