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Strategy

Strategy: Kudler Fine Foods
Changes in technology have created business opportunities for Kudler by using IT as a part of a strategic system. Kudler’s use of Retail Management System application has assisted in the maintenance of accounting and financial aspects of the business. Kudler is creating a system to integrate tracking customer’s purchase behavior over time to that will help the company create customer intimacy, thereby; ultimately faster response to customer needs. IT has also provided opportunities in the development of Kudler’s website, which provides information regarding the company, available products, store location, hours of operation and events. The website continuously provides a means of communicating new goods and services to customers. Another important business opportunity gained by Kudler with the use of IT is the competitive advantage gained by improved decision making, enhanced understanding of customer needs, monitoring of their competition and forces in the industry.
For Kudler to maintain their competitive edge the development of strategies in response to competitive forces in the gourmet industry must be established. Kudler is currently employing several response strategies in response to competitive forces. Kudler’s mission statement is base on the strategy of differentiation. Differentiation by definition is “being unique in the industry, such as providing high quality products at competitive prices” (Turban, Rainer and Potter, 2003). Kathy has monopolized on her ability to provide a gourmet food lover with the freshest ingredients, interesting new products and any other cooking needs customers may have available at Kudler.
Focus strategy is “selecting a narrow-scope segment (niche market) and achieving either a cost leadership or a differentiation strategy in this segment” (Turban, et. al.). Kudler focuses on the gourmet food enthusiast that is more concerned with quality than price. Kathy realizes that her key respondsibility...