What Do You Feel Are Hbc's Competitive Advantage

Submitted By navdeee
Words: 454
Pages: 2

1. Using the four sources of competitive advantage on page 195, what do you feel are HBC's competitive advantages? Why? Cost and quality
HBC brought in higher end brands like Armani, Ungara, Chanel, Juicy Couture, Theory, and
Hugo boss. This shows that the company is focused on selling high quality clothing to its customers. Knowledge and speed
Hudson Bay company recognized that it had competitors like wal­mart, old navy, and future shop that were becoming popular among the consumers. Once NRDC bought the company their main focus was on re­ attracting customers. They dropped 60 percent of their former brands and introduced high end brands. Another strategy HBC used was it became the official clothing outfitter for the canadian olympic team. They sold items like hoodies, coats, hats, and “iconic red mitten,” which attracted a huge amount of customers. HBC continues to use strategies like redesigning and renovating its stores, and also offering higher end brands to further its business.
Barriers to entry
In the case study it mentions how HBC “ bought upscale department chain Saks INC. for 2.9 billion (U.S.).” This shows that the company is trying to protect itself from the entry of other big foreign competitors.
Financial resources
HBC invested money and bought Saks INC. for 2.9 billion dollars. This makes it hard for foreign competitors to compete with them.

2. Conduct a SWOT analysis for HBC at the present time.

Strengths
There is a high quality of Merchandise. HBC offers merchandise from large name brands like
Armani, Ungara, Chanel, Juicy Couture, Theory, and Hugo boss.
Weakness
A weakness would be customer service. In the case study it mentions how its hard for customers to get assistance from workers.
Opportunities
By supporting the olympic canadian team, HBC is creating publicity for the company. They are advertising themselves.
Threats
Competitors