Natural Grocers Essay Example

Natural Grocers Essay Example Natural Grocers Essay Natural Grocers Essay Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: Natural grocers The grocery store started in the 1955 as a family venture offering door-to-door services to people in Golden, Colorado. They sold whole grain bread and offered educational books on nutrition to the people. The family knew that as people were increasingly being informed about nutritious food there would be an increase in their sales. This venture was so successful that the family started a retail store within six months. Various strategies were employed to achieve this fit (Natural Products, 2001). Grand strategy Natural Grocers came up with several strategies that have enabled them to be the leaders in the produce market. This include; Specialization, the company has, over the years specialized in specific areas of providing there consumers with only organic food and thus have gained a wealth of experience in as far as organic food is concerned. The company has also positioned itself near to stores whereby the consumers can access other goods that they do not offer. The other very important aspect is that the company always buys straight from the producers and this makes sure that they cut the intermediaries and boosts their profits. It is also a fact that the company also is very willing to open up new branches in other towns to increase their sales. The biggest strategy that is employed by the company is that of education, the company is able to boost their sales by making sure that more people are informed about nutrition and so they gain new customers, at the same time they retain their customers by proving them with healthy recipes, nutrition seminars, cooking demonstrations and pet care. How does the company implement its long-term goals? The long-term objectives of the firm include continued provision of organic food and nutritional help, as well as being involved to a big extent in the conservation of the environment. Ultimately, also the biggest long-term objective is continued profits and expansion of its operations throughout the states. This will be achieved by strictly adhering to the strict selection process, maintaining a good rapport with the customers and the general population, through aspects such as corporate social responsibility (Hansen M, 2002). Short-term objectives and action plans that allow the company to achieve the goals The short-term objectives of the firm involve the day-to-day running of the activities of the firm. This is achieved in a great sense by maintaining a good management team and adhering strictly to the clearly spelt out code of conduct. The other action plans includes; embracing technology and thus can be able to advertise themselves more, while on the hand the company has set enlisted its shares in the stock market to be able to increase their profits but also to be more competitive ( George S, 2002). Firm’s functional tactics, how does the firm gain a competitive advantage? The firm has been able to maintain a competitive edge in the area of grocery for many years. The biggest functional tactic is that the company maintains a personal appeal to every customer, such that it is not just a store but also more like a local corner shop where the attendant knows the customer. The biggest tactic is that of being able to identify new areas for expansion and ultimately advertisement. Hansen, Maren. Increasing Organic Agriculture at the Local Level: A Manual for Consumers, Grocers, Farmers Policy Makers. Santa Barbara, Calif: Community Environmental Council, Gildea Resource Center, 2002. Print. Natural Products. Auckland, N.Z: Slice Publications, 2001. Print. Parker, Philip M. 2007-2012 World Outlook for Independent Grocers, the. ICON Group, 2006. Swinnock, George. The Christian-Man’s Calling: Or, a Treatise of Making Religion Ones Business: Wherein the Nature and Necessity of It Is Discovered. : As Also the Christian Directed How He May Perform It in [brace] Religious Duties, Natural Actions, His Particular Vocation, His Family Directions, and His Own Recreations. London: Printed for T.P. and are to be sold by Dorman Newman, at the Kings Arms in the Poultry, next Grocers-Alley, 2002. Print. The Grocer’s Companion and Merchant’s Handbook: Containing a Comprehensive Account of the Growth, Manufacture and Qualities of Every Article Sold by Grocers. Also, Tables of Weights and Measures, and Information of a General Nature of Value to Grocers and Country Merchants. Boston: B. Johnson, 2003. Print.